Closing the Year Strong: Why Goal Setting Matters (and How to Do It Right)

As the year winds down, many of us instinctively start reflecting—thinking about what went well, what didn’t, and how we can improve the next year.

But here’s the thing: reflecting alone isn’t enough. You need to turn those thoughts into action to truly grow and thrive.

And that’s where goal setting comes in. 🎯

Setting goals isn’t just something to check off your to-do list; it’s a chance to get intentional about your future. Whether working solo or with a team, goal setting is a way to focus your energy, align your efforts, and, most importantly, move the needle on what matters most to you.

Make It Personal; Make It Count

Let’s start with the basics: goal setting isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about figuring out what’s meaningful to you—personally and professionally—and putting a plan in place to get there.

For example, maybe you’ve wanted to focus on your health but keep putting it off. A vague goal like “I want to be healthier” won’t cut it. Instead, try something specific like, “I’ll go for a 20-minute walk every day and cook two homemade meals a week.” The more precise your goal, the easier it is to track progress and stay motivated.

On the flip side, if you’re leading a team, consider how to tie individual goals to team or organizational objectives. For instance, if your department’s goal is to launch a new product

by Q2, break it down into smaller steps:

Finalize designs
Create marketing plans
Set up customer trials

Then, help team members align their personal development goals with these shared milestones.

SMART Goals with Heart

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This sounds very formal, so let's add a human touch to them. Goals aren’t just about metrics; they’re about growth and fulfillment. Here’s a real-life take.

Specific

Remember, it’s important to be as specific as possible when setting your goals. Include what, when, and how. For example:

❌ Instead of: “Be better at time management.”

✅ Try: “Dedicate the first 30 minutes of each day to planning my schedule.”

Measurable

Make sure your goal includes metrics that you can measure with numbers.

❌ Instead of: “Take more professional development courses”

✅ Try: “Complete five professional development webinars by March.”

Achievable

Stretch yourself, but be realistic.

❌ “Double revenue in two weeks” isn’t realistic and only sets you up for frustration.

✅ But “Increase sales by 10%” is inspiring and definitely doable.

Relevant

Keep it tied to what matters. Ask yourself: How will this goal improve my life or my work?

❌ Instead of: “Take a 30-minute course on [latest trending topic].”

✅ Try: “Take a 30-minute course on [issue your team struggles with].”

Time-bound

Deadlines matter. A goal without a timeline is just a dream.

❌ Instead of, “Complete [vague goal].”

✅ Try, “Achieve [goal] by the end of Q1,” or “Make progress by my next check-in.”

What to Focus On When Goal Setting

When it comes to setting goals, it’s important to look at the bigger picture of your life and work. Start by thinking about what really matters to you right now. Maybe you’ve been meaning to level up at work—this could mean taking on a new project that challenges you or finally signing up for that online course you’ve been eyeing. Or, if you’re leading a team, it might be about finding ways to improve communication or celebrate small wins more often to keep everyone motivated.

Personal goals

Don’t forget about personal wellness, either. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Maybe it’s about getting outside for a short walk every day, drinking more water, or even just making time to read a book you’ve been putting off. Little changes can add up to big results.

Relationship goals

And of course, relationships matter too. Whether it’s spending more quality time with family, checking in with old friends, or volunteering in your community, these goals can bring a sense of balance and connection that spills over into everything else you do.

The key is to pick meaningful and realistic goals for where you are right now. Focus on progress, not perfection, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Don’t Let Your Goals Gather Dust

Let’s be honest: How often have you set a goal and completely forgotten about it? Don’t be too hard on yourself–it happens to all of us. The trick is to keep your goals front and center.

Here’s how.

Check in regularly

Schedule a quick reflection session weekly or monthly. Ask yourself (or your team): What progress have we made? What’s working? What needs tweaking?

Celebrate milestones

Even small wins deserve recognition. Completed your first workout of the year? Awesome! Did you get halfway to your sales target? High-five!

Stay flexible

Life happens. Don't be afraid to adjust if a goal feels out of reach or no longer relevant.

For example, one leader I know creates a “goal scoreboard” with their team. Each member picks one personal and one work-related goal to share, and the group checks in monthly. It’s a simple way to stay accountable and support each other.

Why It Matters

Goal setting isn’t just about achieving something—it’s about becoming someone. When you set thoughtful, intentional goals, you’re giving yourself (and your team) a roadmap for growth. You’re saying, “This is what matters, and I’m willing to work for it.”

So, as we wrap up this year and gear up for the next, take some time to think about your goals. Write them down. Share them with someone. Commit to checking in regularly. And most importantly, make them meaningful.

Here’s to closing the year strong—and starting the next one even stronger! 💫