Goal Setting For Dreamers Series 3 of 4

You’ve probably felt it—this overwhelming sense of being wedged in between where you are and where you want to be. You have big dreams, but they feel distant, or worse, out of reach. You’ve set goals in the past but haven’t made the progress you were hoping for, or maybe you’re unsure about where to even start. It’s frustrating when you know what you want but can’t seem to make those dreams a reality.

The truth is, goal setting can be challenging without the right methods or tools. Imagine being stuck in a hole. How would you get out? Climbing up the wall with your bare hands is possible, but very challenging. Having a rope would be easier, but having a ladder would be the most effective tool.

In today’s post, I’m diving into five different goal-setting methods (tools) to help you break through those roadblocks and move forward with clarity. Whether you’ve tried S.M.A.R.T. goals, felt overwhelmed by the idea of long-term planning, or been uncertain about how to stay accountable, I’ve got you covered. We’ll explore each method’s strengths and weaknesses, how to make them work for you, and which might be the best fit for your unique journey.

This is all part of the Goal Setting For Dreamers Series, and as we move forward, I’ll also share how I’ve blended these strategies into my own Transformational Goal Setting method—a holistic and sustainable approach that helps you not just set goals, but transform the inner blocks that may be holding you back.

Ready to get out of that hole? Let’s dive in and explore how you can set goals that really move you toward your dreams!

Methods of Goal Setting

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

One of the most popular and structured methods for setting goals is the S.M.A.R.T. goal framework. This stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By making your goals clear and actionable, you can break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This method works great for goals that require clear milestones and timelines. If you thrive on structure and clarity, this might be your go-to method.

The Challenge:

The challenge with S.M.A.R.T. goals, is that they can sometimes feel a bit too rigid or limited, especially if you're someone who needs more flexibility or wants to aim higher than what's strictly "achievable" by the criteria.

The Solution:

To make S.M.A.R.T. goals work for you, consider stretching your limits a little by setting ambitious yet attainable goals. Even though S.M.A.R.T. goals are designed for clarity, you can still incorporate bold, transformative elements by making sure that each goal is aligned with your bigger vision, not just small, incremental steps. Focus on the long-term impact of your goals, not just the short-term milestones.

2. The 90-Day Year (Todd Herman Method)

In contrast to traditional yearly goals, the 90-Day Year method breaks your goals down into shorter, more focused periods of 90 days. By condensing your timeline, you create a sense of urgency and clarity. This method helps you avoid the often overwhelming feeling of having an entire year to accomplish your goals, instead focusing on what you can achieve in a 90-day span. It keeps your momentum high, helps you break your goals into bite-sized chunks, and allows you to recalibrate quickly every 90 days to ensure you're on track.

The Challenge:

The risk with this method is that you may feel pressured to accomplish too much in a short period. For people who have a tendency to get overwhelmed or struggle with prioritization, the 90-day sprint can feel like a marathon in disguise.

The Solution:

To overcome this, break your 90-day goals into smaller, manageable weekly tasks and prioritize the most impactful ones. At the end of each week, check in with your progress and make adjustments. This ensures you’re staying on track without feeling overwhelmed by the big picture. Remember that every 90 days is an opportunity to recalibrate and refine your goals.

3. Kevin Trudeau’s Goal Setting Method: The Definite Chief Aim

Kevin Trudeau’s goal-setting approach emphasizes having a Definite Chief Aim. This is a singular, focused goal that serves as the central point around which all your actions revolve. Instead of spreading your focus across multiple goals, the Definite Chief Aim method encourages you to prioritize one major goal and direct all your energy toward it.

The Challenge:

The challenge with this method is that it can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) as you focus on just one goal, especially when multiple ideas or opportunities are competing for your attention. It might feel like you're putting all your eggs in one basket, and there's a risk of getting stuck in indecision or doubt.

The Solution:

To make the Definite Chief Aim method work, start by gaining clarity around what your highest priority is. Ask yourself: what would make the biggest impact on your life? Once you've pinpointed that singular focus, eliminate distractions and commit to it wholeheartedly. With every decision and action, ask, "Does this align with my Definite Chief Aim?" This clarity will give you a laser-sharp focus, and over time, you'll see how the momentum builds toward your goal.

4. Goal Setting on a Timeline (NLP Exercise)

Goal Setting on a Timeline is a powerful technique from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) that helps you visualize your goals within a time-based framework. In this exercise, you mentally place your goals on a timeline—from where you are now to where you want to be. This helps to create a clear action plan, guiding you in a step-by-step approach to reach your goals.

The Challenge:

A common issue with this method is lack of clarity around deadlines or the feeling that you're rushing to meet goals before you're truly ready. Some may also struggle with the illusion of time pressure, feeling like they're running out of time and can't achieve their goals.

The Solution:

To make Goal Setting on a Timeline effective, give yourself room to breathe. While it's important to have deadlines, it's equally important to be flexible and realistic with your timing. Use the timeline to break your larger goals into manageable phases. This gives you a visual roadmap that can be adjusted, allowing you to shift and adapt as you move forward without feeling like you're in a race against time.

5. Transformational Goal Setting (My Method)

Transformational Goal Setting is the method I use with my clients to create lasting change. It’s inspired by a combination of different goal-setting strategies, including S.M.A.R.T. goals, 90-Day Goals, and Goal Setting on a Timeline. However, it goes deeper—it focuses on transforming your inner beliefs and habits that are preventing you from seeing the results you say you want.

Through Transformational Goal Setting, you’ll focus on setting goals that bring awareness to your blind spots and limiting beliefs. We combine various coaching tools such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), NLP, mindfulness, and accountability to support you through the uncomfortable truth of how you are showing up. This approach helps you identify what's really blocking you from moving forward, empowering you to break free from those limitations.

The Challenge:

The challenge with transformational goals is that it requires you to face uncomfortable truths about how you’ve been holding yourself back. This can be difficult, as it might bring up feelings of discomfort or fear of change.

The Solution:

To overcome this, the coaching process focuses on gentle, step-by-step breakthroughs. We use techniques like EFT and NLP to release limiting beliefs, mindfulness to increase self-awareness, and accountability to ensure you stay on track. The transformational aspect ensures that as you move toward your goals, you’re not just achieving things externally—you’re also evolving internally, aligning your mindset and habits with your desired life.

The Key Is Alignment

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to goal setting. Whether you prefer a structured S.M.A.R.T. goal, a bold stretch goal, or the focused 90-day sprint of Todd Herman’s method, the key is to choose a strategy that aligns with your values and personal style.

In my Transformational Goal Setting method, I integrate tools like Goal Setting on a Timeline, EFT, and NLP to guide you in not only setting goals but also transforming the inner patterns that have kept you stuck. This is about creating a lasting shift in how you show up and achieving goals that feel aligned with who you truly are.

It’s important your goals are aligned to your dreams, and with the right method, you can make your dreams a reality. Stay tuned for the next post in Goal Setting for Dreamers Series, where we’ll dive even deeper into how to align your goals with your dreams for long-term success.

Start by choosing the method that resonates most with you, and remember—I’m here to support you on this journey!

Next Steps:

If you're ready to explore how Transformational Goal Setting can support you in breaking through limitations and making powerful progress toward your dreams, I invite you to join my Dream Life & Legacy Academy, where I guide clients through these transformative techniques. Get ready to step into your fullest potential!

Book a Complimentary Dream Strategy Session to map out your next steps

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