Setting goals that are clear and achievable is an art of its own. And those who are willing to learn how to master this art, will learn how to master life. It might sound pretentious, but if you learn how to set goals, you will be able to take control of your life, build and follow the plan that will get you your desired success.

If you’re ready to completely transform your goal setting process, check out this list. It contains some of the most powerful tips that myself and my coaching clients have tried and proven to work. Plus, it’s not just us saying these are effective. Some of the goal setting tips on this list are shared and tested by coaches, entrepreneurs, successful people and high achievers all over the world.

Scroll to the end of this post if you want a free goal setting printable template. It includes three easy to follow exercises that help you achieve clarity, focus and determination in setting and achieving your goals.

24 Powerful Goal Setting Tips to transform you into a high achiever

1. When you set a goal make sure you know your why

2. When you set a goal continue your action with “so what” and fill in the reason why your goal and its outcome matter to you

3. You are what you think and believe, so if you struggle with self doubt, impostor syndrome, work on changing your inner dialogue – that should be your big priority

4. Set goals that are relevant to your life (career, business, relationship) priorities

5. Set goals that give you a sense of urgency, that make you feel deep inside “I must do this” Reflect why a goal is valuable and why the outcome is important to you

6. If a goal isn’t clear enough, work on it until it becomes specific, measurable and clear

7. If achieving goals is a daunting task, evaluate what might be stopping you (eg fear, belief, previous disappointment)

8. Set goals that are specific, clear and well defined

9. Give your goals measurable attributes (when, where, how)

10. Reflect if your goal is achievable

11. Always write down your goals

12. Use “I will” instead of “I would” when expressing your goal

13. Set long term goals and short term goals

14. Look at your goals every day (if possible)

15. Look at your long term goals and read your why (“so what”) to reconnect with your excitement to achieve them

16. Look at your goals: are they too small to excite you? Are they so big they scare you?

17. When setting goals evaluate what is a need and what is a desire (a need is something that will improve your life and will have a deeper impact as a goal, whereas a desire is usually something more superficial and with a short term impact)

18. Create goals for each major area of your life (career, business, finances, relationship, family, leisure, hobby, health, physical appearance, spirituality, personal development)

19. It’s ok to cross goals off your list if they become less important

20. Condense or stack similar goals under one primary one, that way each one supports the others

21. Set clear and realistic expectations about achieving your goals (hint: it takes hard work and commitment to achieve big goals)

22. Create visual reminders of your goals and have them placed where you can see them frequently (phone, computer, email, social media, key chain, fridge, desk, office etc)

23. Break down your goals into smaller steps, keep track of and celebrate your progress

Are you looking for a way to improve your goal setting skills?

I am sharing my favorite three exercises.

If you use them you will get clarity in discovering what you want in life, discover what is stopping you from achieving your goals and discover how to trick your brain into achieving more. Sign up below with your best email to receive instant access to the goal setting free printable templates.