If you want to intentionally create an enjoyable life, setting goals and planning on how to achieve them is crucial. You need to know what you want your life to look like and how you get there.

 

That’s why it is important to take a few hours each month to think about how you want your upcoming month to look like.

What do you want to achieve?

How will you make it happen?

 

The process of proper planning also saves you a lot of time and energy because there are now fewer decisions for you to make on a daily basis. You’ve already set your priorities.

 

The problem I often see is that people often choose the wrong approach to achieve their goals and therefore struggle to achieve them.

 

That’s why I came up with the “Goal Setting Flowchart”. It will help you pick the right approach to achieve your goal.

There are 3 different types of goals and each type requires a different approach.

 

Let’s start with the general overview:

 

The first question you should ask yourself is if the goal is tangible.

 

If the answer is NO, then it’s a lifestyle goal. These types of goals are achieved by habits.

 

If the answer is YES, then the next question is if you have control over the outcome.

 

If you can control the outcome, then your goal is an outcome goal and is achieved by a project.

 

If you can’t control the outcome, you should turn your goal into an input goal. These types of goals can be achieved by setting up a system or process.

How To Set Goals Petra Steinacher

Now let’s look at an example for each type.

Outcome Goal

Example: I want to launch a course by the end of next month.

Q: Is the goal tangible? -> Yes
Q: Is the outcome under your control? -> Yes
How to achieve it: Set up a project in your tool of choice. Define the timeline and action steps.

How To Set Goals Petra Steinacher

Input Goal

Example: I want to reach 2000 followers on IG by the end of next month.

Q: Is the goal tangible? -> Yes
Q: Is the outcome under your control? -> No
Turn it into an input goal: I’ll post on Instagram 3x a week.
How to achieve it: Create a content calendar and schedule time to create content.

How To Set Goals Petra Steinacher

Lifestyle Goal

Example: I want to have more energy.

Q: Is the goal tangible? -> No
How to achieve it: Habit: I’ll move my body for 15 minutes each day.

How To Set Goals Petra Steinacher

If you need help with your monthly planning, you can download my FREE Monthly Planning Workbook. It will guide you through my 3-step planning process to help you plan an amazing and successful month.