Goal Setting for Success: How to Define & Achieve Your Objectives.

I didn’t always know how to set goals effectively. In fact, for a good portion of my early career, I was doing what many of us do—juggling a ton of responsibilities without a clear sense of direction. As a leader in the military, I often found myself in reactive mode, just trying to keep up with the demands of the day. It wasn’t until I sat down and defined my goals that things began to change for me. Goal setting, as simple as it sounds, became my compass. It turned chaos into strategy and paved the way for the success I enjoy today.

Let me walk you through how I came to understand the importance of defining and achieving goals—and more importantly, how you can do the same.

Why Goal Setting Is a Game-Changer

If you’re like I was, you’re probably busy all the time but not always feeling productive. That’s because being busy isn’t the same as making progress. I learned that the hard way. Setting clear goals was what allowed me to stop spinning my wheels and start gaining traction. Goals are your roadmap. Without them, it’s easy to get lost.

When I started to approach my leadership role with a clear set of goals, everything shifted. I was no longer just reacting to problems—I was actively shaping outcomes.

Step 1: Defining SMART Goals

The first step to setting meaningful goals is using the SMART method. I know you’ve probably heard this before, but trust me, it works. SMART stands for:

• Specific: Your goal should be crystal clear. For me, instead of “be a better leader,” I defined specific actions like, “improve team communication by holding weekly check-ins.”
• Measurable: This is crucial. How will you know if you’re progressing? I began tracking how many actionable insights came out of those meetings.
• Achievable: I didn’t set myself up for failure by aiming too high too soon. My initial goals were within my current capabilities.
• Relevant: Every goal should tie into your larger mission. For me, improving team communication aligned perfectly with my leadership objectives.
• Time-bound: I gave myself deadlines, like “achieve a 20% improvement in team feedback in three months.”

I remember the day I decided to stop being vague about what I wanted. Once I got specific, everything began to fall into place.

Step 2: Breaking Big Goals into Small Steps

One of the most overwhelming parts of goal setting is thinking too big too soon. I was guilty of this for a long time. Then I realized—big goals need to be broken down into manageable tasks. For instance, when I decided to create a training program for my team, I didn’t try to do it all in one go. I broke it down: first, research effective training programs; next, create the outline; then, develop the materials week by week.

The beauty of this method is that you start seeing progress quickly, and that progress keeps you motivated.

Step 3: Build Consistent Habits

Here’s where many people, including myself at one point, struggle—consistency. You can have the best-laid plans, but if you’re not consistently working towards them, it’s all for nothing. I learned that small, daily actions add up.

When I set the goal of improving team collaboration, it wasn’t an overnight transformation. I started by dedicating 20 minutes each day to checking in with team members, getting their feedback, and adjusting our processes as needed. Over time, those small efforts built up into a well-oiled team that operated more efficiently.

Step 4: Accountability is Key

I wouldn’t be where I am today without accountability. In the military, I always had someone to answer to. After transitioning to civilian life, I had to create systems for holding myself accountable. I recommend finding a mentor, a coach, or even just a colleague who can check in on your progress.

When I began coaching leaders, this became a central part of what I preached: accountability keeps you honest and on track. Even if you’re self-driven, having someone check in on your progress can make all the difference.

Step 5: Regularly Review and Adjust

I can’t emphasize this enough: goals are not set in stone. Life changes, and so should your goals. What worked six months ago might not work today. That’s why I make a habit of reviewing my goals regularly. Are they still relevant? Am I making the progress I want? If not, what adjustments need to be made?

I’ve had to pivot multiple times in my career, especially when I realized that the path I was on wasn’t aligning with my long-term vision. Adjusting your goals isn’t failure—it’s wisdom.

The Power of Goal Setting

Looking back on my journey, goal setting was the turning point. It’s what took me from a reactive leader, just trying to stay afloat, to someone who was actively shaping my career and life. The same can happen for you. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and be willing to adapt along the way.

If you’re ready to take your personal and professional life to the next level, start by setting clear, actionable goals today. You’ll be amazed at the results you’ll achieve—one small step at a time.

Want to learn how to set goals and lead your team right?  Book a call with 5 Eagles Leadership today! Book your call now!