Episode 11: How To Set Goals That Actually Work

1. Introduction: Why Goal-Setting Matters

"Have you ever set a goal, felt excited at first, but then lost momentum? Maybe life got in the way, or the goal just didn’t feel as important anymore. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone."

"The truth is, most people don’t struggle with setting goals—they struggle with setting the right ones. Goals that truly align with who they are, what they value, and where they want to go in life. That’s what we’re diving into today—how to set goals that actually work, that keep you motivated, and that move you toward your future self with purpose."

💡 Reflective Question:

👉 What does your future self look like? How do your goals align with the life you envision?

2. The SMART Goal Framework

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART goals give you a structured way to make sure your goals are clear, actionable, and realistic. Here’s what SMART stands for:

✅ S – Specific: Your goal should be clear and well-defined. (What exactly do you want to accomplish?)

✅ M – Measurable: You should be able to track progress. (How will you know when you’ve achieved it?)

✅ A – Achievable: Your goal should be realistic and attainable within your current circumstances.

✅ R – Relevant: It should align with your values and long-term vision.

✅ T – Time-bound: There should be a clear deadline to keep you accountable.

Why It Works:

Vague goals lead to vague results. A SMART goal transforms “I want to get fit” into:

📌 “I will run 3 times a week for 30 minutes each session for the next 3 months.”

🎙️ [Encouragement]

"When your goals are SMART, they’re not just wishes or hopes. They become clear, measurable steps toward your future self. And that clarity? That’s what keeps you moving forward."

3. Focus on the "Why" Over the "What"

Many people set goals based on what they think they should do, rather than what truly matters to them. The secret to staying committed is to focus on the deeper “why” behind your goal.

Why the “Why” Matters:

The goal itself is just the surface level. The why is your motivation.

When challenges arise, the why keeps you going.

📌 Example: Instead of just saying “I want to lose 10 pounds,” reframe it as:

💡 “I want to feel healthier and more energetic so I can live a longer, more active life with my family.”

🎙️ [Engagement Prompt]

"Think about one goal you’re working on right now. What’s the deeper ‘why’ behind it? If you’re struggling to find one, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate that goal."

4. Breaking Goals into Actionable Steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming. The solution? Break them down into small, manageable steps that lead to progress.

🔹 Example Goal: "Launch my own business."

Actionable steps:

✅ Research market trends.

✅ Create a business plan.

✅ Develop a website.

Each of these mini-goals helps track progress and builds momentum.

Accountability Matters:

Track your progress weekly or monthly.

Share your goal with a friend, mentor, or accountability partner to stay on track.

🎙️ [Encouragement]

"You don’t climb a mountain in one step. But if you break it down into smaller hikes, suddenly, reaching the top doesn’t feel so impossible."

5. Setting One Goal and Taking Action

Instead of overwhelming yourself with too many goals, focus on ONE key goal that resonates most with your future self.

📌 Example: If your goal is to develop better work-life balance, break it down into small steps:

✅ Action Step: Block out weekends for family time.

✅ Action Step: Set a rule—no work emails after 7 PM.

✅ Progress Check: After 30 days, reflect: What worked? What didn’t?

🎙️ [Engagement Prompt]

"For the next 30 days, focus on just one goal. What’s the one thing that, if accomplished, would have the biggest impact on your future self?"

6. Encouraging Bible Verse

"Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.’"

— Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)

Faith Connection:

📌 Why this verse matters: God calls us to have a clear vision for our future. When we write down our goals and make them plain and actionable, we position ourselves to move forward with confidence and direction.

🎙️ [Encouragement]

"God has given you unique dreams and a purpose. Don’t just keep them in your heart—write them down, make them clear, and start taking action. Because when you step forward in faith, He meets you there."

7. Case Study: Serena Williams

Let’s look at one of the greatest athletes of all time—Serena Williams.

She didn’t just wake up one day as a champion. Her success was built on clear goals, discipline, and an unstoppable mindset. And if you’ve seen the film King Richard, you’ll know that her journey started long before she ever stepped onto a professional tennis court.

So, let’s break down how setting the right goals helped Serena become one of the greatest athletes in history—and how you can apply the same principles in your own life.

The Blueprint for Success

Most people don’t know this, but before Serena and her sister Venus even picked up a racket, their dad, Richard Williams, had already mapped out their entire careers.

I’m not talking about some vague idea—he actually wrote a 78-page plan detailing how they would become the best tennis players in the world.

This wasn’t just about winning tournaments. It was about building a mindset, mastering skills, and taking the right steps at the right time. And this is key—because goal-setting isn’t just about saying, “I want to be successful.” It’s about having a strategy to get there.

Breaking Down the Process

Serena didn’t just say, “I want to win Wimbledon.” She and her family broke her goal into small, actionable steps—and this is something you can do too.

Here’s how it worked for her:

✅ Short-Term Goals – Improve her serve, increase her endurance, study her opponents.

✅ Mid-Term Goals – Break into the Top 10, win her first Grand Slam, beat top-ranked players.

✅ Long-Term Goals – Become one of the greatest players in history, leave a lasting impact on women’s sports.

This step-by-step approach meant that every single day, she was working towards something specific. And when you do that, success becomes a process, not just a dream.

Overcoming Challenges

Now, here’s the thing—even with the best goals, challenges will come. Serena faced injuries, losses, and even self-doubt. But because she had a clear vision and the right mindset, she didn’t let setbacks stop her.

A perfect example? In 2017, she won the Australian Open while she was pregnant. That alone tells you how much discipline and focus she had.

She also dealt with pressure, criticism, and being underestimated—but her ability to stay locked in on her goals helped her push through every single time.

Lessons We Can Learn from Serena

Now, you might not be training for Wimbledon, but the same goal-setting principles apply to anything you want to achieve—whether it’s starting a business, getting better at a skill, or improving your fitness.

💡 Have a Clear Vision – Don’t just say, “I want to be successful.” Define exactly what success looks like for you.

💡 Break it Down – Set short-term and long-term goals so you always know what your next step is.

💡 Stay Consistent – Serena trained every day—even when she didn’t feel like it. The small efforts add up.

💡 Be Mentally Strong – Challenges will come, but if your goal is strong enough, you’ll find a way to push through.

Final Thought

Serena Williams didn’t rely on just talent—she had a plan, and she stuck to it. King Richard shows us how preparation, goal-setting, and mindset are the real keys to success.

So, my challenge for you today is this: What’s your goal? And more importantly, what’s your plan to get there?

Set it, break it down, and take action—because that’s how real success happens. 🚀🎯

8. Call to Action: Set Your Goal

Your Challenge:

Write down one goal that you want to achieve.

Make sure it’s SMART and connected to your deeper “why.”

Break it into actionable steps and commit to taking the first step today.

🎙️ [Community]

"I want to hear from you! Share your goal with me on social media using #FutureYouGoal. Let’s support each other in taking real steps toward our dreams."

8. Video Recommendation & Closing Thought

📺 Watch: "How to Avoid Burnout" – Talking Church

💡 This video discusses how to set goals without overwhelming yourself, ensuring your motivation stays strong and your growth is sustainable.

Final Thought:

"The key to reaching your future self is setting goals that truly matter. When you focus on what you want, break it into small steps, and stay connected to your ‘why,’ you’re not just setting yourself up for success—you’re creating a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling."

💬 Affirmation:

"I am capable of achieving my goals. I set my vision with clarity, take action with purpose, and trust that I am moving toward the future I desire."

🚀 Now it’s your turn—what’s one goal you’re setting today? Let’s make it happen.

References:

Allen, D. (2001). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Penguin Books.

Hyatt, M. (2019). Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals. Baker Publishing Group.

Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.