Setting goals: how to understand yourself and move forward

Do you feel like you're moving a lot, but you're standing still? Perhaps it's time to learn how to set goals that really move you forward.

Table of contents

Why set goals

In today's world, where information overload and constant change of priorities create a sense of chaos, it is especially important to develop skills of self-observation, self-analysis, and strategic planning. One of the ways to build internal resilience is to consciously set goals, work towards them, and regularly evaluate the results.

The NWET educational platform offers a structured approach to self-development through setting personal and team goals. This method is part of a broader responsible leadership development program and can be used as a tool in any area of life - study, work, social activities, or relationships.

How does this approach work?

Annual goals. Start by setting a direction for the year. It is ideal to do this on New Year's Day or the day before. This will help you realize what you want in the long run.

Monthly and weekly planning. Annual goals should be broken down into more achievable steps: a plan for a month and then a plan for a week. At the end of each week (ideally on Saturday or Sunday), you should conduct a self-analysis and formulate goals for the next week. This way, you start a new week with a clear focus and understanding of priorities.

Regular rethinking. Review your annual goals on a monthly or quarterly basis. You can do this with calendar reminders. Be sure to write down your plans and conclusions: in a notebook, Google doc, or other convenient format. At the end of the year, summarize your results: what you've succeeded in, what you still need to work on, and what challenges you faced.

Types of goals: internal and external

In the NWET self-development system, we divide goals into internal and external. Both types are closely related and complement each other.

• Internal goals

These are goals that are related to your personal growth, self-awareness, and development of qualities that are important for effective interaction with people. Internal goals are divided into:

Vertical internal goals - aimed at understanding personal beliefs, life principles, and forming a stable system of values. For example: to form a deeper understanding of your own motivation, to determine what is important to you in life.

Horizontal internal goals are aimed at developing specific social and emotional qualities: empathy, gratitude, responsibility, openness to new views, ability to work in a team, and balance.

• External goals

These are specific results that can be measured: the number of tasks completed, achievements in projects, the number of new contacts or initiatives implemented. For example: "Recruit three new team members," "Hold two educational meetings," "Prepare a presentation for the project."

External goals help turn internal development into practical action. It is the process of achieving an external goal that requires mobilizing your internal resources and skills, so both levels of goals are interdependent.

Interconnection of goals

Just as the mind and body interact with each other, so do internal and external goals in a constant dialog. For example, to develop responsibility and caring, you can set an external goal to organize an event or support someone in a difficult moment. In the process, you learn to understand others better, take initiative, and build trust.

Internal changes without external actions can remain at the level of theory, and external achievements alone, without work on oneself, can lead to burnout. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balance between these levels.

How to formulate goals

Internal vertical goal: Identify which principle or belief you want to understand more deeply. For example: "Set aside 15 minutes daily for self-reflection."

Internal horizontal goal: What personal quality or skill do you want to develop? For example: "Write down three situations for which I am grateful every day."

External goal: What specific results do you want to achieve in the near future? For example: "Hold a meeting with the team," "Prepare an analytical report," "Recruit one new member to the initiative."

Homework

This week, try to set goals for yourself according to the suggested structure. And at the end of the week, conduct a self-analysis: what was successful, what was difficult, what conclusions you made. Write it down - in a notebook, Google doc, or another format that is convenient for you.

Based on this analysis, set goals for the next week. And don't forget: every month or quarter, review your annual goals, return to them, adjust them if necessary, and move forward with confidence!

And if you want to pay more attention to self-reflection and learn how to analyze and plan better, join the Leader of the Heart seminar on the NWET platform. There you will be able to go deeper into the structure of goal setting and integrate it into your life through practice and a community of like-minded people.