The Art of Setting Meaningful Goals: Five Powerful Questions to Consider

Goal setting. Some of us embrace it with colour-coded planners and vision boards, while others would rather skip the whole thing. Yet, the topic sneaks back into our lives as the calendar edges toward January. Love it or loathe it; setting goals is part of being human.

Top three new year resolutions in the U.S. for 2024 - save more money, exercise more, and eat healthier.

And here’s the thing—whether you’re jotting down New Year’s resolutions, saving for a dream house, or planning to run that elusive marathon, you’re already engaging in goal-setting, even if you don’t call it that.

A 2023 Statista survey revealed that the top three new year resolutions in the U.S. for 2024 were to save more money, exercise more, and eat healthier. Sound familiar? What about you—what are your top three?

Despite our best intentions, only 9% of people report sticking to their goals consistently. Why? The problem isn’t us—it’s how we approach goals. Without meaning or purpose behind them, goals can feel like just another to-do list item, easily dropped when life gets hectic.

Why Our Goals Need Heart

Goals aren’t just tasks to check off—they’re tools to help us grow, align with what truly matters, and create the life we want. Research published by the Harvard Business Review shows that people who set specific, meaningful goals are 10 times more likely to succeed. It’s not magic; it’s about setting goals that feel right, not just look good on paper.

As a consultant and a leadership coach, goal-setting often takes center stage. Clients come in with ambitious dreams—building a strong employer brand, growing high-performance teams, or finding balance in their lives. What I've noticed is that the goals that stick are the ones tied to values, purpose, and a vision for the future. Without that, goals become tasks—easy to drop when life gets busy.

Let’s explore five questions that have the potential to transform goals from tasks to catalysts for growth. These questions prompt reflection, foster alignment with your values and create emotional anchors that drive perseverance.

Five Questions to Consider

Rather than focusing solely on the outcome, these questions help you understand your motivations, anticipate challenges, and anchor your goals emotionally. Let's examine each question using examples from both professional and personal contexts.

Professional Goal Example - "I want to increase business revenue by expanding into new markets with differentiated offerings."

Q1 - What’s inspiring me to pursue this goal now?

Example response: “Emerging markets present untapped opportunities, and our products are uniquely positioned to meet customer needs. It feels urgent to act before competitors gain a foothold.”

Follow-up questions to consider:

1a) What internal desires or external pressures drive this goal, and how do they influence my goal?

1b) What might happen if I don’t act on this inspiration?

Why it matters: This question connects your goal to deeper motivations—whether external trends, personal aspirations, or a shift in priorities.

Q2- What difference will this goal make in my organisation and career?

Example response: “Expanding into new markets will position the company as a leader, drive profitability, and open opportunities for my team. For me, it’s a chance to prove my strategic vision.”

 Follow-up questions to consider:

2a) “What deeper meaning or personal significance does this [difference] hold for me?”

2b) “What does success look like if this goal makes the impact I hope for?”

Why it matters: Envisioning tangible and intangible benefits brings clarity and makes the goal feel worthwhile.

Q3 - How does this goal align with my broader vision for the future?

Example response: “In five years, I see myself leading a globally recognised, innovative company. Strategic expansion today sets the foundation for that vision.”

 Follow-up questions to consider:

3a) “What parts of my vision feel most exciting or meaningful to me?”

3b) “If my vision shifts, will this goal still matter?

Why it matters: Anchoring goals to long-term aspirations ensures they align with your values and avoid reactive decision-making.

Q4 - What might I need to have or overcome to achieve this goal?

Example response: “I’ll need to deepen market knowledge, build local partnerships, and ensure the team has the capacity for growth.”

 Follow-up questions to consider:

4a) “What obstacles have held me back in the past, and how might they show up again?”

4b) “What strengths do I already have that can help me overcome these challenges?”

Why it matters: Identifying obstacles fosters proactive planning and personal growth.

Q5 - What positive emotions might come up when I achieve this goal?

Example response: “I’ll feel proud of the team and validated for taking calculated risks. It’s exciting to think about new growth opportunities.”

 Follow-up questions to consider:

5a) What emotions am I most looking forward to experiencing when I achieve this goal?

5b) How might these positive emotions motivate and sustain me through the challenges I may face?

Why it matters: Neuroscience shows that linking goals to positive emotions boosts motivation and commitment.

Similarly, you can apply the same questions to your personal goals.

Personal Goal Example - "I want to read more books."

 Q1 - What’s inspiring me to pursue this goal now?

Example response: “I want to expand my knowledge, reduce screen time, and invest in personal growth. Reading also helps me unwind.”

Follow-up questions to consider:

1a) What internal desires or external pressures are driving this goal, and how are they influencing my goal?

1b) What might happen if I don’t act on this inspiration?

 Q2 - What difference will this goal make in my life?

Example response: “I’ll feel more informed and inspired, enjoy sharing insights, and have a healthy way to disconnect from stress.”

Follow-up questions to consider:

2a) “What deeper meaning or personal significance does this [difference] hold for me?”

2b) “What does success look like if this goal makes the impact I hope for?”

Q3 - How does this goal support my vision for the future?

Example response: “I aspire to be a lifelong learner and stay curious. Reading is essential to that journey.”

Follow-up questions to consider:

3a) “What parts of my vision feel most exciting or meaningful to me?”

3b) “If my vision shifts, will this goal still matter?

Q4 - What might I need to have or overcome to achieve this goal?

Example response: “I’ll need to schedule reading time, avoid distractions, and experiment with genres to stay engaged.”

 Follow-up questions to consider:

4a) “What obstacles have held me back in the past, and how might they show up again?”

4b) “What strengths do I already have that can help me overcome these challenges?"

Q5 - What emotions will achieving this goal evoke?

Example response: “Relaxation, fulfilment, and inspiration. It’s a small but meaningful investment in myself.”

 Follow-up questions to consider:

5a) What emotions am I most looking forward to experiencing when I achieve this goal?

5b) How might these positive emotions motivate and sustain me through the challenges I may face?

The Legacy of Meaningful Goals

Goal-setting isn’t just about achievement; it’s a process of self-discovery. By asking the right questions, you can set goals that are not only achievable but also deeply fulfilling. Whether you’re planning for 2025 or the next chapter of your life, I hope these questions are helpful in guiding you toward meaningful progress.

Penny for your thoughts:

If these questions don’t resonate with you, what kinds of questions might help you uncover your own meaningful goals?