11 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Setting Goals

Setting and fulfilling the right goals is a powerful way to bring clarity, meaning, and purpose to your life. The journey begins with asking the right questions. 

Taking the time to reflect on these questions allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and intuition, providing valuable insights into what truly matters to us. While external sources like the internet or advice from others can be helpful, your best answers often come from within. 

Here are 11 questions to consider before setting your goals:

1. What specifically do you want to achieve? 

Have a clear intention in mind. Be specific and realistic about your goals to ensure clarity and focus.

2. Why do you want to achieve this goal? 

Understanding your motivation and purpose behind the goal can help you stay committed when challenges arise.

3. What drives your desire to reach this goal?

Reflecting on your core motivations helps ensure that your goals align with your authentic self and values.

Further Exploration:

• What are your deepest desires and passions? 
• How does this goal reflect your core values?

4. What potential obstacles might you encounter? Are you committed to putting in the necessary effort to achieve this goal? 

Identifying obstacles upfront allows you to develop strategies to overcome them and stay resilient.

 5. How will you measure your progress? 

Establish criteria for tracking your advancement toward the goal to stay motivated and focused.

Further Exploration:

• What milestones will mark your progress? Setting measurable criteria allows you to track your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.

6. Does this goal align with your values and long-term objectives? 

Ensure your goal is in harmony with your overarching aspirations and principles (the big picture).

Further Exploration:

• How does this goal contribute to your long-term vision for your life?
• Is it consistent with your personal values and beliefs?

7. How will achieving this goal benefit you and others?

Consider the positive impact reaching your goal will have on your life and those around you. 

Further Exploration:

• What will this outcome get for you or allow you to do?
• What might you lose once you achieve this goal?

8. What’s your evidence of success? How will you know when you have achieved your goal? 

Visualizing your desired outcome and defining tangible markers of success helps keep you focused and motivated.

Further Exploration:

• What will you see, hear, feel, etc. when you have achieved it?

9. What steps have you taken so far, and what can you do today to start working toward that goal?

Define actionable steps and deadlines to keep yourself accountable and make progress.

Further Exploration:

• Which skills, knowledge, and resources are already at your disposal?
• How often will you review your progress and adjust your strategies if necessary?

10. Who are you being when you achieve this goal? What qualities or characteristics do you embody? 

Reflecting on the person you envision yourself becoming upon achieving the goal serves to align your present self with your future aspirations, guiding your current actions toward the desired outcome.

11. How does this goal align with your current priorities and commitments? 

Ensuring alignment with your existing priorities helps maintain focus and balance.

Before you dive into reflection, I invite you to take a moment to center yourself with a short meditation. Click here to access a short guided meditation designed to help you clear your mind and connect with your inner wisdom.

Once you’re centered, grab a journal or notebook, find a quiet space, and allow yourself to dive deep into these questions. By asking yourself these vital questions, you lay the foundation for meaningful and achievable goals.

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