Have you ever set a bunch of goals, only to feel overwhelmed and end up achieving none of them? You’re not alone. We often think that setting more goals means we’ll accomplish more. But in reality, setting the right goals—and approaching them the right way—makes all the difference.

In this article, we’ll break down:

✅ How many goals you should set
✅ The difference between dreams, life purpose, and goals
✅ The role of identity in goal-setting
✅ What a good goal looks like
✅ Different types of goals
✅ How to use SMART goals to turn plans into reality

Dreams vs. Purpose vs. Goals: What’s the Difference?

Before we talk about how to set goals, let’s clear up some confusion. Many people mix up dreams, life purpose, and goals—but they’re not the same.

• Dreams: Your big-picture aspirations. They give you direction but aren’t specific or actionable. Example: "I want to inspire people."

• Life Purpose: The deeper reason behind what you do. It’s what gives meaning to your goals. Example: "I want to help people see new perspectives through storytelling."

• Goals: The specific, measurable steps that turn dreams into reality. Example: "I will launch a YouTube channel and post weekly videos."

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, explains:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

That means setting goals isn’t enough—you need the right structure and mindset to achieve them.

The Role of Identity in Goal-Setting

Most people set goals based on what they want to achieve. But real, lasting change happens when you shift your focus to who you want to become.

For example:

• Instead of saying, “I want to wake up early,” say, “I am the kind of person who wakes up early and takes control of my day.”

• Instead of saying, “I want to exercise more,” say, “I am someone who prioritizes my health.”

James Clear calls this Identity-Based Habits. When your goal aligns with your identity, it becomes easier to follow through.

I struggled with consistency in fitness for years. But when I stopped setting fitness goals and instead started seeing myself as an athlete in training, my workouts became non-negotiable.

So, before setting your next goal, ask yourself: Who do I need to become to achieve this?

How Many Goals Should You Set?

There’s no magic number, but in my experience, the sweet spot is 3-5 major goals at a time.

If you focus on too many, your energy gets scattered. Think of it like sunlight—when spread out, it’s warm, but when focused, it can start a fire.

In The One Thing, Gary Keller emphasizes focusing on fewer goals for real progress. Here’s what works well:

• One personal goal (e.g., fitness, learning a new skill)

• One professional goal (career growth, side hustle)

• One relationship goal (family, friendships)

If you can handle more, go for it! But make sure your goals don’t compete for time and energy.

What Does a Good Goal Look Like?

Not all goals are created equal. A good goal should be:

✅ Aligned with your values and identity – If it doesn’t resonate with who you are or who you want to become, you’ll lose motivation.
✅ Challenging but realistic – It should push you beyond your comfort zone without feeling impossible.
✅ Specific and actionable – Instead of “Be healthier,” say, “Drink 2 liters of water daily and exercise 3 times a week.”
✅ Time-bound – Without a deadline, goals tend to get pushed aside.
✅ Impactful – The best goals create a ripple effect. For example, waking up early for a morning routine can boost your productivity, health, and mindset all at once.

Different Types of Goals

For balance, mix different types of goals:

• Short-term goals (1-3 months): Quick wins that build momentum (e.g., read one book, save $500).

• Long-term goals (1+ years): Bigger achievements that require consistency (e.g., start a business, run a marathon).

• Process goals: Focus on the habit, not just the result (e.g., “work out 3x a week” instead of “lose 10kg”).

• Outcome goals: The big result you want (e.g., “Complete a half marathon in under two hours”).

According to Edwin Locke’s Goal-Setting Theory, specific, challenging goals lead to higher performance than vague ones. So, clarity is key!

How to Make SMART Goals That Actually Work

The SMART framework is one of the best ways to make goals more effective. SMART stands for:

✅ Specific – Clearly define what you want to achieve.
✅ Measurable – Set criteria to track progress.
✅ Achievable – Make sure it’s realistic given your current situation.
✅ Relevant – Ensure it aligns with your values and long-term vision.
✅ Time-bound – Set a clear deadline.

Example: Vague vs. SMART Goal

❌ Vague Goal: "I want to get fit."
✅ SMART Goal: "I will work out three times a week for 30 minutes and lose 5kg in three months."

George T. Doran developed the SMART framework in 1981, and it’s been used in productivity and business planning ever since.

I used to set vague goals like “Be more productive,” and nothing changed. But once I got specific—like “Wake up at 6 AM and work for one hour distraction-free”—things started moving.

Setting Goals That Stick

To recap, here’s how to set goals that actually work:

✅ Focus on who you want to become, not just what you want to achieve.
✅ Set 3-5 key goals at a time to stay focused.
✅ Make sure your goals are aligned with your values and identity.
✅ Use a mix of short-term, long-term, process, and outcome goals.
✅ Follow the SMART framework for clarity and structure.

So, what’s one SMART goal you’re setting this month? And more importantly, who do you need to become to make it happen?

Book references | Here are the affiliate links if you are looking to buy the Books mentioned in this article from Amazon:

Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear >> https://amzn.to/41H9OUw

The One Thing by Gary Keller >> https://amzn.to/4hG2yyk

Goal Setting: A Motivational Technique That Works by Edwin A Locke, Gary P Latham >> https://amzn.to/4kMAQT8