Eight Ways to Make and Set Goals That Work!

Research from Dominican University of California shows that people who write down their goals and track progress achieve 30% more than those who don’t.

Here is my system:

Work backward from the goal. Ask yourself, “Where would I (or our agency/team) like to be a year from now?” The sky is the limit! Visualize in your mind that it is Dec. 31, and you just achieved your goal. Ask yourself, “How did I do it?” Then speculate on all the steps you need to take to achieve this goal. Write down these activities.

Tip: Write your future success story. Describe the outcome in a short paragraph as if it already happened — this creates clarity and motivation.

Writing down your goals makes them real. Be specific. Instead of writing, “I want to improve citizen engagement,” try: “By September 1, we will increase public participation in our quarterly forums by 25%.” Now you can measure your progress and deadlines and develop action steps for each goal. This becomes your “success plan.” Refer to it often to stay focused and update it as you make progress.

Tip: Keep your written goal somewhere visible: on your desk, in a planner or even on a sticky note on your screen. Visibility drives focus.

Set yourself up to succeed. This builds confidence. If you’re implementing a new system or service, aim for adoption or engagement rates that stretch your team but still feel achievable. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and lost motivation.

Tip: Use the “Goldilocks Rule”: Your goal should feel not too easy, not too hard, but just right — doable with effort.

In the public sector, obstacles may include limited resources, competing priorities, political agendas or lack of public support. Environmental scans, both internal and external, can help you anticipate these challenges. Ask yourself, “What might get in the way?” Then ask, “What can I do to address it before it happens?” One of the biggest obstacles to success is often YOU.

Tip: Make a two-column list: Column A = Possible Obstacles. Column B = Proactive Solutions. Keep it nearby as your action plan evolves.

Mental preparation is an important part of overcoming obstacles and taking action. If you’re not mentally prepared, you’re not prepared. Use techniques like visualization, quiet time and self-talk. Remind yourself of your deeper motivation and how your work contributes to the greater good. Prepare for the worst and expect the best.

Tip: Start your week by writing down one positive outcome you’re working toward and one internal belief (growth mindset) that supports it.

Now take action! Break action steps into weekly or daily activities. Keep a “to-do” list! Prioritize it and refer to it often. Help others do the same. Remember to focus on results, not just activity. Periodically evaluate and adjust your plan. Stay the course, but adjust your sails.

Tip: Block out 30 minutes a week to review progress and plan next steps — it’s a small investment that pays big dividends.

Throughout the process, build in rewards for yourself and/or your team. Public sector wins often go uncelebrated. Don’t let that happen. Celebrate milestones! Whether it’s a team coffee break or a spotlight in a staff newsletter, small celebrations reinforce momentum and morale.

Tip: Create a “Win Wall,” physical or digital, where your team posts weekly accomplishments. This will help keep energy and focus high.

Learn from your mistakes. Use the experience you gained to re-evaluate present goals and establish new ones. Here are two questions you can ask yourself to turn every mistake into a learning opportunity: 

1. “What did I do well?” and
2. “What will I do differently the next time?”

Tip: Schedule a short reflection session at the end of each project phase. Don’t wait until the end to learn from your experience.

© Copyright 2025 Patrick Donadio, MBA, CSP, MCC. Patrick is a communication strategist, speaker, coach and author of Communicating with IMPACT^©. He helps leaders and teams communicate clearly, lead effectively and present powerfully. He holds top designations in both speaking and coaching, a rare global distinction.