Whether in our professional or personal lives – we all set goals we want to achieve.
Long-term goals that bring us closer to our life dreams, or short-term (daily) goals. The feeling of relief and fulfillment when we reach a goal is unique. But sometimes, we struggle with both setting the right goals and achieving them.
Fortunately, there are methods that can help us turn intention into action. While there are many tried-and-true techniques, we’ll take a closer look at four of them: the SMART method, the CLEAR method, the PURE method, and the WOOP method. But first, let’s start by defining what a "goal" actually is.
What Are Goals?
Goals are not just to-do lists, dreams, or visions. According to the German dictionary Duden, a goal is "something toward which a person's actions are consciously directed; something someone seeks to achieve as the purpose or result of their actions."
Key takeaways:
- Goals are not wishes but firm intentions.
- Goals are not spontaneous thoughts but concrete efforts.
- Goals don’t fulfill expectations – they express conviction.
- Goals are not based on advice. When we consciously focus our attention on something, we notice it – and so does our subconscious.
Why Are Goals So Important?
Goals are essential for success. If we don't strive for anything, we can't achieve anything. Without a clear goal, we can neither arrive nor measure how far we've come. Not even a direction can be determined without a destination.
From this, we can conclude:
- Goals give us orientation.
- Goals define our personal success.
- Goals provide motivation and drive.
- Achieving goals brings satisfaction.
- Goals boost self-confidence.
- Goals may even prolong life.
That last point comes from a Canadian study. Psychologist Patrick Hill of Carleton University found that goal-driven people tend to live healthier lives, pay more attention to fitness, and generally lead more satisfied lives. Achieving a goal isn’t just about fulfilling dreams – it makes us happier because we’re working toward something meaningful.
On the flip side, when people lack goals, they can fall into a slump (e.g., the quarter-life crisis). Goal achieved – and now what? Without goals, we surrender our life direction and leave our talents to chance.
4 Methods to Set Your Goals:
1. SMART-Method
The SMART method is the classic approach to goal setting. It assumes that the more concrete a goal is defined, the more likely it is to be achieved.
Specific
Goals must be clearly and precisely stated, leaving no room for interpretation. Tip: Phrase your goals positively: "I want to be financially independent" is more motivating than "I don’t want to be poor."
Measureable
The goal must be quantifiable and objectively verifiable. For intangible goals, try to find concrete indicators.
Attractive
A goal must be appealing so we can identify with it. That increases motivation.
Realistic
Goals must be achievable. The more unrealistic they are, the more likely they are to fail.
Time-bound
Define a deadline for your goal. This reduces the risk of procrastination.
A SMART goal isn’t "I want to earn more money" – it’s "I want a salary increase of X percent within the next six months for my work." This gives clarity on what we want to achieve and how to get there.
2. CLEAR-Methode
An alternative to SMART is the CLEAR method. Each letter stands for an important quality of a good goal:
Challenging
The goal should be demanding but not overwhelming.
Legal
The goal must comply with laws and regulations.
Exciting
The goal should inspire and motivate all involved.
Agreed
All stakeholders must agree with the goal for effective implementation.
Recorded
The goal should be documented, preferably in writing, to ensure clarity and commitment.
In short, CLEAR goals challenge and excite us without overwhelming, and are agreed upon and documented for shared success.
3. PURE-Method
Another goal-setting approach is the PURE method, where each letter again reflects a specific characteristic of a strong goal.
Postitively stated
The brain responds better to positive statements. Avoid negative words or phrases like "not."
Understood
Everyone involved should fully understand the goal to ensure effective implementation.
Realistic
Consider whether the necessary knowledge, time, money, or experience is available. Also, check for conflicts with other goals.
Ethical
Ensure the goal aligns with ethical standards and complies with laws.
PURE goals are clearly understood, positively framed, and ethically sound – and most importantly, they are realistic.
4. WOOP-Method
Lastly, the WOOP method guides us through four steps that help prioritize, overcome obstacles, and plan for realization:
Wish
Identify your heartfelt desire. What do you want to achieve?
Outcome
Visualize the result. What changes when your wish is fulfilled? What positive impact does it have?
Obstacle
Reflect on what's holding you back. Which habits, beliefs, or behaviors are in your way?
Plan
Develop strategies to overcome these obstacles. Every journey starts with a single step.
The WOOP method emphasizes vividly imagining success and preparing to overcome hurdles with practical action plans.
What Really Matters When It Comes to Goal Setting
For ambitious goals, mindset is crucial! Some people naturally say "yes" to any challenge, trusting they’ll find a way. Others lose sleep over small changes, like a desk being moved.
Goals should be realistic – but innovation rarely happens within comfort zones. Sometimes, it takes boldness. "Unrealistic" goals can spark incredible energy and lead to results we never imagined.
If we want to grow, we need determination, passion, and the courage to take risks.
Company Goals at brill+adloff
A few years ago, we began a journey of transformation: from a traditional manufacturing plant to a forward-thinking company. From rigid structures and piecework to smart plastic solutions, creative thinking, and an open culture of learning from mistakes.
This shift continues to challenge us. What worked yesterday may be outdated tomorrow. Creativity, flexibility, and openness are more important than ever. The short- and long-term goals at brill+adloff are ambitious – and we’re ready to meet them with determination, passion, and courage.
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