Start Here: How to Use WiseGoals

If you’re new to goal setting—or feel like you’ve tried before and it didn’t stick—you’re in the right place. Here’s a clear, practical way to get started. 

What exactly is goal setting?

Many experts define goal setting as selecting a target or objective you want to achieve. That’s not wrong—but it’s not especially helpful on its own. A more useful way to think about goal setting is this:

In short, goal setting isn’t a one-off decision or a burst of motivation. It’s a living process. You decide what direction matters to you, translate that into a workable plan, and then adapt as real life happens—when motivation dips, priorities shift, or obstacles appear.

Seen this way, goal setting becomes less about willpower and more about clarity, structure, and learning how to keep moving forward even when things aren’t perfect.

Using the WiseGoals method to help you choose the best starting point 

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Most people enter the WiseGoals process at different points.

Next I’ll guide you to identify your most helpful entry point.

Start where you need the most support right now

Different challenges call for different starting points. Start with the area that feels most helpful right now.

If you don’t feel confident about goal setting

Learn how to set goals well

You might feel unsure where to start, or worry that you'll end up “doing it wrong.” Learning how goals actually work can make the whole process feel clearer and more manageable.

→ Learn the foundations of effective goal setting

If you worry that you’ll get in your own way

Develop psychologically

Self-doubt, motivation dips, emotional blocks, or past experiences can quietly make goals harder than they need to be. These aren’t personal flaws — they’re skills and capacities that can be developed.

→ Strengthen the psychological foundations that support progress

If you have lots of goals and don’t know what to focus on

Choose a goal by life area

When everything feels important, it’s hard to move forward. Choosing the right area to work on first can bring immediate clarity and direction.

→ Explore goals by life area

If you’re ready to turn ideas into clear goals

Set goals and plans with WiseGoals worksheets

Writing things down helps transform vague intentions into structured, workable goals you can actually act on.

→ Use goal-setting worksheets

Over time, people naturally move through all parts of the WiseGoals process — learning, developing, choosing, and setting goals — but there’s no right place to begin.

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