Purpose-centered goals
Goal setting is often seen as the foundation of success, yet many traditional approaches can feel rigid or uninspiring. SMART goals and performance reviews have their place, but they don’t always tap into the deeper meaning behind what drives us. True purpose-driven goals go beyond numbers—they reflect our values, inspire us, and challenge us to grow.
As we enter a season often associated with fresh starts and resolutions, it’s worth asking: how can we set goals that are not just measurable but meaningful? Goals that feel uncomfortable yet compelling, rooted in purpose rather than obligation? This might mean digging deeper by asking “Why is this goal important?” until you uncover the heart of its significance. Or it might involve focusing on fewer, more impactful goals that align with who you are and where you want to go.
For leaders, this reflection isn’t just personal—it’s about how we inspire and guide our teams. When we model purpose-driven goal setting, we create a culture of intention and growth. What’s one goal you can reimagine today to make it more meaningful for yourself or your team?
~Jill
Resources on Purpose-Centered Goal Setting
Purpose-driven goals can inspire growth, align with your values, and create meaningful impact in your personal and professional life. To help you explore this topic further, here are a few resources with practical strategies and approaches to develop a deeper understanding of how to connect goals to your core values
We all have things that we want to achieve in our lives. Usually, the path to those things starts by setting goals. Instead, we should focus on systems.
If we don't care about why we're doing it, then it makes it really difficult to stick with that new behavior or a new habit. And it's way easier to change things up when you know your why. What is the why?
Setting goals is a meaningful exercise. Still, so many of us struggle to achieve the goals we set out for ourselves. Here are five ways to set more attainable goals: Connect your every goal to a "why." When you spend time understanding the "why" that's driving your actions, it's easier to avoid distractions and focus on pursuing your goal.
To set achievable goals, make sure you connect your goals and values. Learn how setting values-based goals increases your odds of success.
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Jill's Bookshelf
The book that comes to mind when I think about shifting our mindset about effective goals is Atomic Habits by James Clear. He makes the case that success in achieving meaningful goals requires small, consistent actions supported by systems that propel us in the direction we want to go. Whether you want to achieve new things this year or get similar results with less effort, I think Clear provides a valuable framework for connecting actions to our sense of purpose, making goals more attainable and more fulfilling. Have you tried any of Clear’s techniques? What was the result?
If you are looking for more reading suggestions, you can always check out my recommendations on Bookshop.org. If you have a must-read, let me know! I am always adding to my list.
Leadership Refinery Essentials: Purpose-Centered Goal Setting
Starting a new year there can be a natural push and pull between old and new; the current state of things and the desired state. The concept of resilience can get caught in this tension of "I want to be resilient, but I don't want there to be things in my life that I need to be resilient with."
In an often noisy and information-overloaded world, distractions are everywhere and many of us hold close to the expectations of others. We lose track of what is most important to us and over time, we feel lost in our own lives. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic and the public reckoning for social justice in 2020, my executive clients were finding themselves adrift; uncertain about their paths, contributions, and goals.