The beginning of a new year always feels full of promise and sometime it feels like to have a new start. Quietly, in our own minds, we start thinking: This year will be different. We want better health, more balance in life, career growth, attend gym and have heathier financial situation. Businesses do the same, they set new targets, new plans, new ambitions. The problem is not that people don’t have goals. The problem is that most goals are too vague to turn into action. A good goal should feel clear, practical, and slightly challenging. During my career, I came across a simple way to achieve this, is to write every goal using three questions: What? How? When?
1. WHAT – Be very clear
This is where most people fail. “I want to be successful” or “I want to grow my business” sounds nice, but it gives no direction.
Instead, be specific.
- ❌ I want to be healthier
- ✅ I want to lose 5 kg and improve my fitness
- ❌ I want my business to grow
- ✅ I want to increase revenue by 15%
If you cannot explain your goal in one clear sentence, it is not ready yet.
2. HOW – Define the actions
A goal without actions is just a wish. The HOW step forces you to think realistically about effort, habits, and resources.
Ask yourself: What will I actually do?
Personal example:
- I will train 3 times per week and go to the gym nearby my work
- I will reduce sugar and processed food and eat more vegetables
- I will walk at least 8,000 steps daily
Business example:
- I will launch one new product every quater
- I will invest in marketing once per quarter
Small, repeatable actions work better than big, dramatic plans.
3. WHEN – Set a time limit
A goal without a deadline just quietly disappear. When there is a time limit, this creates focus and urgency.
- By March 2026
- By the end of Q2, 2026
- Within 90 days
At the beginning of my career, I received an advise from my mentor that for long goals, break them into smaller milestones. This will help you stay motivated and measure progress.
Putting What How and When and all together
Here is how a complete goal looks:
Personal goal:
- What: I want to lose 5 kg
- How: My aim is to train 3 times a week and eat healthier
- When: By 30 June 2026
Business goal:
- What: The aim for 2026 is to increase revenue by 15%
- How: Improve sales process and launch one new service
- When: By the end of 2026
My final thought is to write fewer goals, but write them well. Review them often. Adjust when needed. Progress comes from doing simple things regularly, not from dreaming once a year.