Setting Life Goals That Stick: Coaching Techniques That Work

mcredmondd0305
May 20
3 min read

In a world brimming with productivity hacks and self-help content, setting life goals can feel overwhelming. We scribble down ambitions in journals or type them into apps—only to find them gathering dust months later. So why do some goals stick while others fade away?

The secret isn’t just in setting goals—it’s in how we set them, and more importantly, how we coach ourselves or others to stay committed. Whether you're a life coach, a team leader, or simply someone striving for more intentional living, here are powerful coaching techniques that turn aspirations into lasting achievements.

1. Start with Values, Not Just Outcomes

Too often, people chase goals that aren’t aligned with their core values—leading to burnout or indifference. Before setting a goal, explore what truly matters.

Coaching Tip: Ask powerful questions like:

“What does success look like for you?”
“What value does this goal support in your life?”

When a goal is rooted in personal values—like freedom, creativity, or connection—it carries intrinsic motivation, making it more sustainable.

2. Use the SMART+P Framework

You may have heard of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), but adding a “P” for Purpose increases emotional engagement.

Example:

SMART Goal: I will run 3 times a week for 30 minutes for the next 3 months.
SMART+P Goal: I will run 3 times a week for 30 minutes for the next 3 months so I have the energy and clarity to be fully present with my family.

Purpose makes the goal resonate beyond metrics—it makes it matter.

3. Visualize the Future Self

People often disconnect from their future selves, making long-term goals feel abstract. Visualization bridges that gap.

Coaching Exercise: Guide clients (or yourself) through a detailed visualization:

“Imagine it’s one year from now. You’ve achieved your goal. What does your life look like? How do you feel? What daily habits got you here?”

This technique not only clarifies the goal—it builds emotional investment.

4. Break It Down Into Micro-Milestones

Big goals can paralyze. Momentum builds from action, and action starts with manageable steps.

Technique: Use the “next smallest step” method.

Instead of “write a book,” start with “outline the first chapter.”
Instead of “get healthy,” begin with “drink one more glass of water each day.”

Tracking and celebrating these micro-milestones creates motivation loops and a sense of progress.

5. Accountability That Encourages, Not Polices

Accountability often gets a bad rap—it’s not about guilt, it’s about support. The right kind of check-in builds commitment without pressure.

Coaching Tip: Frame accountability as collaboration.

“How can I best support you in this goal?”
“What kind of reminder or follow-up feels helpful?”

When people co-create the accountability structure, they’re more likely to follow through.

6. Normalize Setbacks and Reframe Failure

No journey is linear. A single missed step doesn’t mean the goal is lost—it’s an opportunity to recalibrate.

Technique: Use the “What’s the learning?” frame.Instead of “Why did I fail?”, ask:

“What did this setback teach me?”
“What do I want to try differently next time?”

Resilience grows not from avoiding mistakes, but from how we respond to them.

Final Thoughts On Coaching Techniques

Setting life goals that truly stick isn't about willpower—it's about strategy, alignment, and support. Whether you're coaching others or leading yourself, these techniques turn vague aspirations into grounded, purposeful progress.

Remember: You don’t need perfect goals. You need goals that are yours, rooted in what matters, supported by systems, and flexible enough to grow with you.