Which step in goal setting involves defining what you want to achieve?

Defining your goal is a crucial step in the goal-setting process because it involves clearly articulating what you aim to achieve. This step allows individuals to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, which help in providing direction and focus. By clearly determining what you want, you establish a target that guides your efforts and decision-making. This clarity is vital as it creates motivation and lays a foundation for developing a strategic plan to achieve your desired outcome.

The effectiveness of goal-setting largely hinges on how well the goal is defined, making this step foundational to the subsequent processes involved in reaching that goal. Without a clear definition, it becomes challenging to assess progress, remain motivated, or adjust plans as needed, which highlights the importance of this step in the overall process.