Goal setting is more than just writing down what you want to achieve. It’s about creating a clear, actionable roadmap that leads to measurable success. As someone focused on learning, development, and the power of precise language, I know that the way we articulate and structure our goals directly impacts our ability to achieve them.
The 9 Box Goal Setting Task, inspired by the Exactly What to Say methodology, provides a structured yet flexible approach to goal setting. It helps individuals and teams gain clarity, stay accountable, and maintain momentum—ensuring that progress is always being made, no matter how ambitious the goal.
Why the 9 Box Goal Setting Task Works
Brings Clarity to Your Goals
Unclear goals lead to vague results. This method forces you to define goals in a structured way, categorizing them into short-term, mid-term, and long-term priorities, making them more tangible and actionable.
Balances Ambition and Realism
Setting only ambitious goals can lead to frustration, while setting only small goals can limit growth. The 9 Box framework balances both by defining three levels of aspiration:
- Easy Wins – Quick, achievable milestones that build momentum.
- What You Came For – The core, realistic outcomes you’re working toward.
- Stretch Goals – Big-picture, aspirational targets that push your capabilities.
With this structure, even if you don’t hit your stretch goal immediately, achieving the easy wins keeps you progressing.
Encourages Continuous Progress
Rather than focusing on all-or-nothing outcomes, this method ensures steady advancement. If you achieve your Easy Wins and What You Came For, you’re always moving forward, even if the bigger goal takes longer.
Enhances Accountability and Decision-Making
Each goal is clearly defined with measurable outcomes, making it easier to track progress and hold yourself (or your team) accountable. Regular accountability conversations ensure that every action aligns with the bigger picture.
Works for Any Goal—Professional or Personal
Whether you’re building a business, or developing personal skills, this framework applies universally. It ensures focus, structure, and continuous growth across different areas of life and work.
How to Apply the 9 Box Goal Setting Task
1. Decide on Your 3 Focus Areas
Identify three key areas where you want to grow or make progress. Examples:
- Business – Growing your client base, increasing revenue, refining your offerings.
- Professional – Developing your leadership skills, enhancing training programs, deepening industry knowledge.
- Personal – Improving health, strengthening relationships, prioritizing well-being.
Choosing three ensures that your goals are well-rounded and aligned with your overarching vision.
2. Outline Your 3 Timelines
Structure your goals into three timeframes to balance immediate action with long-term vision. Examples:
- This Month – Immediate, actionable goals.
- This Year – Strategic, mid-term objectives.
- This Lifetime – Big-picture aspirations that define success over time.
Alternatively, you could adjust to:
- This Month
- This Quarter
- This Year
3. Define Three Levels of Aspiration
For each area of focus and timeline, break it down into three levels of aspiration to measure success this month:
- Easy Wins – Simple, quick goals that can be easily achieved this month. These are low-hanging fruit that will build momentum. Example: “Reach out to 5 potential clients this month.” This goal is easy to track and simple to complete in a short time frame.
- What You Came For – Core goals you can realistically achieve within the next 30 days, which will take more effort but are still attainable. Example: “Close 2 sales by the end of the month.” This requires more time and effort but is a clear, measurable goal that will push you forward.
- Stretch Goals – Ambitious, long-term goals that may not be fully completed in the month but will push you to take significant steps toward them. Example: “Create a strategic plan to grow my business by 25% in the next 6 months, with the first steps completed this month.” While this goal might not be fully achieved within the month, it sets a long-term vision while ensuring progress is made this month.
Being specific and measurable with each level makes success easier to track and adjust as needed.
4. Review Regularly
Goal setting isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process. Revisit your goals every 90 days to assess progress, make adjustments, and realign with your priorities. This ensures you stay accountable, focused, and adaptable.
The 9 Box Goal Setting Task isn’t just about setting goals. It’s about being intentional and strategic in your approach to achieving them. By giving yourself the structure to balance ambition and realism, you can take small steps toward big dreams. The framework keeps you accountable, pushes you to stay motivated, and helps you focus on what truly matters in both the short and long term.
Next time you sit down to plan your goals, ask yourself: Where do I want to go? And how will I get there, step by step? Embrace the process, keep your vision clear, and remember that every step forward counts—no matter how small.
