Jan 30, 2025

Goals vs. Tasks: I Finally Get It!

I started working with a business coach this month. During our first meeting, he explained the difference between a goal and a task. “Ohhh … yesss … duhhh,” I said to myself.

A goal is something you want to achieve but that is also impacted by external factors. “I want to sleep better” or “I want my children to tell me the truth.” A task is something entirely in your control that will help you reach your goal. “No screens 1hr before bed” or “Spend 10 minutes a day 1:1 time with my child.”

For my business, I set yearly, quarterly, and monthly goals. I have weekly tasks. I’m obsessed; and I have decided that I should apply this to other aspects of my life.

Setting goals is not something else on your to-do list - it will actually help you tune down the outside noise and focus on what truly matters to you and your family.

Goals

provide clarity on what you want to achieve
help you measure progress, so you feel a sense of accomplishment more regularly
give you a sense of control, even when life feels chaotic

Ideally, goals should be SMART. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely.

“I want to sleep better” is not a SMART goal. “I want to sleep 8+ hours four nights a week” is.

But, it gets hard with interpersonal goals like, “I want my children to come to me when they have a problem.” And yet, these goals are still important. So in that case, make the tasks that you think will lead you to your goal SMART. “Do a 1:1 lunch date with my child, monthly” or “No cell phones at the dinner table”

Ready?

I made you a worksheet. It has different categories to help you stay rounded. All you have to do is write a goal above the line and then list the tasks below.

Goals2025.pdf.

You can make them for any time frame you want. Maybe Q1 you focus on physical and wellness goals, while your relationships and family goals are yearly and your hobby and work goals are for Q3. If you need some more ideas or inspiration, my latest blog post goes through some family goals and tasks to achieve them.

It’s January 30th, so you have a bonus day tomorrow, the 31st, to set your goals for an intentional 2025.

Start your year off with purpose.

You deserve it,

Erica