Beyond the Checklist
Goal setting is everywhere. From New Year’s resolutions to corporate KPIs, the idea of setting goals is drilled into us as the first step towards progress. Often, we’re told to make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound. And while structure can be helpful, not every goal fits neatly into that kind of checklist.
Some of the most important and meaningful goals in life don’t come with metrics. They’re not about box ticking. They’re about who you want to become, how you want to feel and what actually matters to you, not just what sounds good on paper.
That’s where intrinsic goal setting comes in.
What is Intrinsic Goal Setting?
Put simply, intrinsic goals are driven by internal motivation, they’re not shaped by pressure or comparison. They’re anchored in personal values and deeper meaning. Instead of focusing on outcomes that look impressive like “get promoted” or “run a marathon”, intrinsic goals start with how you want to feel and what kind of life you want to build.
They might still involve external milestones, but those milestones are no longer the focus, they’re simply a by-product of the direction you’ve chosen.
So how do you set intrinsic goals that actually lead to meaningful progress?
1. Start with Your Why
Before setting a goal, ask yourself what’s driving it. Is it something that excites you? Does it challenge you in a way that feels positive? Does it align with the person you want to become?
For example, if someone says they want to get fitter, the goal might not be about abs or running a 10k. Their real “why” could be to feel more energised, more in control of their body or to be able to play with their kids without getting out of breath. When you connect with that deeper purpose, the goal becomes more powerful and more sustainable.
Goals rooted in personal meaning are easier to commit to. You’re not chasing them to prove something. You’re chasing them because they feel like the right path.
2. Make It Adaptable
Life is unpredictable. Rigid goals can sometimes feel like traps rather than motivation. If something unexpected throws you off track, the pressure to “stay on course” can become discouraging instead of helpful.
That’s why it’s important to focus on progress over perfection.
Intrinsic goals give you room to evolve. You can shift the way you approach something without feeling like you’ve failed. For instance, if your goal was to meditate for 20 minutes every morning but life gets in the way, adjusting that to five minutes in the evening is not a failure. It’s adaptation. The goal isn’t the number, it’s the benefit you’re trying to gain from it.
Build your goals with enough flexibility that they grow with you, not against you.
3. Check In With Yourself
Setting a goal and forgetting about it is common, but goals that are truly meaningful should evolve alongside you. That’s why regular check ins are essential.
Ask yourself questions like:
Does this still feel right?
Am I enjoying the process?
Has the goal drifted into something that’s more about pressure than purpose?
If something no longer fits, tweak it. Let go of the guilt. Adjust the pace, the direction, or even the goal itself. This is your life, not a to-do list.
Checking in also helps you recognise how far you’ve come. When goals are long term or intangible, it’s easy to miss the quiet wins. Taking time to reflect keeps your motivation grounded and your progress visible.
Why This Matters
Goals are not just about performance. They shape your day to day decisions, your self image and the way you interact with the world. When you set goals that feel aligned, they don’t just drive results, they fuel fulfilment.
You’re not aiming to tick boxes, you’re trying to create a life that feels meaningful, balanced and sustainable. That doesn’t come from chasing what looks good to others, it comes from knowing what matters to you and backing yourself to pursue it.
When goals come from within, you don’t have to rely on motivation alone. You’ve got clarity, intention and purpose and those are much more powerful drivers.
Looking For Clarity?
If you’re feeling stuck with your goals or you’ve lost motivation, it might be time to revisit your “why.”
I work with individuals who want to move forward with more focus and less overwhelm. Whether it’s in sport, business or life in general, I can help you get clear, take action and build momentum in a way that actually works for you.
If that sounds like something you need, get in touch. Let’s have a chat and see how we can bring your goals back to life.
