To help a client struggling with goal-setting, start by using active listening to understand their challenges and aspirations. Guide them with powerful questions to clarify their vision and identify their priorities. Introduce SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to make objectives concrete. Encourage self-reflection and break goals into manageable steps. Use visualization techniques to enhance motivation and accountability strategies like progress tracking and regular check-ins. Foster a growth mindset, addressing limiting beliefs and building confidence. By providing structured guidance and continuous support, you empower the client to set clear, achievable goals aligned with their long-term success.

Most people don’t fail because they lack talent. They fail because they lack clarity. Take Taifa Stars, for example. For years, Tanzanian football had raw talent but no clear roadmap. Then came structured plans—youth development, better coaching, and tactical discipline. Results followed. Your client is the same. Don’t ask them what they want. Ask them what they’re willing to commit to. Break it down. Short-term wins. Long-term vision. Hold them accountable. Clarity creates momentum. Momentum creates success.

Guiding a client struggling with goal-setting requires clarity, reflection, and structured action. Start by 1. Exploring their values, passions, and aspirations to uncover what truly matters. 2. Use powerful questioning to help them define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. 3. Break larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps to build confidence and momentum. 4. Encourage visualization techniques to reinforce commitment and motivation. 5. Provide accountability by tracking progress & celebrating small wins. 6. Foster self-awareness by identifying obstacles & limiting beliefs, helping them shift to a growth mindset. Through encouragement and structure, empower them to take decisive action.

Something I would explore is their challenges when working towards goals in the past, what they think they might find challenging with these goals they have set and what can support them as an individual and keep them motivated and on track.

Sometimes clients struggle because they have too many things they want to focus on. Help them prioritize by assessing which goals will have the most immediate impact. Ask: What would make the biggest difference right now? Which of these goals excites you the most? Ask your client what motivates them to achieve their goals. Tapping into intrinsic motivation can make the process feel more rewarding and sustainable. Have them write down the reasons behind their goals to remind themselves of their “why” when things get tough. By helping your client tie their goals to a clear vision, break them down into actionable steps, and provide ongoing support and reflection, you’ll help them set and achieve goals with clarity and confidence.

One of the ways I have done this when running an implementation is via the regular client check ins. 24 to 48 hours prior to the meeting sending them an agenda for the next check in calling out the key focus. This worked well for me and helped to decrease implementation times by upto 4 weeks with a certain client. Being focused on smaller goals which formed the bigger goal was key for me.

Establish a comfortable and non-judgmental atmosphere Ask open-ended questions to encourage your client to share their thoughts, aspirations. Explore your client's current situation, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). Assist your client in articulating their goals, making sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Identify potential obstacles and challenges that may hinder goal achievement. Collaborate with your client to develop contingency plans for overcoming potential obstacles. Help your client break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Acknowledge and celebrate your client's successes, reinforcing motivation and confidence.

Guide them through various workshops that provide opportunities for them to create the map independently. you will empower them to take ownership of their mapping journey and develop confidence in their abilities. These workshops can include: 1.Brainstorming Sessions 2.Hands-On Activities 3.Feedback Loops 4. Sessions focused on specific skills, such as critical thinking, visualization techniques, or storytelling, that can enhance their mapping process. 5.Include time for participants to reflect on their experiences and insights gained during the workshops, solidifying their understanding and commitment. 6. Clear objectives for their mapping process, ensuring that each participant has a personal vision to guide their work.

When the client’s goal-setting becomes as vague as a horoscope, I: 🔹 Turn “I want success” into specifics → Ask “What does success look like for you in 6 months?” 🔹 Reverse-engineer their wins → “What’s one thing you’ve achieved before, and how did you get there? 🔹 Set “procrastination-proof” milestones → Small & clear steps that prevent feeling overwhelmed (prevents procrastination disguised as “research”) 🔹 Accountability = Love → Regular check-ins keep everything moving Alternatively, you could also bribe them with coffee and muffins 😉