“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of plan, in which we
must fervently believe and upon which we must vigorously
act. There is no other route to success.”
– Pablo Picasso

In discussions of the term “goal,” it is difficult not to mention “plan” alongside it. These two constructs are seemingly conjoined like Siamese twins. Even in their definitions, goals and plans are intertwined: a goal is defined as the end toward which an effort is directed, while a plan is a method for achieving that end. When goals and plans are perfectly aligned, they create a synergy that leads to success. Thus, goal-setting and planning are critical for personal growth and development. Those who embrace self-improvement must prioritize these two essential practices.

Locke and Latham (2002) describe a goal as an idea of the future or desired result that a person or a group of people envisions, plans for, and commits to achieving. Goals are the object or aim of an action, such as attaining a specific standard of proficiency, typically within a specified time frame. In contrast, a plan is defined as “a set of actions that have been thought of as a way to do or achieve something” (Britannica, n.d.). Both goals and plans often come with deadlines, underscoring their interconnectedness.

Goal setting is the process of defining goals, and planning identifies the actions necessary to achieve those goals effectively. In reality, goal-setting and planning are inseparable. Setting goals without corresponding plans or making plans without anchoring them to specific goals is futile. Goals without a plan are like knowing where you want to go without knowing how to get there while planning without an identified goal is like setting out on a journey without a specific destination. Goal setting is the first step in the planning process; once you have established your desired goals, you can create a plan to achieve them. Planning, in turn, creates a roadmap that guides you toward achieving your goals.

To further illustrate the relationship between goal-setting and planning, we can examine the goal-plan paradigm developed by Simon Sinek, known as the Golden Circle Model. This model effectively represents the connections between these constructs and highlights their significance. The Golden Circle consists of three layers: “Why” at the core, “How” in the middle layer, and “What” at the outermost part. This paradigm emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying purpose (“Why”) before establishing the process (“How”) and the outcome (“What”).

In this model, the “Why” represents the goal—the purpose or desired outcome that forms the basis for all actions. The “How” corresponds to the plan and the organized efforts necessary to reach the goal. Finally, the “What” represents the specific outcomes or results from carefully executing the goals and plans. Although the terms “Why” and “What” might seem interchangeable, Sinek clarifies that the “Why” refers to the underlying purpose or reason for wanting to achieve an outcome. In contrast, the “What” refers to the tangible results.

Sinek strongly argues that understanding the “Why” is crucial, particularly at the organizational level. Most organizations and leaders know what they do and how they do it, but they often struggle to articulate why they do it. The “Why” is vital because it inspires and motivates leaders and followers. This insight also applies to individuals: the “Why,” or the goal, is the source of passion and commitment, providing a definite direction for organizations and individuals.

To illustrate his assertions, Sinek’s example was Apple’s Why, How, and What.

This example demonstrates that an organization’s “What”—the products or services it offers—is not the goal itself but rather the outcome of an apparent “Why.”

Setting goals and making plans are crucial to achieving success in both personal and professional realms. As Berkman (2018) explained, “Setting goals is easy; achieving them is hard.” While achieving goals may be challenging, it is not impossible. Effective planning makes goal achievement possible.           

You have probably heard about SMART goals already. Goal setting involves defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that individuals or organizations want to achieve. This is the golden rule of goal-setting.

When goals are specific, it means they are clear. They answer the questions of who, what, where, when, and why.  Making the goals measurable means their progress can be tracked. Several other clear indicators are involved. Achievable goals are realistic and attainable given your current situation,  resources, and time, while relevant goals are worthwhile or worth pursuing. Their purpose is clear. Time-bound means a specific deadline or timeframe for achieving the goal.

Chowdhury (2019) mentioned that researchers have made the “SMART” rule “SMARTER.” The letters E and R are appended to SMART, with the E standing for evaluative or ethical and R rewarding. He explained that interventions and executing ethical goals follow professional and personal ethics. Rewarding means that the results or goal setting brings the user a positive reward and a feeling of accomplishment.

By using the SMART/SMARTER framework, individuals and organizations can rest assured that their goals are well-defined, making it easier to plan, execute, and achieve them successfully.

After setting goals comes planning. As Antoine de Saint-Exupery says, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Without a plan, even the best goals will not come to fruition.

The activities required to achieve desired goals must be identified and organized. The planning process involves drawing a specific course of action that identifies what needs to be done, when, how, and by whom.

A good plan provides a clear roadmap. It helps simplify complex tasks and make them more manageable. It also promotes efficient use of the M resources—manpower, machinery, materials, and money. Planning enables you to foresee what resources are needed and when. It ensures that your decisions are aligned with the goals, reducing the likelihood of making decisions impulsively.

The best part of indulging in planning is that it helps you achieve work-life balance. It allows you to pursue your professional and personal endeavors without sacrificing one over the other.

The interplay between goal setting and planning is fundamental in pursuing success in both personal and professional endeavors. Goals provide the direction, the “Why,” while plans provide the roadmap, the “How.” The synergy they create ensures that the “What”—the tangible outcomes—is achieved efficiently and effectively. When goal-setting and planning are done correctly, they transform dreams into reality and make success not just possible but inevitable.