Goal setting is one of my favorite topics. As a counselor and aerial coach, I’ve been helping clients and students set meaningful goals for over twenty years! In fact, I’ve been doing it so long that I sometimes forget it’s not an intuitive process for everyone. Many of us practice “hope setting” or compile a list of “want-tos” instead of actionable goals. And while dreaming big is a great first step, simply envisioning magical outcomes won’t keep us focused or motivated to achieve them.
In this post, I’ll share some tried-and-true methods for developing clear goals and actionable paths to success.
Step 1: Define Your Outcome Goal
Let’s start by clearly stating your single desired outcome. I challenge you to do this boldly—like a five-year-old who just got a Supergirl cape for Christmas. Imagine your future self as a grown-up aerialist. What do you want to achieve?
This is your chance to dream big. Maybe that little voice inside says, “Barbara, you’ve only taken two classes. How on earth will you ever tour with P!nk?” Ignore that voice and confidently reply, “This is my goal, and I’ll find a way to work toward it.”
Take your time to reflect on your outcome goal. Visualize it. Meditate on it. Journal about it. Finding your “North Star” goal—the one that truly inspires and excites you—will give you the clarity and motivation you need to move forward.
Step 2: Break It Down
Once your outcome goal is shining like a beacon, it’s time to break it down into smaller, actionable objectives. These are the steps that will lead you toward your dream.
Let’s stick with our imaginary friend, Barbara. She’s taken two aerial classes, but her big outcome goal is to tour with P!nk. If she were sitting with me, I’d ask, “What needs to happen before you can get on that tour?” We’d work backward from her goal, identifying key milestones along the way.
For example:
Outcome: Tour with P!nk.
Objective: Invert from the floor.
This might seem like a small step, but trust me—it’s SMART!
Step 3: Make SMART Objectives
The SMART method of goal planning was first used within organizational psychology to improve productivity. Since then, SMART goals have been used in many fields, including sports, education, and healthcare.
The SMART framework ensures your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let’s use Imaginary Barbara’s objective, “Invert from the floor,” to illustrate:
S - Specific: Make the goal as clear as possible. Instead of “Invert from the floor,” Barbara could say, “I will straddle from the floor without jumping or using my feet to help me over.” Now it’s precise. Slay.
M - Measurable: Define how progress will be tracked. Barbara might:
Record her training sessions.
Keep a journal.
Commit to practicing straddles 10 times per open gym session.
A - Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic given current circumstances. Barbara may need regular access to classes, gym time, or equipment. Her goal should stretch her abilities but remain within reach.
R - Relevant: Make sure the goal aligns with the bigger outcome. Learning to invert from the floor is 100% relevant to touring with P!nk. (Knitting? Not so much.)
T - Time-bound: Set a deadline. Without one, goals can feel directionless. Barbara might aim to achieve her straddle by March 31st. Adding a timeline creates urgency and focus.
Here’s the revised objective:
“I will straddle from the floor without jumping or using my feet to help me over by March 31st.”
Step 4: Create Action Steps
Goals need action plans. What steps will Barbara take to reach her objective? I recommend focusing on 3–4 key actions. For example:
Outcome: I will tour with P!nk.
Objective: I will straddle from the floor without jumping or using my feet to help me over by March 31st.
Action Steps:
Attend aerial class twice per week for three months.
Practice straddles 10 times during every open gym for three months.
Do floor drills at home three times per week for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Track Progress and Adjust
Keep a journal or training diary to track your progress. Revisit your goals and objectives every three months (or sooner if you achieve them early). Celebrate your wins, adjust your steps if needed, and set the next round of goals.
I challenge you to outline three objectives for your outcome goal. Not four—unless you like things square, in which case, I’ll give you side-eye but still cheer you on.
Happy Goal Setting! Remember, with a clear plan and consistent action, even the loftiest dreams—like touring with P!nk—are within reach. 💪✨
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