For this month’s column, Gemma Crane, Founder and Director of Mindset-HR gives a no-nonsense guide to personal and career growth
Setting goals is one of the most meaningful ways to create focus and direction in your life. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, develop new skills, or achieve personal milestones – having a clear plan can guide you forward and keep you motivated. Not all goals are the same, and understanding how they differ can help you approach them in a way that feels manageable and inspiring. The A, B, and C goal framework is a simple yet effective method for categorising your ambitions, ensuring you balance the achievable with the aspirational.
What are A, B, and C Goals?
This framework divides your goals into three types: those that feel within reach, those that challenge you, and those that might seem like distant dreams. Each type plays a unique role in your journey.
A Goals: Achievable Goals
A Goals are your practical objectives – the ones you know you can achieve with your current skills and resources. These are the everyday goals that keep you on track and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Example: Completing a course you’ve already started, improving your fitness by walking every day, or dedicating 15 minutes a day to reading.
A Goals give you consistency and build confidence. They remind you of your capabilities and provide the steady foundation needed to pursue bigger aspirations.
B Goals: Bold Goals
B Goals require effort, courage, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. These goals are challenging but realistic, often involving learning something new or taking on greater responsibility.
Example: Applying for a promotion, learning a new language, or presenting at a professional event for the first time.
B Goals encourage growth. They help you build new skills, expand your experiences, and develop resilience. Achieving a B Goal often gives you the confidence to take on even greater challenges.
C Goals: Creative Goals
C Goals are your dreams – the ambitious and visionary ideas that might feel far away but inspire you to think bigger. These are the goals that align with your deepest values and passions, representing what you truly want to achieve in life.
Example: Writing a book, starting your own business, or changing careers to follow your passion.
C Goals bring purpose and meaning to your ambitions. They help you look beyond the day-to-day and focus on what really matters to you.
How to Use A, B, and C Goals in Your Life
Balancing these three types of goals ensures you have a mix of short-term wins, personal challenges, and long-term aspirations. Here’s how to get started:
1. Write Down Your Goals
Reflect on what you want to achieve in the next year, five years, and beyond. Categorise them into A, B, and C Goals.
2. Create a Plan
For A Goals, list small, practical steps you can take immediately. For B Goals, identify what support or resources you’ll need. For C Goals, map out long-term actions and don’t worry about having all the answers right away.
3. Review Regularly
Check your progress and adjust as needed. Celebrate when you complete an A Goal, reflect on the growth you achieve with B Goals, and keep your C Goals in sight, even if progress feels slow.
4. Stay Flexible
Life changes, and so do your goals. It’s okay to shift your priorities or add new ambitions as you grow and discover new opportunities.
Why Goal-Setting Matters
Having a clear sense of direction gives you more than just something to aim for – it helps you grow into the person you want to become. A Goals build your confidence, B Goals develop your skills, and C Goals inspire you to live a life that feels true to yourself.
By understanding and using the A, B, and C framework, you can create a balanced approach to personal and career development that feels both achievable and meaningful.
Ready to Take the First Step?
I’m passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals, whether they’re taking on new challenges or redefining their ambitions. Through coaching and guidance, I can help you build the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.
Get in touch to learn more about how I can support your personal and professional growth. Let’s start building the life and career you’ve always envisioned!
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Featured image – supplied
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