I often hear negative viewpoints about setting goals – and I understand that there may be good reasons for this. But in my view, goals are simply part of how we move forward. Without them, how can we grow, transform and achieve the changes we want to see in our lives?
This question deepened for me after reading Steve de Shazer’s work on the distinction between goals and solutions. In Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), the emphasis is not on goals themselves, but on the solution – the lived outcome of change.
Sitting with this tension between goals and solutions, I found myself asking: How do we move toward a desired future if we don’t first give it shape? It was during a walk in nature that the idea of using G.O.A.L.S as an acronym came to me: Growth. Opportunity. Ability. Learning. Sustainability.
A simple, solution-focused approach to help move from where you are to where you want to be. To simply go beyond.
Change Requires Action
The known concept of a growth goal aligns with a future-focused mindset – going beyond what is, toward what could be. This thinking is closely linked to the Growth Mindset, a term developed by Carol Dweck, which is the belief that our abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.
At the same time, I began to notice a few common barriers:
- We often miss opportunities because we don’t recognise them – we don’t spend time or attention looking for them.
- We hesitate because we doubt our ability or fear failure.
- We procrastinate because the first step feels too big.
So I began asking: What if we knew that we already have what we need to begin?
The G.O.A.L.S Framework
Growth: Going Beyond
Think about your life a few months or years ahead and consider what you would like to change or move toward.
- What desired outcome would you like to achieve in the next few months?
- What would growth look like for you?
- What difference would this make in your life or for others?
*Top tip to remember: Growth stretches us. Growth and comfort rarely co-exist.
Opportunity: Opening Doors
When you have a clearer picture of where you’re going, it becomes easier to notice opportunities.
- What opportunities could help you move forward?
- How will you recognise the right ones?
- What might you need to do to create or seize them?
Opportunity often comes unexpectedly – being ready matters.
Ability: Putting Strength into Action
Before taking action, reflect on what you already have.
- What strengths, skills, or experiences can you draw on?
- When have you done something similar before?
- What support or resources might you need?
Recognising your ability builds the confidence to begin.
Learning: Growing Through the Process
Lasting change invites continuous learning.
- What do you hope to learn through this process?
- How might this growth impact your life or others?
- What would progress look like along the way?
Even in difficulty, there is always something to be gained.
Sustainability: Change That Lasts
Real change happens through small, consistent steps.
- What simple, measurable step could you take next?
- How will you track your progress?
- How will you celebrate each step forward?
Small steps reduce overwhelm and build momentum toward lasting outcomes.
Noticing Progress
An important part of this journey is taking time to pause and reflect on your progress.
One simple way to do this is by using a scale from 0 to 10, where 10 represents your desired outcome, and 0 is the opposite.
- Where are you right now on that scale?
- What tells you that you are at this number and not lower?
- What is already working?
Then earmark a few checkpoints in your timeline where you’ll set aside time to reconsider these scale questions and reflect on progress. This is a brilliant way to help you recognise what is already in place, build on it, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
A Simple, Adaptable Approach
The strength of this framework lies in its simplicity.
It can be adapted to suit individuals, teams, and organisations – supporting both personal and professional growth. When applied consistently, it helps create clarity, build confidence, and sustain meaningful change over time.
What Next?
If this resonates with you, you might start by asking yourself one simple question: What is one small step I could take today?
And if you would value support in navigating that journey, I would be honoured to walk alongside you. You’re always welcome to get in touch.