Achieving goals with NLP – How to set effective goals and stay on track

What can you do to really achieve your goals? In this podcast episode of the NLP Podcast with Stefan Landsiedel and Marian Sefferer it’s about one of the central themes of life: Setting and realizing goals. You will learn why goals are important, how to formulate them clearly and effectively in the sense of NLP, and how to find the inner motivation to stay committed in the long term.

The World of NLP is the largest NLP platform in the world – with hundreds of courses, demos, and exercises to learn exactly that. You can test it free for four weeks.

Why have goals at all?

Goals are more than just wishes – they give our life direction, structure, and meaning. When you set a goal, you activate processes in your subconscious that automatically support you in achieving that goal. Your brain filters information anew, and you suddenly recognize opportunities and solutions that you previously overlooked.

Without a goal, however, you are like Alice in Wonderland, who doesn’t know where she wants to go – and the cat rightly says: "Then it doesn’t matter which way you go." Goals are the compass of your life. They give you focus, motivation, and energy – and they help you to unfold your potential.

Creating clarity – from desire to concrete goal

A common reason why people do not achieve their goals: They are too vaguely formulated. Statements like "I want to live healthier" or "I want to be more successful" are too vague. NLP helps to turn such wishes into precise, verifiable goals .

Examples:

• "I want to live healthier." → "I drink 2.5 liters of water every day and walk for 30 minutes three times a week."
• "I want more self-confidence." → "I talk to two new people every week and give a presentation next month."
• "I want to be more successful." → "I will gain three new clients by June 30th."

A goal only becomes powerful when you can define it sensorially – that is, describe what you will see, hear, feel, smell, or taste when you have achieved it. Only then can your brain begin to work towards it.

The NLP well-formedness criteria for goals

In NLP, there are clear criteria for when a goal is "well-formed" – that is, realistic, motivating, and achievable. Here are the most important ones:

1. Formulated positively

Focus on what you want, not on what you want to avoid. Your brain does not understand negations. "I don’t want to be stressed anymore" continues to create stress. "I want to feel relaxed and balanced" is more effective.

2. Concrete sensory description

What does it look like when you have achieved your goal? What do you hear, what do you feel, what do others say? The more vividly you can imagine it, the more real it becomes for your brain.

3. Self-achievable

A goal should depend on you. "My partner should lose weight" is not a personal goal. "I cook healthily and motivate my partner to join" is.

4. Attractive and motivating

A good goal evokes positive emotions . If you don’t feel any energy when thinking about it, it’s either not your goal or not formulated correctly.

5. Realistic and verifiable

A goal must be achievable. You should be able to believe in it. Unrealistic goals demotivate. Realistic but challenging goals inspire.

6. Timed

A goal without a date is just a dream (Milton Erickson). Set yourself a clear date: "On June 30th, I will weigh 70 kilos." This turns an idea into a plan.

7. Ecologically consistent

A goal should fit your entire life – your family, health, career, and values. Ask yourself: “What would be the consequences if I really achieve this goal?”

8. Feedback-capable

How can you recognize that you are getting closer to your goal? Feedback motivates and provides direction. Plan intermediate goals, measurable stages, or daily reflections.

Scaling questions and feedback

A powerful NLP tool for goal setting is scaling questions. They help you perceive progress – especially with subjective goals like “more self-confidence” or “more calmness.”

Example: “On a scale from 0 to 10 – where am I right now?” “What would be the difference between 4 and 5?” “What can I do to go from 5 to 6?”

With these small steps, the goal remains achievable and you stay motivated. Because every progress – no matter how small – is a success signal to your brain.

The ecology check – do your goals fit your life?

In NLP, ecology does not mean environmental protection, but system compatibility. Ask yourself: “What positive and negative consequences would it have if I achieve my goal?”

Example: If you want to become an Ironman, that sounds great – but are you ready to train every morning at 4 AM and spend less time with family? Or if you develop more assertiveness at work – how does that change your partnership?

A goal is only meaningful if you are also willing to live with its consequences. NLP coaches specifically check this with their clients to avoid later conflicts.

Everest goals: Thinking in large dimensions

The concept of Everest goalscomes from positive psychology. Here you ask yourself: “What is the goal behind the goal?” or “What is ten times bigger than my current goal?”

This way, you think beyond limits. It expands your vision and gives your goal meaning and emotional depth. Additionally, the question helps: “How does this goal make me a better person?”

Such questions connect external success with internal growth – and make your goals more sustainable and fulfilling.

Summary: Your path to goal achievement

If you consider all NLP criteria, your goal will not only be clearer but also achievable. Here are the most important points again:

• Formulate your goal positively and concretely.
• Make it sensorially experienceable.
• Set a date and intermediate goals.
• Check the ecology of your goal.
• Make sure it is achievable by yourself. attractive
• Make it – feel the motivation. Work with
• feedback scaling and If you apply this consistently, you will not only achieve more but also the right things – namely goals that make you grow, inspire you, and enrich your life..

In the

Tip: you will find extensive courses, practical exercises, and coaching to truly master goal setting and motivation with NLP. Test the platform now World of NLP and start with your own goals. numerous lectures and interviews with trainers and pioneers. The platform is your access to the modern NLP world – Frequently asked questions about setting goals with NLP