Setting Goals for Successful Project Management

I’ve always been a fan of goal setting, list-making, and the laws of attraction. But let’s be honest—some projects just don’t get done. Why? It’s often time, money, or resources, but in my experience, having a plan is the best way to get there. You still may need to conquer the fear of failure, the fear of success, or some other mental roadblock, but for me, having that plan is key. And then? Consistency has to follow.

Over the years, I’ve managed everything from creative campaigns to branding projects. Some were smooth, others were chaotic, but the one common thread in every successful project was clear, intentional goal setting. Here’s how I break it down to ensure projects don’t just start—they get finished.

Start with the Big Picture

Before getting lost in the details, zoom out. What’s the real end goal? Ask yourself:

• What do I want to achieve?
• Who is this project for?
• How does it fit into my bigger vision or business (or personal) objectives?

When you define the purpose first, everything else falls into place more naturally.

Why Do Some Projects Fail?

Have you ever started a project with great intentions, only to watch it stall out? It happens to the best of us. Projects fail for a few key reasons:

• Goals are too vague or unrealistic.
• There’s no clear structure or accountability.
• Communication breaks down within the team.
• Tasks aren’t tracked, leading to missed deadlines.

The solution? Intentional goal setting backed by structured planning.

Make Your Goals SMART

I love making lists, but not all goals are created equal. That’s why I stick to the SMART goal framework:

• Specific – Be crystal clear about what you want to achieve.
• Measurable – Set milestones and define success in numbers or results.
• Achievable – Be realistic about time and resources.
• Relevant – Align it with your broader objectives.
• Time-bound – Give it a deadline (because “someday” is not a deadline).

I’ve read many books on project management over my career. I find it interesting how people work and reflect—how they set goals, measure progress, and ultimately achieve success. Everyone has their own approach, but the common thread is always clarity and structure in goal setting.

Push for More with OKRs

If you want to stretch beyond basic goals, try using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). This method is used by companies like Google and LinkedIn to keep teams focused and motivated.

• Objective: Your big-picture ambition (e.g., Increase brand awareness).
• Key Results: The measurable steps to get there (e.g., Grow Instagram following by 20% in 3 months, increase website traffic by 30%).

OKRs push you to think bigger but still keep things measurable.

Prioritize Communication with Your Team

Even the best-laid plans can fall apart without strong communication. Whether you’re leading a team or collaborating with clients, keeping everyone informed and aligned is crucial.

• Set clear expectations – Everyone should understand their role, deadlines, and responsibilities.
• Check in with purpose – Meetings should be focused and productive, not just something you schedule out of habit.
• Encourage open feedback – Creating a space for honest discussions leads to better problem-solving.
• Use the right tools – A solid project management system keeps everything organized without endless email chains.

A lack of communication often leads to missed deadlines, confusion, and frustration. Prioritizing it ensures everyone is working toward the same goal.

Use Tools That Work (I Swear by Asana)

I’ve tested a lot of project management tools over the years, and Asana is my go-to. It helps me:

• Break big projects into manageable tasks
• Assign deadlines and responsibilities
• Stay organized without drowning in sticky notes and notebooks

Whether you’re managing a team or flying solo, having a tool like Asana keeps everything in one place. It’s been a game-changer for my workflow.

Stay Consistent & Adapt

Having a plan is step one, but sticking to it is where the real magic happens. Consistency beats perfection every time. If something isn’t working, adjust your approach instead of abandoning the goal entirely.

Final Thoughts

Projects fail when goals aren’t clear, priorities aren’t set, and there’s no plan to actually execute. But when you take the time to map out your goals, break them into steps, and track progress with the right tools, things start to move forward—fast.

So, what project have you been putting off? Let’s set some goals and make it happen.