26 Jan Powerful Questions for Goal Setting
Deb Herrera, an Executive Coach and former CFO joins Solveig Brown to discuss powerful questions for goal setting and their the transformative power. Deb shares her structured approach to defining and achieving goals. If you’ve ever set a goal only to feel lost on how to achieve it, these questions will help you get specific, stay motivated, and take actionable steps.
Why Goal Clarity Matters
Deb explains that coaching goals differ from business goals. Unlike measurable business objectives, personal and professional development goals—such as improving executive presence—can feel “squishy” and hard to define. That’s where her power questions come in, helping individuals visualize success, identify obstacles, and create a clear action plan.
8 Powerful Questions for Goal Setting
- Big Picture: What are you trying to achieve?
- Define Success: Imagine six months from now—how will you know you’ve achieved your goal?
- External Feedback: What will others (bosses, colleagues, direct reports) notice when you succeed?
- Personal Impact: What will it feel like when you reach your goal?
- Opportunities: What will be available to you that isn’t now? (e.g., promotion, confidence, recognition)
- Motivation Check: Why bother with this goal now?
- Consequences of Inaction: What if you do nothing related to this goal?
- First Step: What is one small, achievable step you can take today?
These questions help transform vague goals into actionable steps, ensuring clarity and commitment.
Overcoming Common Obstacles
Fear & Self-Doubt
- Say your fears out loud or write them down.
- Ask: What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the likelihood?
- Follow the “then what?” sequence to analyze potential consequences logically.
Time Constraints
- Instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” ask, “What would have to be true for me to make time?”
- Identify hidden obstacles—email overload, work-life balance—and find solutions.
- Focus on small steps to reduce overwhelm.
The Power of Starting Small
Deb emphasizes the importance of small, consistent actions:
- If your goal is fitness, start by putting on your running shoes—not running a marathon.
- If you want to improve executive presence, start by speaking up once in a meeting rather than expecting overnight transformation.
- Small wins build confidence and momentum, making success feel achievable.
For further insights, Deb recommends the TED Talk: BJ Fogg on Tiny Habits
Conclusion
Deb’s power questions offer a structured yet flexible way to refine goals, reduce uncertainty, and take action. Using her powerful questions for goal setting, you can turn ambitions into clear, achievable steps. To jumpstart your goal clarity, complete the Goal Setting Tool based on Deb’s process.
About Deb Herrera
Deb Herrera, an Executive Coach and former CFO, is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations realize their fullest potential. With leadership and financial experience from General Mills, Best Buy, Honeywell, Thomson Reuters, and Schwan’s Food Company, she has worked across 20+ industries and countries, partnering with C-suite leaders, boards, and teams to drive transformational change. Her coaching approach blends strategic business expertise with a deep commitment to personal growth, inspired by her own life-changing coaching experience. A longtime Menttium mentor and former mentee, Deb is dedicated to empowering leaders at every level.