Reach Higher with CLIMB Goal Setting Framework
A Smarter Way to Set and Achieve Meaningful Goals
If you’ve ever set a SMART goal—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound—you know the basics of goal setting. SMART goals help make your goals measurable and actionable. But if you’ve ever found yourself losing motivation, feeling disconnected, or achieving the goal without real growth, there’s a reason: SMART goals don’t fully address why the goal matters or how to maintain progress over time.
That’s why I developed the CLIMB Framework, a goal-setting approach designed to help individuals and teams set goals that are clear, aligned, measurable, and motivating. CLIMB helps you stretch beyond what feels comfortable while keeping your goals purposeful and actionable.
This framework works best for annual or quarterly goals, the types that drive transformation. While achieving any goal requires effort, CLIMB ensures you understand why your goal matters and provides a structure for consistent progress and reflection.
The CLIMB Goal-Setting Framework
C – Clear
Your goal must be specific, focused, and well-defined. Ambiguous goals lead to confusion and lack of progress.
Ask yourself:
What exactly do I want to achieve?
Why is this goal important?
What does success look like?
When do I expect to accomplish it?
How will I objectively measure success?
Example:
“Launch my online course by July 15th so I can help small business owners improve productivity systems.”
L – Linked to Mission
Goals should align with your broader mission, vision, or purpose. This ensures your work moves you forward in a meaningful direction rather than just keeping you busy.
Ask yourself:
How does this goal contribute to my bigger vision?
Does it align with my values and priorities?
If I achieve this goal, how will it move me closer to my long-term vision?
Example:
“This goal aligns with my mission to make continuous improvement simple and accessible for all, supporting my values of growth, curiosity, and making a difference.”
I – Incremental Progress
Big goals are achieved through small, consistent steps. Break your goal into manageable actions that build momentum.
Ask yourself:
What actionable steps can be taken to make progress on this goal?
How can I measure progress along the way?
What are some milestones I can consider?
Are there habits or routines that need to be completed and measured for success?
Types of measures:
Outcome Measures: Results like revenue earned, pounds lost, or miles run.
Process Measures: Effort-based actions like hours worked, workouts completed, or meals prepped.
Focusing on both outcome and process measures keeps you moving forward while building habits that last.
M – Monitoring
Monitoring ensures you are actively reviewing progress and making adjustments. Rather than waiting for milestones, monitoring is continuous and adaptive.
Ask yourself:
How often will I check progress (weekly, biweekly, monthly)?
Which metrics will I track to evaluate both effort and outcomes?
What changes or improvements might I make based on what I learn?
How will I hold myself accountable to stay on track?
Monitoring creates a feedback loop, helping you stay aligned with your mission and avoid getting stuck or discouraged.
B – Bold
Bold goals challenge and inspire. They stretch you beyond your comfort zone without being overwhelming.
Ask yourself:
Does this goal excite and challenge me?
Am I thinking big enough, or am I limiting myself out of fear?
Bold goals fuel motivation, growth, and resilience—even if you don’t reach them exactly as planned.
Why CLIMB Works
The CLIMB Framework combines the clarity of SMART goals with the structure, purpose, and motivation needed for long-term success. By integrating incremental progress and active monitoring, CLIMB keeps you moving while reflecting on your journey. It ensures your goals are not just achievable, but meaningful and ambitious, helping you grow personally and professionally.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to set goals that inspire action and align with your mission:
Schedule a free consultation to explore personalized CLIMB goal coaching by emailing Sonja.griffin@klsolutionsllc.com.
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With CLIMB, continuous improvement becomes simple, intentional, and rewarding—one goal at a time.
