Have you ever set big, ambitious goal and then felt overwhelmed before you even started? I’ve been there.
I recently revisited a goal-setting framework from productivity expert Ali Abdaal that completely shifts how I approach my own plans: the NICE goals framework.
Here’s what NICE stands for:
N – Near-term – achievable within a reasonable time frame.
I – Input-based – focused on actions you control.
C – Controllable – relies on factors within your influence, not luck or chance.
E – Energizing – excites and motivates you to take action.
💡 Why this works
Traditional goals often focus on big, distant outcomes—like “become more visible on LinkedIn.” That can feel daunting and leave you unsure where to start.
With NICE goals, the focus shifts to near-term, controllable actions that you know you can commit to. This approach builds momentum and confidence, because you’re measuring effort, not just results.
✅ NICE Goal: Post 3X on LinkedIn each week
N – Near-term: it’s something you can start this week rather than a far-off target like “become more visible.” You can see progress immediately.
I – Input-based: you control how often you post. You’re not measuring likes, comments, or impressions (which depend on other people and the algorithm).
C – Controllable: you choose the topics, create the content, and hit publish. No one else decides whether this happens.
E – Energizing: this goal keeps you showing up and sharing your voice. It’s motivating because you know it directly contributes to your visibility, credibility, and impact.
❤️ My own example
One of my goals I sent back in January was to build the content for my group coaching community: the Women in Tech Rising Collective.
Instead of writing “Make my content library amazing” (too vague, too big), my NICE goal was:
“Create two worksheets and one video per week.”
✅ It’s near-term: I can do these tasks each week.
✅ It’s input-based: I control the writing, filming, or uploading.
✅ It’s controllable:: no one else has to say yes for me to make it happen.
✅ It’s energizing: this content is at the heart of why I built the community in the first place!
I was so motivated and knocked this NICE goal out of the park. You should have seen how happy I was at the coffee shop or poolside with my laptop while my kids swam, pulling together 5 years of coaching tools into something new and impactful.
⏩ Your turn
What are your NICE goals?
Think of 3–5 things you want to accomplish in the next few months. Then check: do they meet the NICE criteria?
Pick the one that excites you most and commit to it. Write it somewhere you’ll see it daily. Share it with a friend or family member.
Humans thrive with clarity and accountability. The Women in Tech Rising Collective provides the structure and support you need to achieve your goals.
🔥 Doors open again in September.
Join the waitlist today and start dreaming up your NICE goals now.
Lots of love,
-Anna
