What if the missing ingredient in your goal-setting wasn’t the goal itself but saying it out loud?
Last week, I ran two experiences that reminded me just how powerful a public declaration can be. But first, let me introduce you to the goal-setting framework that started it all.
Meet the NICE Goals Framework
Have you ever set a big, ambitious goal and then felt completely overwhelmed before you even started? I’ve been there.
I recently revisited a goal-setting framework from productivity expert Ali Abdaal that completely shifted how I approach my own plans: NICE goals. Here’s what it stands for:
☑️ N – Near-term: achievable within a reasonable timeframe. Something you can start this week, not a distant, foggy target.
☑️ I – Input-based: focused on actions you control, not outcomes that depend on other people or the algorithm. You’re measuring effort, not just results.
☑️ C – Controllable: relies on factors within your influence, not luck or chance. No one else has to say yes for you to make it happen.
☑️ E – Energizing: excites and motivates you to take action. If your goal doesn’t light you up a little, it’s going to be hard to stay committed.
The magic of NICE goals is in that shift from outcome to action. Instead of “become more visible on LinkedIn” (vague, overwhelming, dependent on the algorithm), a NICE goal looks like: Post three times on LinkedIn each week. You control it completely. You can start immediately. And every time you hit publish, you feel the momentum building.
Now, here’s where the magic multiplies.
⏩ On Wednesday, I led a mini NICE goals workshop for my Alliance 360 women in business group. After everyone crafted one personal and one professional NICE goal, we went around the room and shared them out loud. The energy was electric. Interestingly, so many of the goals centered on fitness and health, a beautiful reminder that we’re all working on ourselves in more ways than one.
⏩ Then on Friday, I closed my Fearless Founders workshop at Vancouver Startup Week with a bold action exercise. Participants journaled on one thing they wanted to complete in the next 24 hours and then shared it with the room.
The shift was palpable. Something changes when you say your goal out loud to other people. It stops being a thought and becomes a commitment.
And the research backs this up. Studies show you are significantly more likely to follow through on a goal when you declare it to others. Accountability isn’t just motivating, it’s transformative.
🔥 I’ve seen this play out in real time. Someone who attended my Fearless Founders talk last year walked out and announced on LinkedIn that he was becoming a coach. This year, he came back and announced a brand-new career direction on LinkedIn the same day. Two years in a row, a public declaration sparked real, lasting change.
Here’s your challenge this week…
Take five minutes to craft one NICE goal, personal or professional. Run it through the four criteria. Does it feel near-term? Is it focused on your inputs? Is it fully within your control? Does it energize you?
Then declare it. Simply hit reply and share it with me. I read every email and would love to cheer you on.
Lots of love,
-Anna
P. S. Ready to get clear on your bigger goals?
If you’re craving more clarity, direction, and accountability in your personal or professional life, I’d love to connect. Book a free Clarity Call with me and let’s map out what’s possible for you.
