Describe a Goal You Achieved

Describe a Goal You Achieved, Which Was Set by Yourself

• What Is the Goal?
• When did You First Begin to Have This Goal?
• How would you achieve the First Step of Your Goal?
• How Easy or Difficult Do You Think It Will Be to Reach This Goal?

One of the most meaningful goals I set for myself was to improve my English communication skills. During my second year of college, I realised that although I could write well, I wasn’t confident when speaking English fluently, especially during presentations and interviews. So, I made a personal goal to become more confident and fluent within six months.

To achieve this, I created a structured plan. I started watching English news channels like NDTV and BBC daily, reading newspapers such as The Hindu, and speaking only in English with my friends. I also joined a local speaking club in my city called “English Express,” where we practised debates, storytelling, and impromptu speeches every weekend.

Initially, it was quite challenging. I often hesitated, made grammatical errors, and felt embarrassed in front of others. But I stayed consistent, reminded myself that mistakes are part of learning, and kept pushing forward. Slowly, my vocabulary and pronunciation improved, and I started feeling much more confident.

After six months, I was able to deliver a full presentation in English during a college seminar, and my professor even appreciated my clarity and confidence. That moment felt like a huge victory. This goal not only helped me academically but also opened doors for internships and job interviews later on. Achieving it taught me that consistency and self-belief are far more potent than talent alone.

💬 Follow-up Questions

1. Do you think it’s important to set goals in life? Why or why not?

Yes, absolutely. Setting goals gives direction and purpose to our efforts. Without goals, people often end up wasting time and energy on unproductive things. In India, for example, students who plan their academic or career goals early tend to perform better because they have a clear path to follow. Goals also help people stay motivated and disciplined, especially when progress feels slow. They act like a roadmap to long-term success.

2. What types of goals do most young people in your country set nowadays?

Most young Indians today set goals related to education, career, and fitness. Many aim to crack competitive exams like UPSC or IELTS to study or work abroad. Others focus on building financial independence through startups or freelancing. Fitness and self-improvement goals have also become popular, especially after the pandemic. Overall, modern youth are much more goal-oriented and ambitious compared to previous generations, mainly because of increased exposure to global opportunities and online learning platforms.

3. How can setting small goals help in achieving big ones?

Small goals act as stepping stones towards larger achievements. When we divide a big goal into smaller, manageable tasks, it becomes less intimidating and easier to track progress. For instance, if someone wants to lose 10 kilos, starting with a goal of walking 30 minutes daily makes it achievable. In India, students preparing for big exams like IIT or NEET often set daily or weekly targets to maintain consistency. Small wins build confidence and long-term discipline.

4. What motivates people to achieve their goals?

Motivation often comes from personal dreams, family expectations, or a desire for self-improvement. In India, many young people are driven by the wish to make their parents proud or to achieve financial stability. External rewards like recognition or promotions also motivate people. However, I believe intrinsic motivation — the inner satisfaction of achieving something meaningful — lasts longer than temporary external factors. When the purpose is strong, motivation naturally follows, even during tough times.

5. Why do some people fail to achieve their goals even after trying hard?

There are many reasons. Some people set unrealistic goals without proper planning, while others lose focus midway. Lack of discipline and consistency are major factors. For instance, many students in India start strong while preparing for exams, but gradually lose momentum due to distractions like social media. Sometimes external challenges, like financial or health issues, also play a role. In my opinion, success requires patience and adaptability, not just effort.

6. How important is self-discipline when it comes to achieving success?

Self-discipline is absolutely vital. It’s what keeps you going when motivation fades. In India, many top achievers — from athletes like Neeraj Chopra to entrepreneurs like Ratan Tata — emphasise discipline as the foundation of their success. Even small daily habits, like waking up early or sticking to a study schedule, create long-term impact. Without discipline, even the most talented individuals struggle to stay consistent and complete what they start. It’s truly the backbone of success.

7. Do you think schools should teach students how to set and plan goals?

Yes, I think schools should definitely teach goal-setting as a life skill. Unfortunately, many Indian schools still focus only on academics, ignoring practical skills like time management or long-term planning. If students learn how to set SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — they become more focused and organised. It also boosts their confidence and prepares them for real-world challenges beyond textbooks. Goal planning should be part of every curriculum.

8. How has technology changed the way people set and track their goals today?

Technology has completely transformed goal-setting. Mobile apps and wearable devices help people track their fitness, studies, and habits more efficiently. For example, students use apps like Notion or Trello to organise their study plans, while professionals use productivity tools to monitor performance. In India, YouTube and online mentors have also made self-improvement more accessible. However, the challenge is avoiding distractions — because the same technology that helps us can also waste our time if misused.