In the world of business and professional development, setting clear and effective goals is a critical task. Whether you are working in a startup or a large corporation, the ability to communicate your goals using the right vocabulary is key.

This episode of the Business English Podcast provides a deep dive into the language of goal setting, offering listeners 12 essential English expressions to accurately articulate goals, timelines, deadlines, and more.

Understanding Basic Vocabulary

• Goal, Aim, Target, Mission: Synonyms for the thing you want to achieve.
   
• Timeline: The length of time you have to achieve your aim or target.
   
• Deadline: The hard stop or finish line for a target.
  
   

Utilising Effective Verbs

• Set: To establish a goal.
   
• Work Towards: To actively strive for a goal.
   
• Achieve, Reach, Hit, Smash: Different ways to express success.
   
• Miss: When you fail to accomplish your goal.
  
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12 Expressions for Goal Setting

Starting a Goal:

• Set Out To Do Something: Begin a task.
   
• Best Foot Forward: Start with maximum effort.
   
• Number One Priority: A top focus.
   
• Put A Plan Together: Plan something.
   
• Work Away at Something: Continue working persistently.
   

Challenges:

• Come Down to the Wire: Unknown result until the end.
   
• Rise to the Challenge: Meet a challenge head-on.
   
• Push the Envelope: Extend the limits.
   
• Push Yourself: Accept and undertake a challenge.
   
• Go the Extra Mile: Make a special effort.
   

Missing Targets:

• Come Up Short: Fail to reach a goal.
   
• Fall Short of Something: Fail to meet expectations.
  
   

A Summary Thought
 

Goal setting is not just about identifying what you want to achieve; it's about the journey and the language you use to express your ambitions. This episode arms professionals with the necessary tools to articulate, plan, and achieve their objectives, whether they're aspiring to run 10 kilometers this month or aiming to meet a tight business deadline. Now, go forth and smash those goals, and remember, the sky's the limit!

For a more in-depth look at these expressions and a detailed discussion, consider subscribing to the Business English Podcast or go even FURTHER with a BEP Premium membership!

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