Goal Setting Journals: 4 Straightforward Apps That Get Results

Achieving goals doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tools, sticking to and achieving goals can become just another habit like any other. Enter goal-setting journals. 

These apps make it easier to break goals into actionable steps, track your progress, and reflect along the way. Below, we’ve rounded up five of the best goal-setting journals that will actually help you get results. 

Quick Comparison of The Best Goal Setting Journals

NotePlan - Best Goal Setting Journal Overall

If your goals tend to get lost in the chaos of your to-do list, NotePlan is the answer. This app merges goal-setting with daily, weekly, and monthly planning - so your big-picture objectives stay visible every day. 

You can create high-level goals, break them into sub-tasks, and review your progress with linked notes. It’s clean, fast, and super flexible - especially for Apple users. 

Key Features:

• Task linking between daily notes and goals
• Built-in habit tracker and calendar view
• Markdown support for journaling
• AI-assisted note summarization
• Sync across devices via iCloud

Pricing: Free trial, then $8.33/month ($99 billed annually)

What Users on Reddit Say About NotePlan

NotePlan on iPad Overview on YouTube

GoalsWon - Best Goal Setting Journal for Accountability Coaching

Want someone to hold you to your goals? Is your productivity method failing you? GoalsWon pairs journaling with real accountability coaching. Each day, you write your goals and check in with a real human coach who gives feedback, encouragement, and suggestions.

It’s like having a personal trainer for your productivity - and it works especially well if you struggle with motivation or follow-through. 

Key Features:

• Designed for accountability and habit-building
• Insightful feedback and custom support
• Goal journaling with progress tracking
• Daily check-ins with a live coach
• Works on mobile and desktop

Pricing: $60/month (billed annually)

Structured - Best Goal Setting Journal for Time-Blocking

Structured is ideal if you like breaking down your goals into time blocks. Rather than just writing a goal like “read more” or “work on project”, this goal planner app helps you literally schedule that time into your day. 

The interface is sleek and minimalist, with a vertical timeline that visually shows how your day is shaped around your goals. 

Key Features:

• Syncs with Apple Calendar and Reminders
• Notifications to stay on schedule
• Recurring tasks and routines
• Drag-and-drop time blocking
• Focused, distraction-free UI

Pricing: Free with different premium plans, starting at $2.99/month

Habitica - Best Goal Setting Journal For Gamification

Turn your goals into a game with Habitica. Every task you complete earns you rewards, levels up your character, and unlocks achievements. It’s a powerful mix of to-do list, RPG, and habit tracker - all in one. 

If traditional goal journaling doesn’t motivate you, Habitica’s fun, community-based format might do the trick.  

Key Features:

• Join guilds and challenges for motivation
• Supports streaks, reminders, and tags
• Earn rewards and level up a character
• Create daily habits, goals, and to-dos
• Available on all platforms

Pricing: Free, with optional premium upgrade at $4.99/month

Conclusion

Goal setting journals only work if they fit the way you think. If using one becomes a chore like any other, you won’t stick to it. That’s why finding the goal setting journal that actually works for you is so important. 

Want full control and planning? Try NotePlan. Need a push from someone real? GoalsWon delivers. Prefer gamified motivation? Go with Habitica. There’s a goal setting journal out there for everyone - make sure you make the right choice for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Best Goal Setting Journal?

The best goal setting journal depends on your specific needs, but NotePlan is generally considered to be the best all-around journal for goal setting. 

What Makes One Goal Setting Journal Better Than Another?

Factors like ease-of-use, helpful features, customer support, and design can all make one goal setting journal better than another. However, it is subjective. 

How to Use a Goal Setting Journal? 

You can use a goal setting journal by jotting down your goals, breaking them down into smaller chunks, increasing clarity, and setting timelines for when you want to complete said goals.