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The Best Goal-Setting Tools and Apps for Gen Z

The Best Goal-Setting Tools and Apps for Gen Z

The Best Goal-Setting Tools and Apps for Gen Z

By January 15, 2025 Ambassadors, College Tips

Let’s be honest—setting goals can feel like adding more assignments to your already overloaded college planner. Between cramming for finals, surviving group projects, and figuring out how to make instant ramen gourmet, staying motivated is a challenge. But guess what? There’s an app for that. Actually, there are several. Whether you’re trying to wake up before noon or finally use that gym membership you bought three months ago, these apps are here to help. No promises they’ll write your essays, though.

Research shows that using goal-setting apps can increase the likelihood of achieving goals by 42%. That’s almost as effective as promising yourself you’ll definitely start studying after just one more episode. So, we rounded up the best apps to help you set goals and (fingers crossed) actually achieve them. Let’s get into it—you’ve got goals to crush and probably a paper due in the morning.

7 Goal-Setting Tools and Apps for Gen Z

ClickUp – Best for Project and Goal Management

clickup goal setting and tracking

ClickUp is a comprehensive platform that combines project management and goal-setting in one space. It’s designed for users who need a powerful system to manage both personal and team objectives. The app is highly customizable, making it easy to adapt to different workflows and project types.

  • Customizable project workflows
  • Prebuilt templates
  • Collaboration tools
  • Task reminders
  • Visual dashboards
  • Gantt charts for timeline management
  • Integration with 1,000+ apps
  • Time tracking
  • Data-driven decision-making
ProsCons
All-in-one work management platformSteep learning curve for beginners
Custom reporting dashboardsLimited dashboard export options
Extensive integrations with 1,000+ appsCan feel overwhelming for simple tasks
Free plan availableOccasional software glitches

Strides – Best for Building Daily Routines

strides tracking app logo

Strides focuses on helping users build consistent daily habits and routines. Its clean design and versatile trackers make it easy for users to create and follow through on different types of goals, from fitness to finance. This app appeals to anyone looking for structure and organization in daily life.

  • Four tracker types
  • On-track charts for progress
  • 150+ pre-made trackers
  • Apple Health integration
  • Device syncing
  • Progress visualization
  • Flexible goal timelines
  • Reminders
ProsCons
User-friendly and intuitive interfaceNo built-in reward system
Customizable habit and goal trackersOnly available on iOS
Apple Health integrationLimited social features
Offers pre-made and custom templates

Habitica – Best Gamified Goal-Setting App

Habitica turns productivity into a game, making it perfect for users who need extra motivation to complete daily tasks. By completing real-world goals, users earn rewards, level up their avatars, and unlock new features. The game-like experience adds fun and accountability to goal-setting.

  • RPG-style gameplay
  • Task management for to-dos and habits
  • Reward system with virtual coins and items
  • Social features for team quests
  • Customizable avatars
  • Color-coded tasks
ProsCons
Fun, interactive game-like interfaceComplex setup for new users
Encourages habit-building with rewardsRequires constant internet access
Social features for teamwork and supportMay be too playful for some users
Customizable avatars and questsLimited advanced tracking features

Coach.me – Best for Personal Growth

Coach.me focuses on self-improvement and habit formation by providing access to certified coaches and community support. The app allows users to track habits, set goals, and receive guidance, making it ideal for those looking for personal development and accountability.

  • Access to certified coaches
  • Habit reminders
  • Progress tracking
  • Community support
  • Customizable goal categories
ProsCons
Access to expert coaches for guidanceOccasional technical issues
Strong accountability featuresLimited tools for complex projects
Supportive community for motivationCoaching services can be costly
Daily reminders and habit tracking tools

Todoist – Best for Organization

Todoist is a straightforward task management app that helps users organize personal goals and projects. Its minimalist design makes it accessible, and its powerful features make it suitable for managing both simple tasks and larger projects.

  • Natural language task input
  • Today and Upcoming views
  • Custom filters
  • Over 80 integrations
  • Cross-platform syncing
ProsCons
Clean and easy-to-use interfaceLimited customization for stats
Natural language input for quick tasksNo built-in habit tracker
80+ app integrationsFree version has limited features
Smart task prioritization

Way of Life – Best for Breaking Bad Habits

Way of Life – Best goal app for Breaking Bad Habits

Way of Life focuses on helping users break bad habits and develop good ones. Its simple color-coded system makes tracking progress easy, while its habit diary helps users reflect on patterns and triggers.

  • Color-coded tracking
  • Habit diary
  • Progress visualization
ProsCons
Simple and intuitive tracking systemFree version limits to 3 habits
Reflective habit diary for self-awarenessMinimal progress data analysis
Color-coded visual trackingNo social or community features
Daily reminders for habit tracking

ATracker – Best for Time Management

ATracker helps users manage their time more effectively by showing how their day is spent. The app offers visual charts and reports that make it easier to identify time-wasting habits and improve productivity.

  • One-touch tracking
  • Visual reports
  • Custom categories
  • Calendar view
ProsCons
One-tap start/stop for time trackingCan only track one task at a time
Visual reports through charts and graphsCalendar syncing can be unreliable
Customizable categories for activitiesNo collaboration features
Works across multiple devicesLimited free version

Maximizing Goal-Setting Apps

Set SMART Goals

Using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) helps clarify your goals and makes them more attainable.

Review Progress Regularly

Regular progress checks improve accountability. Many apps offer reminders and detailed reports to support consistent goal reviews.

Use Reminders and Notifications

Personalized alerts and notifications keep users on track, helping them stay engaged with their goals.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—goal-setting apps that might just help you get your life together (or at least pretend you have). Whether you want to run a marathon, learn a new language, or just remember to take out the trash, these apps have your back. Sure, they won’t magically make you a morning person or stop you from procrastinating on TikTok, but they can make goal-setting a little less painful.

Give one (or all) of these apps a shot. Worst case? You download it, ignore it for a week, and circle back during finals season. Best case? You actually get stuff done and become that ultra-productive friend we all pretend to admire but secretly find annoying. Either way, you’re one step closer to being a more organized, goal-crushing version of yourself.

FAQs

  1. What features should Gen Z prioritize in goal-setting apps?
    • Visual progress tracking, social features, and customizable reminders.
  2. How can digital planners help with organization?
    • Structured layouts for setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals with habit trackers and task lists.
  3. Are there free goal-setting tools for students?
    • Yes, tools like Trello, Habitica, and Google Calendar offer free options.
  4. How do these apps meet Gen Z’s needs?
    • They use engaging features like gamification, social interaction, and real-time progress tracking to help users stay motivated.

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