When Ohtani Shohei was 15 years old and at the start of senior high school in Japan he created a goal matrix to organise and visualise his dreams. In the central box he listed his ultimate goal, to become a professional baseball player. This goal setting activity is also called a dream matrix.
In his senior high school goal matrix Ohtani surrounded his life goal with actionable steps that he needed to take to acheive it. He wrote concrete steps like increasing his pitching speed to Xkm/ph and eating 7 bowls of rice to reach his ideal weight goal. Today, Ohtani is one of the most accomplished and famous baseball players in the world. His goal setting matrix has become an inspirational tool and is often referenced as an example of how to set goals in a structured, intentional way.
What if you used this same method of goal planning to set your New Years' Resolutions?
What Is A Goal Matrix?
A goal matrix or dream matrix is a tool for planning and organising your goals in a way that connects your dream to concrete actions. In the centre you put your ultimate goal and around it in smaller boxes you add eight specfic actionable steps that will enable you to achieve it. Each of these steps is broken down further into detailed actions.
This provides a clear visual way to track progress and stay motivated. The goal planning matrix works well for New Year's resolutions too because rather than just being a simple list, it adds structure and progress points to your goals which serve a clear visual reminder to motivate you to stay on track.
A New Way To Journal Your New Years Resolutions Inspired by Ohtani Shohei
Bullet Journal groups on Reddit and Instagram have already been experimenting with the style of goal planning making it an emerging trend in planner aesthetics for 2025. For paper planning fans and visual learners this goal setting activity is a game changer, if you are looking for a fresh new journalling layout, the goal planning matrix can add a strategic and creative touch to your New Year's journal spread.
How To Use A Goal Matrix in The ESL Classroom
This activity was inspired by the Comet English Communication Textbook Lesson 5 on Goal Setting which specifically references Ohtani Shohei's Goal matrix. In my lesson pack, you will find
A printable and digital goal matrix
Useful vocabulary for setting goals in English
Guided examples to inspire students
Using a goal matrix can transform the way you set and achieve goals, whether for New Year’s resolutions, journaling, or classroom activities. This structured approach connects your dreams to actionable steps, keeping you motivated and on track. Try using a goal matrix today and take the first step towards achieving your biggest dreams.
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