do you reach that goal every time?
I'd say I get it right sometimes and come very close other times.
My goals are not very specific as the thread implies. Gaining mass as a natural is so slow so I barely notice anything in 6 months. Earlier, I had a long term goal of being 75 KG and very lean, but that is just not happening for me realistically. I can get there but not without unwanted body fat.
Usually, it's "be in my all time shape or better" at a set date. That gets me motivated.
I have some standout years. 2006 and 2011.
Last years was really a huge fail for me, worst shape since maybe ten years back.
Overall I'm slowly gaining muscle over the years, but the bodyfat varies a bit and that is usually more the goal than anything else.