Setting Goals That Feel Good (And you Might Actually Achieve!)

Goals can be powerful motivators, helping us grow, achieve, and create the life or business we dream of. But let’s be honest: not all goals feel good. Some can feel overwhelming, uninspiring, or like they belong to someone else entirely. So, how do you set goals that not only feel good but also inspire you to take action? Let’s dive into a fresh approach to goal-setting that’s aligned, achievable, and uniquely yours.

1. The Word 'Goal': How Does It Make You Feel?

Take a moment and reflect on the word “goal.” How does it make you feel? Does it spark excitement and motivation? Or does it feel heavy, stressful, or like a chore? For me the word goals feels heavy with expectation, and reminds me of one of my old sales managers in my corporate job. If the word feels good to you, great! If not, consider swapping it out for something that resonates more deeply. Words like “intention,” “target,” or “milestone” might feel lighter and more empowering. Personally I love to use the word intention.

Language matters. Choosing words that inspire you can make all the difference in how you approach the process of creating and achieving your goals.

2. Make Your Goals Yours

Are your goals truly yours? Or are they influenced by societal pressures, family expectations, or comparisons to others? It’s easy to fall into the trap of setting goals that sound impressive but don’t actually light you up.

Take a moment to evaluate your current goals. Ask yourself: “Who am I doing this for?” If the answer isn’t you, it’s time to reassess. Your goals should reflect your desires, values, and vision for your life—not someone else’s expectations.

Quick exercise: Write down your top three goals and next to each one, write why you want to achieve it. If your “why” doesn’t feel authentic, consider tweaking the goal or letting it go altogether.

3. Keep It Realistic

Dreaming big is wonderful, but setting goals that feel completely out of reach can lead to frustration and burnout. For example, if your goal is to become a millionaire but a part of you whispers, “Not a chance,” it’s time to scale it back. Start smaller. Set a goal that feels challenging yet achievable for where you are right now.

Breaking big goals into smaller steps can help you build momentum and confidence. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. As you hit these smaller milestones, you’ll naturally build the belief and momentum to aim higher.

4. Get All Parts of You Onboard

Sometimes, even when we set meaningful goals, part of us resists. This internal resistance can show up as procrastination, self-sabotage, or a general lack of motivation. It’s often a sign that some part of you isn’t fully onboard with the goal.

To address this, start by identifying any fears or doubts. Ask yourself: “What’s holding me back from fully committing to this goal?” Journaling can be a helpful tool for uncovering hidden resistance.

Next, work on aligning your subconscious and conscious mind. Visualisation is a powerful technique for this. Spend a few minutes each day imagining yourself achieving your goal. What does it feel like? How does your life change? Affirmations can also help rewire your mindset. For example: “I am capable of achieving my goals, and I trust the process.” or "I am more than capable and completely able to achieve my goals"

When all parts of you are aligned, you’ll find it much easier to take consistent, inspired action.

5. Take Action Today

Goals remain dreams without action. Once you’ve clarified your goals, it’s time to get moving. Pick one of your top goals and write down three small, actionable steps you can take today to move closer to it. Then, go and do them!

For example, if your goal is to grow your coaching business, your three steps might be:

1. Reach out to a potential client or collaborator.

2. Post valuable content on social media.

3. Spend 30 minutes learning a new skill that supports your business growth.

The key is to start small and stay consistent. Each action you take builds momentum and brings you closer to your goal.

Setting goals that feel good and are achievable is about aligning with your true desires, breaking them into manageable steps, and addressing any internal resistance. By making your goals authentic, realistic, and actionable, you’ll not only feel more inspired but also set yourself up for success.

So, what’s one goal you can start working on today? Write it down, take your first step, and watch as you create a life and business that truly lights you up.