Why Your Approach To Goals Might Need A Makeover
Does the word “goal” make you cringe a little? It used to for me. The word drummed up methods and expectations that didn’t feel right for how I worked best. I’m someone who loves a good to-do list – and if you’re the same, have you ever realized that a to-do list is just a collection of short-term goals? Mind blown, right?
Other powerful framings include bucket lists (lifetime experiences to collect), resolutions (annual commitments), vision boards (visual manifestations of desires), and even those casual "wouldn't it be nice if..." thoughts that often reveal our deeper aspirations.
But here’s the thing: not everyone thrives with the same approach, and the words we use to describe them can make a big difference. Sometimes, the key to progress isn’t scrapping your ambitions – it’s giving your approach a makeover.
Think about these alternative ways to frame your aspirations:
"Goals": These offer the precision of a well-drawn map, with clear milestones to celebrate along the way. While they can sometimes feel corporate or trigger performance anxiety, they provide the structure many need to make concrete progress.
"Dreams" and "aspirations": These invite us to think bigger and tap into our imagination without limits. They remove the pressure of immediate achievement, though their delicate nature might need to be balanced with more tactical planning for tangible results.
"Quests" and "missions": These transform objectives into adventures, casting you as the hero of your own story. This narrative framework can make the journey more engaging and meaningful, particularly for long-term or challenging pursuits.
"Intentions" and "practices": These embrace the reality that progress isn't always linear. They combine mindful awareness with forward movement, making them particularly powerful for lifestyle changes or habit formation where perfectionism could be counterproductive.
"Standards": These shift the focus from external achievements to identity and values. Rather than reaching for a target, you're embodying the person you want to be – making the journey about who you are rather than what you do.
For me, the “makeover” came when I was building my coaching business while prioritizing my family. As an achiever who loves checking boxes, I struggled with the slower pace of balancing both. Traditional goal-setting felt too rigid, so I gave my approach a transformation. By embracing small, consistent steps (hence "Out of Small Things"), I found a way to honor both my ambitions and my values. Progress became less about hitting big targets and more about steady growth – and that made all the difference.
The truth is, no single approach works for everyone. The magic happens when you find the framing that fits your personality and the specific change you’re seeking. You might even mix and match: imagine the freedom of dreams paired with the structure of goals.
The fun part? You don’t have to commit to just one – ever. Your framework can evolve just as you do.
Let’s chat! Be one of my 100 conversations where we explore your goals, dreams, or aspirations. Need help setting yourself up for success? Or maybe there’s something else on your mind – anything goes! Schedule a free session on my calendar, and let’s give your goals the makeover they deserve.
High five ✋
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This fits so well for me. I have shied away from New Year's resolutions because of anxiety over failure. Now I've been given a new way to frame my desires to improve in life each year.