How To Set Goals and Make Big-Time Progress In Business and Life (Without The “Work”)

Do you struggle with how to set goals in your business? Or maybe you’re great at setting goals, but not so much with the follow-through. Either way, you have good intentions, but your goals never seem to happen.

I’ve dealt with goal-setting slumps myself, as have nearly all of my clients. It’s a big-time struggle for a lot of us. How do you set goals without feeling stress, shamed, or losing yourself in “shoulds?”

If you’ve felt goal stress, I’ve got some great news! Whether you get stuck sorting out your priorities or you know what you want but can’t make it happen, my simple four-step process will get you on your way to big-time progress.

Best part of all? You can set your goals and follow through without the “work!”

Now, I know how that sounds. How can you get the work done without doing the work? It’s actually easier than it sounds…

You will do the work, but in such a way that it doesn’t feel like work. This is a low-stress, high productivity hack I use every month to keep on track, honor my energy, and focus on the most IMPORTANT tasks to move me forward.

I’m big on on pushing forward. I love structure and organization (I’m an accountant, after all!). But the flip-side is I have to consciously balance my analytical mind with my creative mind. It’s easy to fall into my accounting side and lose myself in deadlines and “shoulds.” So I constantly remind myself to stop, be present, and operate with happiness and gratitude as well as organization and drive. This method makes that a LOT easier.

On the other hand, if you’re the creative type who prefers following your intuition to a rigid to-do list, but somehow get lost in the flow and your goals don’t materialize, this is for you, too!

This method is a great balance between these two mindsets, and best of all, it gets you results.

So if you’re really bad at setting goals, OR you can set them just fine but can’t follow through, this is for you.

This simple and POWERFUL four-step exercise will have you taking consistent steps toward your goals every day, and without stress, shame, or confusion. So grab a notebook and a pen and let’s get started!

How To Set Goals In Four Easy Steps (Without The “Work):

Step 1: Create a Mantra For The Month

Every month, I create a one-statement mantra. This mantra encapsulates everything I want to achieve in the month. For example, one of my favorite mantras is is, “Do less, be more.”

So start with a one-sentence mantra statement that sums up what you want to achieve this month. Write down this mantra at the top of the page, and then move on to Step 2.

P.S. If you can’t think of a mantra right away, that’s OK! Give yourself a bit of time and space, and allow it to come to you. If it’s really a struggle, just think about how you want to feel this month, and start there.

Step 2: Write Down 4 Affirmations To Support Your Mantra

Now, write down four affirmations that support your mantra. That is, four over-arching affirmations that work with your mantra to help you solidify it in your mind and heart. Write down your four affirmations on the page just underneath your mantra.

For example, with my “Do Less, Be More” money mantra example, my four affirmations might look something like this:

“I’m breaking the habit of ‘busy’.”

“I’m enjoying my journey.”

“I can’t afford to put myself last.”

“I don’t know the how, and I am at peace with that.”

These will be your daily affirmations. Use them each day to keep yourself in the right mindset and energy to support your mantra.

Step 3: Write Four Goals To Support Your Affirmations

Then, underneath your four mantras, write four goals that support your affirmations. What concrete goals will support your affirmations? Going with my example above, my goals might look like this…

Onboard two new clients who are aligned with my values

Write and publish four new blogs on lessons I learned in business and in life

Stop eating lunch at my desk and allow myself a genuine lunch break

Take the time to for a 20-30 minute walk every day before you start work.

Step 4: Write Out The Daily Tasks To Support Your Goals

This is the part where the rubber meets the road! For each goal, write down the tasks necessary to complete them. Write down as many tasks as you can think of, then break them down into daily bite-size pieces.

Now, let’s talk about the difference between goals and tasks.

Goals are the overarching things you want to accomplish. Tasks are the daily steps you take toward those goals.

Tasks are ongoing. Your task list might change every day, and that’s OK! This is the space you give yourself to move at your own pace. The idea is to eliminate the pressure to achieve and push through, yet also keep moving toward your goals.

So make a list of daily tasks for each goal. Keep your task list on hand each day, and update it accordingly. You may find that new tasks arise that you didn’t expect, while others fall away because they weren’t as important as you thought. The key is to connect with them each day and choose the tasks that will make the most impact in the least time.

As a general rule, too, keep your tasks to 3-5 each day, and make them count! 🙂

Here’s a quick summary:

1. Create your Mantra

2. Write four affirmations that support your mantra

3. Write four goals that support your affirmations

4. Write out the tasks to support your goals and take action on the most important ones each day

Start with your one-statement mantra at the top of the page. Underneath you mantra, write four affirmations. Underneath your affirmations, write four goals. Then, write down the tasks for each goal, and accomplish them in whatever way and on whatever timeline you see fit.

Ready to put this exercise into action? Let’s walk through the four steps together in the video below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Now, you may or may not accomplish all your goals each month. But that doesn’t even matter! What matters is the process. First you create a desired feeling. Then you create habits based on the feelings that create momentum toward your goals. Through those feelings and habits, you achieve your goals without pressure, shame, or “shoulds!”

This exercise is a lot of fun, and it won’t take much time! Depending on whether you’re doing it alone or with an accountability partner, set aside 15-30 minutes each month to devote to this time-saving productivity hack. You’re going to love the results!

Now, give it a try, and let me know how it goes for you! Leave a comment below and let me know.

Until Next Time,

Love, Light, and MONEY, Honey…

xo

Kaylee

4. Tasks