Why Setting Goals Matters (Even If You Hate It)

I used to hate setting goals.

When I was in my first office job, my manager sat me down and told me how important it was to have clear goals. I nodded, half-listening, but internally, I was already dismissing the idea. I have ADHD—goal-setting felt like a rigid, unrealistic exercise designed for people who thrived on structure, not for someone like me who worked best by following my instincts and adapting as I went.

But now, as a business owner, I get it.

It’s not about writing down goals just for the sake of it. It’s about picturing a future version of yourself and giving yourself a path to move toward. Without that, it’s easy to drift, to react instead of lead, to look back after months (or years) and wonder why you’re not where you want to be.

The Shift From “I’ll Figure It Out” to “This Is Where I’m Headed”

For a long time, I operated on the assumption that if I just kept working hard and saying yes to opportunities, things would naturally fall into place. And to an extent, they did—I built a career, gained experience, and found my strengths. But I also wasted time on things that didn’t serve me because I didn’t have a clear vision of where I wanted to go.

When I finally started setting goals (in a way that worked for my brain), I realized how powerful it was to:

• Make intentional decisions instead of just reacting to whatever came my way.
• Say no to distractions because I knew what actually moved me forward.
• Recognize progress—even when it felt like I was standing still.

How to Set Goals When Goal-Setting Feels Overwhelming

If you’re like me and the idea of long-term goal planning makes you anxious, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Start With the Big Picture

What’s one thing you want to accomplish? It doesn’t have to be a five-year vision—just something that excites you. Maybe it’s launching a business, getting better at a skill, or shifting into a new career path.

2. Break It Down Into Small Wins

Instead of overwhelming yourself with a huge, abstract goal, break it into milestones. My Goal-Planning Worksheet (which you can grab here) helps you map out steps so you can track progress without getting lost in the big picture.

3. Plan for Challenges (Because They Will Happen)

One of the biggest reasons people give up on goals? They hit a roadblock and assume they’ve failed. But obstacles aren’t failures—they’re just part of the process. Identify potential challenges ahead of time and brainstorm a few ways to work around them.

4. Keep It Flexible

Rigid goals don’t work for me. Instead, I ask: What’s the minimum version of success? If I can’t launch a full website, can I start with a landing page? If I can’t publish a full course, can I release a short guide? Keeping things flexible helps maintain momentum.

5. Build In Accountability

Whether it’s a mentor, a peer, or an online community (like The Future Focused Admin), having people who hold you accountable makes a massive difference. Even just saying your goal out loud to someone can make it feel more real.

Goals Aren’t About Perfection—They’re About Direction

I still don’t love traditional goal-setting. I don’t sit down with a planner and map out my next five years. But I do check in with myself regularly and ask: Where am I headed? Is this still the direction I want to go?

If you’ve resisted goal-setting because it feels like a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, I get it. But the right goal-setting process isn’t about boxing yourself in—it’s about giving yourself clarity and direction.

And trust me, when you start moving toward a future you actually want, you’ll be grateful you took the time to set the foundation.