Recently, I had the chance to do some powerful planning with my own business coaches. It got me thinking about how transformative the process of setting big, bold goals can be—not just for the destination but for the growth and energy we experience along the way.
The Power of Reflection
Before diving into goals, start with reflection. Ask yourself:
- What went well this year?
- When did I feel like I was thriving?
- What have I learned, and how have I grown?
Take a moment to celebrate your wins, big or small. It’s not just about achievements but also about recognising the effort and progress you’ve made.
One participant in a recent session shared how redundancy earlier this year forced her to pause and pivot. She embraced the opportunity to refocus her career and even discovered rowing as a new passion. Another reflected on the courage it took to transition from academia to industry—a daunting move that ultimately transformed her work-life balance.
Dream Big, Act Boldly
When it comes to goal-setting, I encourage you to think bigger than you might naturally allow yourself. Ask yourself:
- What would I truly love to achieve if fear or judgment didn’t hold me back?
- Why does this goal excite me?
- What growth and opportunities might pursuing this bring?
Big goals push us into what I call the “growth zone,” where we stretch ourselves and experience transformation. Whether it’s stepping into a leadership role, starting a new business, or simply feeling more energised in your work, your goal should feel a little scary but mostly inspiring.
Inputs Over Outputs
Here’s the secret: focus less on the destination and more on the journey. It really pays to fall in love with progress instead of perfection! Start by identifying what the key inputs are that will make a difference – and it’s often not what you might immediately think of…like would getting to bed earlier help you be more present and focused during the day.
And of course you want to break your goal into actionable steps and small milestones. When we identify the tiny steps that will get us started it’s easier to get going AND build momentum.
For example:
- Want to build visibility at work? Start by Identifying a list of key stakeholders that you want to be known by, and then list 5 ways you can improve your interactions with them. Want people to better understand your brand? Brainstorm what you want to be known for and ways of showing up and sharing in meetings.
- Hoping to feel more energised? Identify what energises and what drains you. Can you design your days better to build in energisers and minimise drainers – who can you delegate the latter to?
One of my clients wanted to shine in a temporary role so they’d be made permanent. We focused on making her work visible, connecting with senior leaders, and demonstrating her impact. She not only achieved got a permanent role…they actually created one at a much more senior level for her!
The Big Domino
A powerful concept I’ve adopted recently is the “big domino”—the one action or opportunity that could accelerate everything. What’s the big domino for your goal? Maybe it’s presenting to senior leaders, volunteering for a high-profile project, or reaching out to someone influential in your field.
For one client, joining and eventually chairing an industry network transformed her visibility and career trajectory. It wasn’t about doing more but about focusing on what would make the biggest impact.
Tackling Stinking Thinking
Even with the best intentions, our brains can be our biggest saboteurs. Watch out for these traps:
- Perfectionism: Waiting for the perfect moment to act will keep you stuck.
- All-or-nothing thinking: One misstep doesn’t mean failure.
- Catastrophising: Stop imagining the worst-case scenario—it’s rarely as bad as we think.
When fear or doubt creeps in, challenge it. Is it fact or feeling? Then take one small step forward to regain momentum.
These mindset shifts have been responsible for some epic changes for clients – like the woman who was allowing her internal judge to undermine her in every meeting. Instead of confidently conveying her message, she’d get in her own head about how people weren’t understanding, so she’d over-explain and create confusion. When we stopped her judge hijack, her confidence and impact soared!
Key Takeaways for Success
- Back yourself: The most successful people aren’t always the most talented—they’re the ones who dared to try.
- Capture your goals your way: Whether it’s a vision board or a simple list, make it meaningful to you.
- Prioritise your priorities: Schedule time for your goals. Don’t let other people’s demands overshadow your dreams.
- Surround yourself with support: Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or a group of like-minded peers, find those who will cheer you on and hold you accountable.
If Not Now, When?
I work with women every day to help them clarify their goals, challenge their thinking, and create meaningful progress. Whether you’re ready to step into a leadership role, take control of your career, or simply feel more fulfilled, let’s chat and see how I can help you make it happen!
If you’re looking for a structured, supportive way to make a big leap, why not start TODAY!?
