The Right Way to Set Goals?

It’s the Way That Works for You

Ever feel like you’re either doing too much or not enough when it comes to setting goals?

Here’s the thing—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

In some years, I’ve been a meticulous planner. Other years, I’ve flown by the seat of my pants. Both approaches served me well in different ways, and both taught me valuable lessons about goal-setting and growth.

The truth is, your approach to goals doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. It just needs to work for you.

The Two Styles of Goal-Setting

Some years I’ve been a meticulous planner. Other years, I’ve flown by the seat of my pants.

There were seasons where I set firm goals, detailed to the nth degree, and others where I simply declared broad destinations to leave room for experimentation. Call it a bit of ADHD, burnout, or boredom—whatever it was, it worked for me in different ways at different times.

For the last three years, I participated in an incredible mastermind group with my peers. Part of the program involved setting both weekly and annual goals. Weekly? Easy—just a handful of things to stay accountable for. But annual goals? Those felt trickier. Some years, I crushed it with a long list of ambitions. Other times, I half-heartedly scribbled something down, knowing I wanted to focus more on exploration than rigid goals.

What I’ve come to realize is that it’s not about the structure of the goal—it’s about the intent behind it.

When I had a “destination year,” I discovered how freeing it was to allow curiosity and creativity to lead the way. One of those years, I ended up trying out a new business model that eventually became a cornerstone of what I do now. And in a year when I followed a detailed, structured plan? I built the foundation for systems that continue to save me time and energy today.

What’s “Right” Is What Works for You

What’s interesting is that neither approach felt perfect at the moment. There were doubts either way: “Am I doing enough?” during my loose-goal years, and “Am I too rigid to adapt?” during my structured years.

But looking back, I can see how each season gave me exactly what I needed at the time—even if I didn’t realize it then.

So, which way is “right”?

Here’s the thing: there’s no universal “right way.” Your approach can (and probably will) shift from year to year.

What matters most is finding what works for you in this season of your life. Whether it’s a bulletproof plan or an open-ended roadmap, the key is giving yourself permission to do what feels aligned with your energy, curiosity, and circumstances.

How to Find What Works for You

If you’re wondering how to approach your goals this year, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do I feel energized by structure, or does it make me feel restricted?
• Am I in a season where I need clarity and focus, or do I need freedom to experiment?
• What’s one thing I want to prioritize, whether it’s a destination or a specific milestone?

Your answers will help you decide whether to aim for detailed plans or leave room for exploration. Remember, your goals should align with your current energy, curiosity, and life circumstances.

There’s no single formula for goal-setting success.

The “right way” is the way that fits your season, your style, and your needs. Whether you’re planning every detail or letting curiosity lead the way, what matters most is staying intentional and aligned.

Ready to explore what kind of goals will work best for you this year? Let’s map it out together. Schedule a strategy session today and discover the approach that fits your life and business.