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How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Accomplish

How to set goals you'll actually accomplish

Hey there, business bestie! Welcome back to the Waves of Impact Podcast, where we ride the waves of entrepreneurship together. I’m your host, Jessie Richards, and today we’re diving into something every entrepreneur faces: how to set goals you’ll actually accomplish.

Have you ever set a goal, full of excitement, only to find yourself pushing it to “next week” over and over again? Trust me, you’re not alone.

The good news? Setting goals you’ll actually accomplish isn’t as hard as it might seem. With the right system, you can turn those dreams into measurable progress without overwhelm. Whether you’re focusing on your business, personal growth, or both, these five steps will guide you to set clear, actionable goals that work for you.

Listen to this episode on the podcast by clicking the play button below or if you prefer reading instead, continue to the blog post below the player.

Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on Your Goals

To set goals you’ll actually accomplish, you need clarity. Vague goals like “I want to grow my business” or “I want to get healthier” might sound good, but they’re hard to measure and even harder to achieve.

For example, I used to set goals like “get better at marketing my business.” The problem? It wasn’t specific. I didn’t know where to focus my energy, and my progress was all over the place.

Once I got specific — like “I want to grow my email list by 500 subscribers in 90 days” — everything changed. Suddenly, I had a clear target, and knowing exactly what I was working toward made all the difference.


Action Step - how to set goals you’ll actually accomplish

Take a vague goal and make it specific. Instead of “I want to make more money,” try “I want to book five new clients this month.”


Step 2: Decide Whether to Set Deadlines

Deadlines are powerful motivators, but they can also add unnecessary stress. The key to setting achievable goals is deciding whether a deadline will help or hinder your progress.

For example, when I launched my first website template, I gave myself a strict deadline: “This has to go live by June 1.” While it kept me on track, the pressure made the process less enjoyable.

Now, I ask myself: Does this goal really need a deadline? For launch-related goals, the answer is yes. But for personal growth or long-term business goals, I allow myself more flexibility.


Action Step - how to set goals you’ll actually accomplish

Review your current goals. Which ones need deadlines for accountability? Which ones can stay flexible to reduce stress?


Step 3: Create Daily Action Steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming, which is why breaking them into daily, actionable steps is essential to accomplishing your goals.

When I decided to launch this podcast, the goal felt massive. I kept procrastinating because I didn’t know where to start. But when I broke it into smaller steps — brainstorming topics, scripting episodes, and scheduling recording days — the process became manageable.

Think of your goal like a puzzle. You’re not going to finish it in one sitting, but if you focus on one piece at a time, you’ll get to the finish line.


Action Step - how to set goals you’ll actually accomplish

Write down your big goal and break it into smaller steps. What’s one thing you can do today to move closer to achieving it?


Step 4: Stay Flexible and Adjust as Needed

Life happens, and your goals may need to shift. That’s okay! Flexibility is a key part of setting goals you’ll actually accomplish.

For example, I once created an entire marriage course with my husband — from outlining modules to filming videos. Halfway through launching it, I realized I didn’t want to be known as a “marriage expert.” It felt like a failure at the time, but looking back, it was a valuable lesson.

The takeaway? Give yourself permission to pivot. Goals are meant to guide you, not box you in.


Action Step - how to set goals you’ll actually accomplish

Think about a goal that isn’t quite working. How can you tweak it to better align with your current priorities?


Step 5: Celebrate Your Wins Along the Ways

Accomplishing a goal — or even making progress — is a big deal. Celebrating those wins keeps you motivated and reminds you that your hard work is paying off.

When I hit my first $1,000 milestone in business, I treated myself to a pedicure. More recently, I promised myself a massage after completing my first Black Friday promotion. These moments of celebration made the journey feel more rewarding.


Action Step - how to set goals you’ll actually accomplish

Decide how you’ll celebrate your next milestone. Whether it’s a fancy coffee, a new outfit, or a spa day, make sure to acknowledge your progress.


Your Next Step

There you have it, business bestie — my top 5 action steps to help you know exactly how to set goals you’ll actually accomplish.

Goal setting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start by getting clear on what you want, decide if deadlines are necessary, break your goals into actionable steps, stay flexible, and celebrate your progress.

If this post inspired you, I have something that will take your goal-setting — and your business — to the next level. Grab my free 7-Step Blueprint to Turn Strangers into Paying Customers Online. It’s packed with actionable strategies to help you attract your dream clients and create a streamlined process to turn them into loyal customers.

How To Turn Strangers Into Paying Customers Online - how to set goals you’ll actually accomplish - Jessie Richards Designs

Ready to attract more customers to your business? Grab my free guide: How To Turn Strangers Into Paying Customers Online. In this free 7-step blueprint, you’ll learn how to start attracting total strangers to your online business and turn them into happy, paying customers. Grab the FREE guide here or by clicking the button below.

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Remember, you’ve got this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Entrepreneurship can be messy sometimes, but to succeed and truly reach your goals, you’ve got to be willing to ride the waves!

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