3 Reasons Goal-Setting Feels So Hard (And How to Make It Easier)
Does goal-setting feel overwhelming? Discover the three most common reasons it feels so hard—like trying to do too much at once or sticking to rigid systems—and learn practical strategies to make it easier. With a slow-living approach, you can set meaningful, achievable goals that work for your life.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by goal-setting, you’re not alone. Most of us start with big ambitions and the best intentions, only to hit a wall of frustration. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: Setting goals isn’t just about writing down what you want to accomplish—it’s about having a system that works for you. And for many of us, the systems we’ve learned don’t account for the realities of everyday life.
Let’s dive into the three most common reasons goal-setting feels so hard—and what you can do to change that.
1. You’re Trying to Do Too Much at Once
We’ve all been there: setting ambitious goals that span every area of life—career, health, relationships, hobbies—thinking we can tackle it all at the same time. But when everything feels like a priority, it’s easy to burn out or feel paralyzed by indecision.
What to do instead:
Start small. Focus on just one or two meaningful goals that align with your current season of life. Break them down into tiny, actionable steps, and give yourself permission to let go of the rest for now. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be steady.
2. Your System Isn’t Designed for Real Life
Let’s face it: Life is messy. Plans change, priorities shift, and some days, you just don’t have the energy. Traditional goal-setting methods often feel rigid, leaving no room for the realities of unexpected events or fluctuating motivation.
What to do instead:
Build flexibility into your system. Create goals that allow for adjustment, like focusing on progress over perfection or setting “good, better, best” benchmarks. And remember, it’s okay to rest or revisit your goals when life throws you a curveball—it doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re human.
3. You’re Stuck in a Hustle Mindset
Even if you want to slow down, the world around us often celebrates busyness and overachievement. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of tying your worth to productivity or feeling like you’re not doing enough, even when you’re doing plenty.
What to do instead:
Shift your mindset from hustle to intention. Define what success looks like for you—not based on anyone else’s standards. Use affirmations or mantras to remind yourself that rest and reflection are just as important as action. When you slow down, you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll also have the clarity to focus on what truly matters.
Here are a few examples you can try:
“I am worthy, even when I rest.”
“Small steps forward are still progress.”
“My value isn’t tied to my productivity.”
“I choose to honor my own pace.”
“Slowing down helps me see what matters most.”
When you slow down, you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll also have the clarity to focus on what truly matters.
How to Make Goal-Setting Easier
If these struggles resonate with you, know that you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. With the right tools, you can create goals that feel aligned, intentional, and achievable.
That’s exactly what I teach in the Slow-Living Goal-Setting System. It’s a step-by-step guide to setting goals that work for your life, at your own pace, and without the overwhelm.
Click here to learn more about the Slow-Living Goal-Setting System.
And remember: Every step forward—no matter how small—is progress. Slow and steady wins every time.
How to Create a Slow-Living Vision for the New Year
Forget rigid resolutions—this New Year, embrace a slow-living vision instead. Align your goals with what truly matters to you, letting go of the hustle and focusing on joy, balance, and intention. In this post, discover how to reflect on the past year, set gentle intentions, and create a vision that supports a meaningful, fulfilling life—all at your own pace.
The new year is a time for fresh starts, but let’s be honest—traditional resolutions can feel like a sprint to nowhere. They often pile on pressure to achieve more, faster, and better, leaving us feeling overwhelmed before January is even over.
That’s where slow living comes in. Instead of chasing unattainable goals or overloading yourself with commitments, a slow-living vision focuses on aligning your goals with your values. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and intentional.
What is a Slow-Living Vision?
A slow-living vision is different from your typical New Year’s resolutions. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.
Sometimes, a slow-living vision is more about what you don’t want to do rather than what you do. Ditch the traditional ideals of productivity and hustle culture, and ask yourself: What do you truly want to work on? What makes you feel hopeful or excited?
Shift your focus from everything you have to do to the things you want to do. By letting go of what drains you, you create space for what truly lights you up.
Rather than setting rigid, check-the-box goals, a slow-living vision invites you to:
Reflect on what brings you joy and fulfillment.
Release what no longer serves you.
Create space for what truly matters in your life.
It’s a gentle, mindful approach to the new year that prioritizes alignment over achievement.
How to Set a Slow-Living Vision
Ready to create your slow-living vision? Here are three simple steps to get started:
Reflect on the Past Year
Take some time to think about the last 12 months. What went well? What felt hard? What would you like to carry forward, and what are you ready to let go of?Identify What Matters Most
Ask yourself:What do I want to feel in the new year?
What areas of my life need more attention?
What would make me feel more grounded and at peace?
Don’t try to do too much. Focus on 1-3 key areas (like self-care, work-life balance, or creativity) that align with your values and bring you a sense of purpose.
Set Gentle Intentions
Instead of specific goals, try setting intentions that guide your actions. For example:“I intend to create more space for rest and reflection.”
“I want to focus on meaningful connections with loved ones.”
“I will nurture my creativity through journaling or art.”
Make it a Practice, Not a Resolution
The beauty of a slow-living vision is that it’s flexible. There’s no rush, no deadline, and no “failure” if you need to adjust along the way.
This approach allows you to check in with yourself regularly and course-correct as needed. Think of it as a living, breathing guide for your year—not a rigid plan.
Start Your Slow-Living Journey Today
If you’re ready to embrace slow living and create a life that feels truly aligned, the Slow-Living Goal-Setting System is here to help. With actionable tools and resources, it’s designed to help you turn your vision into a reality—at your own pace.