3 Reasons Goal-Setting Feels So Hard (And How to Make It Easier)

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 Make Time for What Matters Most

Time is one of our most precious resources, yet it often feels like there’s never enough of it. Between work, family, and personal responsibilities, the days can slip by in a blur, leaving little room for the things that truly matter. But what if you could take a closer look at how you spend your time and realign it with your values?

For me, this realization hit during the pandemic. Like many people, I started getting my groceries delivered. It was a way to minimize exposure and save time, and at first, I thought I’d go back to shopping in person when things settled down. But even as life returned to a new normal, I kept the delivery service because I realized something important: I wasn’t just saving time—I was reclaiming it.

Instead of spending an hour (or more) driving to the store, walking up and down the aisles, and standing in checkout lines, I could use that time in ways that felt more meaningful to me. Whether it was working on my business, playing Roblox with my son, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, the shift helped me focus on what really matters in my life.

This small change reminded me that time management isn’t just about being efficient—it’s about being intentional. It’s about asking, What do I value most? and then making choices that reflect those values.

3 Steps to Align Your Time with Your Values

1. Identify What Truly Matters

Take a moment to think about what’s most important to you. Is it spending quality time with loved ones? Pursuing a creative passion? Growing your business? Write down your top three priorities so you have a clear picture of what you’re working toward.

2. Reevaluate Your Daily Tasks

Not everything on your to-do list deserves your time and energy. Take a close look at your daily and weekly routines. Are there tasks you can outsource, simplify, or even eliminate altogether? For example, as a business owner, I like to think about how much my time is worth per hour. If there’s something I have to do (but don’t want to) that costs less to outsource than what I charge for my own time, I’ll pay someone else to do it.

This mindset has been a game-changer for me, whether it’s hiring someone to clean the house, manage a small admin task, or handle a to-do list item that doesn’t require my personal attention. It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about recognizing the value of your time and energy and using them wisely.

3. Protect Your Time with Boundaries

Once you’ve reclaimed your time, protect it. Set boundaries with others (and yourself!) to ensure you’re using your time for the things that matter most. Remember, it’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your priorities.

Time Is an Investment in What You Value

Making time for what matters most isn’t always about doing less—it’s about doing what’s meaningful. When you align your time with your values, you create space for the things that bring you joy, fulfillment, and purpose. For me, a slight shift like grocery delivery turned into a big lesson about how I want to live and work: with more intention, less stress, and a focus on what truly matters.

If you’re looking for more ways to prioritize your time and align your actions with your values, check out my Slow-Living Goal-Setting System. It’s designed to help you take intentional steps toward a life and business that genuinely reflect what matters most to you.

What small change could you make today to reclaim your time? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!