A Step-by-Step Guide To Setting Meaningful Goals That Feel Good
- Joyce Ibia
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
“Alignment is more powerful than hustle.”
A few years ago, I set a goal to grow my coaching practice. I did everything I thought I was supposed to do: creating vision boards, practising affirmations, and implementing productivity hacks.
And yes, I reached the goals... but it didn’t feel how I thought it would.
I wasn’t lacking motivation; I was missing connection. I’d built something that looked successful from the outside, but deep down, it didn’t align with who I was becoming.
When Goals Are Not Aligned
Many of us set goals based on pressure, comparison, or old beliefs. We pick what sounds impressive or what we think we should want. However, when goals don’t align with our values, they become a burden, not a driving force.
That’s why this post isn’t about working harder. It’s about being honest and setting intentions that feel like you, not someone else’s version of success.
“Where You At?” Check-In: A Goal-Setting Exercise
Before you write a single goal, pause. Try this quick check-in:
What feels good in your life right now?
What feels heavy, forced, or disconnected?
Where are you spending energy out of habit, not desire?
What are you craving more of (or less of)?
What would progress look like if it felt easy, not hard?
Take a few moments and journal your answers. You’ll be surprised how much clarity comes not from thinking harder, but from listening to your inner self.
What Gets In The Way (And How Coaching Helps)
Even when we know what we want, blocks show up. Here are three common ones:
1. Fear of Getting It Wrong
You hesitate to commit to anything because you’re scared it won’t work. Coaching helps you take small, intentional steps that reduce overwhelm and build trust in yourself.
2. All-Or-Nothing Thinking
You feel as if you can’t do it perfectly, it’s not worth doing. A coach helps you break goals into doable, flexible pieces and celebrates progress over perfection.
3. Other People’s Voices
You’re setting goals to prove something or please someone else. Coaching redirects you to your voice, values, timing, and truth.
A Better Way To Set Meaningful Goals
Forget SMART goals for a second. Try this approach instead:
1. Set Based on Values, Not Pressure
What matters to you this season of life? Choose goals that support that.
2. Define What Success Feels Like
“I want to feel grounded.” “I want to wake up excited.” Let your feelings guide your focus.
3. Create Rituals, Not Rigid Plans
Instead of strict routines, build habits that honour your energy and capacity.
4. Give Your Goals Room to Evolve
Check in regularly. Let your goals grow with you, not trap you.
How I Support You in Setting Meaningful Goals
As a Mindset & Personalised Growth Coach, I use coaching tools that help shape new habits and mindset:
Reframing limiting beliefs
Visualising your future
Achieving your goal unlocks a new version of you that is more confident, aligned, and energised.
Equip you with tools to be the driver, not the passenger, in your story
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to hustle to be worthy. You don’t need to impress anyone to matter. You just need aligned goals that feel good to you. If you’re tired of chasing what doesn’t fulfil you, maybe it’s time to realign, not restart.
Let’s talk! Book a session to explore where you are, what you want, and how to move forward.
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