This is the season when a lot of entrepreneurs feel the pull. The pull to reset, to “finally” finish that big project, and to end the year strong.

And with that pull comes the instinct to set a new big goal.

But before you grab a blank page and start mapping out your next launch, revenue milestone, or visibility strategy, take a breath. Because sometimes, setting the right goal means taking a few steps back first.

This post is an invitation to make sure your next big move is built on alignment—not urgency.

Step 1: Review What’s Actually Working

We tend to skip this step. We jump to the next idea without looking at what’s already gaining traction.

• Before you set your next big goal, ask yourself:

• What’s already working in my business?

• What offers or clients feel aligned and profitable?

• Where is my growth coming from right now?

• What systems, support, or habits are serving me?

Sometimes your next “goal” isn’t something new. It’s something already working that just needs more energy, consistency, or visibility.

Try It Out: Make a list of 3 things that are already creating results or ease—and ask, How can I amplify this instead of starting from scratch?

Step 2: Check In With Your Capacity

A goal that excites you is only helpful if you have the time, energy, and support to follow through. Not your ambition. Not your ideas. Your real capacity right now.

Before you set a goal, check in with:

• Your personal calendar

• Your energy levels (honestly)

• Your current client load or workload

• Any other commitments pulling on your focus

This doesn’t mean you don’t go big, it means you go wisely.

Try It Out: Ask yourself, if I hit this goal, what would I need to maintain it? That answer might show you whether the goal needs refining—or if your support system does.

Step 3: Clarify What Success Looks Like (to You)

Not every business goal needs to be revenue-related. Not every season is for scaling.

Before you set your next big business goal, get clear on why it matters and what success will actually look like—on your terms.

Maybe success is:

• A full client roster with boundaries that protect your energy

• A podcast launch you’ve been putting off because it actually excites you

• A simplified marketing plan you can stick to even in December

Your goals should serve the business you want to run, not the one you think you “should” be building.

Try It Out: Finish this sentence: “I’ll know this goal is successful when…”

Your answer should feel specific, honest, and energizing, not just impressive.

Step 4: Ask: Is This Goal Rooted in Clarity or Reaction?

Sometimes we set goals out of reaction, like low sales, a slow month, comparison, or fear.

And while there’s nothing wrong with pivoting or trying something new, goals set from reactivity tend to create more stress than results.

Instead, ask yourself:

• Is this goal solving a problem—or avoiding one?

• Am I choosing this because it’s aligned—or because I feel behind?

• Does this goal move me toward the business I truly want—or just help me “catch up”?

Try It Out: Take a 24-hour pause before committing to your next big idea. Let it settle. If it still feels clear the next day, move forward. If not, you’ve just saved yourself a lot of time and energy.

Remember, Find Alignment Before You Take Action

Big goals can be beautiful—but only when they’re rooted in what matters.

So before you set your next one, take time to reflect, check in with your capacity, and clarify the kind of success you actually want to create. You don’t need to move faster. You just need to move forward in the right direction.

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