Is it possible that the goals you're setting for your business are actually holding you back?

In this episode of The Business You Really Want, hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo dive into the concept of good vs. bad goals. They challenge the notion of SMART goals and explain why what might be a good goal for one person could be a terrible goal for another. They also explore how to set goals that align with your values, vision, and motivation to drive real business success.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 1:13 – Is there such a thing as a bad goal?
• 1:43 – The problem with focusing too much on SMART goals
• 3:36 – Not all goals are created equal: Why a great goal for one person might be bad for someone else
• 6:00 – Motivation matters more than structure & why goals should align with what drives you
• 7:53 – Real-world example: How focusing on impact instead of revenue drove success
• 11:27 – Why well-intentioned goals can hold back your business growth
• 14:55 – The goal that's really important today may not be the goal that's important tomorrow
• 16:01 – The process for aligning goals with your values and vision
• 18:50 – How often should we reassess or revise our goals?
• 19:30 – Your definition of success evolves as your life changes
• 21:42 – The importance of focusing on the journey, not just the goal

Key Takeaways:

• Not all goals are created equal: The right goal for one person may be the wrong one for another based on motivation, values, and context.
• SMART goals can sometimes be dumb: It’s easy to fall into the trap of setting goals that fit a framework but don’t align with what really drives you.
• Focus on what truly motivates you: Goals should be motivating, not just easy to measure. When your goals reflect your values, you’re more likely to see progress.
• Reassess goals regularly: Your goals should evolve as your life and business context changes. Check in at least every 90 days to ensure your goals still make sense.
• The journey matters more than the goal: The process of working toward a goal should be fulfilling, not miserable. If you’re unhappy on the journey, it might be time to adjust your goal.

Want to set better goals? Try this:

1. Define success for yourself: What does success really mean to you right now? Get specific, and don’t rely on external definitions.
2. Identify what motivates you: Set goals that align with what drives you—whether it’s impact, financial success, or personal fulfillment.
3. Assess your goals every 90 days: As life changes, so should your goals. Reevaluate to make sure they still align with your values and vision.
4. Focus on the journey: The process of working toward a goal should be as satisfying as achieving it. If not, it’s time to change course.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

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Also, be sure to check out Episode 12, where we explore how to balance growth and sustainability in your business without burning out.