EPISODE 74
How to Set Realistic and Compassionate Goals
What if the key to achieving your dreams lies not in pushing harder, but in learning to celebrate the small wins along the way?
We live in a world that glorifies hustle culture and the grind. It’s easy to fall into the trap of setting massive, all-encompassing goals. But here's the thing – our systems can only handle so much. When we push too hard, we end up running on empty. That’s why it’s crucial to be realistic and compassionate with ourselves when setting goals.
As driven, high-achieving, Type A-go-getter women, we love to shoot for the stars. We set grand New Year’s resolutions like losing weight, growing our business, being better parents, and improving our marriages all at once. While our effort and drive are commendable, setting such lofty goals often backfires.
Our brains are incredibly intelligent and designed to protect us. When we overwhelm ourselves with too many big goals, our brain goes into what I call a “freeze state.” It measures effort against the outcome and, when it sees the enormous amount of work required, it shuts down. You might find yourself staring at your to-do list, emails piling up, feeling paralyzed and not knowing where to start.
Instead of overwhelming yourself, break your big goals into smaller, realistic, and compassionate steps. This trick helps your brain see the task as achievable, releasing reward hormones that motivate you to keep going. Think of it like climbing a mountain. You wouldn't leap from the base to the summit in one go, right? Instead, you take it step by step, enjoying the journey and the breathtaking views along the way.
Think about your big vision. Do you want to be a leader, writer, speaker, or a more patient parent? Whatever your vision is, break it down into milestones. These milestones then become smaller, manageable goals. For instance, if your vision is to launch an online course, your milestones might include researching successful courses, investing in a coaching program, setting aside time for learning, and creating marketing materials.
This month, I’m launching online courses and offers—a huge goal for me. I’ve broken this goal down into thousands of baby steps, such as researching, investing in programs, setting aside daily time for creation, and collaborating with my team. By focusing on these micro-steps, I’ve been able to make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Mama, I want to invite you to join me in this journey. Identify your big vision and break it down into 20 small, actionable steps. Schedule time for each step, communicate your plans to those who need to know, and celebrate every little achievement.
Celebrating small wins is SO important, my love. Whether it’s getting up early, making a sale, or simply showing up consistently, each step deserves recognition.
Every small victory is a testament to your progress and dedication. By acknowledging these wins, we build self-worth and stay motivated. It’s like giving yourself a little high-five for every step you take.
As perfectionists, we often set ourselves up for failure by aiming too high and then shaming ourselves when we don’t achieve our goals. By setting smaller, realistic goals and celebrating each step, we build self-worth and avoid burnout.
When we approach our goals with realism and compassion, we create a more fulfilling journey towards our vision. It's not just about the destination; it’s about the experiences, the lessons, and the growth we encounter along the way. By setting achievable steps and celebrating our progress, we make the journey enjoyable and enriching.
Remember, you’re not too late or too far gone. You’re right on time. Let’s embrace our messy, shed the shoulds, and find freedom together.
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Take care of yourselves and therefore each other!
XO, Brooke Jean
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Perfectionism is unrelatable; people crave realness in 2024.
Introducing the Perfectionism Detox Masterclass
Waiting for the perfect moment means missing opportunities.
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What do we need to accomplish our big mission?
The importance of breaking milestones into 20+ micro-steps.
Communicating needs and scheduling time for consistent action.
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How lofty goals can lead to shame, burnout, and health issues.
Taking aligned action and celebrating the journey with the unperfected method.
Utilizing strengths, collaborating, and following the feel-good.
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Focusing on progress and effort, not just final destinations.
How celebration breeds abundance and expands what we want more of.
Brooke's July challenge is to celebrate small wins while launching online.
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Recap: lofty goals can cause a freeze state, smaller goals build momentum.
Breaking down your vision into milestones and mini-goals.
Building integrity and motivation by consistently showing up.
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
I hope that you’ll join me in this movement, and that you can authentically reconnect with who you really are. That’s where your essence and your gems really lie.
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@brookejeanunperfected to see how ridiculous I am IRL.
Join my private Facebook group Mommy’s Mental Health Matters and let’s continue the conversation, uplift one another, and build the life that we have always dreamed of. I would love to have you!
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Thanks so much for listening!