Your Growth Hinges on These Unset Goals Now

Terrie Power Coaching

The Goals You Don’t Set Might Be Holding You Back

Several years ago, I realized something about the way I set goals—and I’ve seen others express it as well.

I used to only set goals around things I could control.

Things like:

how many emails I’d send,
how many hours I’d work,
How many days I’d work out.

I avoided setting goals like:

“I’ll sign 5 new clients.”
“I’ll earn $10K this quarter.”
“I’ll lose 10 pounds.”

Why? Because those outcomes depend on other people. And I believed I shouldn't set a goal I couldn’t guarantee.

But here’s what I’ve come to see:

If we only set goals around our inputs… we might never pursue the outcomes we actually want.

It feels safe to focus on what we can control.

But at some point, we have to ask:
Am I avoiding the real goal because I’m afraid I won’t hit it?
Or because I’m not sure I’m willing to do what it takes?

Sometimes, we don’t miss the goal because we failed.
We miss it because we never gave ourselves permission to want it in the first place.

So what do we do with that?

As a coach, I help people set two kinds of goals:

Process goals – These are about what you’ll do. (Reach out to 10 potential clients. Block off planning time. Share your story on social.)
Outcome goals – These are about what you want. (Enroll 3 new clients. Hit a financial milestone. Book a keynote gig.)

Both matter. Both bring clarity.

But outcome goals stretch us. They invite us to get uncomfortable. To evaluate our time, our resistance, our mindset. To take action aligned with what we say matters most.

And yes… some people will need to do more to reach the same outcome.
That’s not always fair, but it’s real.

What matters is this:

Don’t tell yourself it isn’t your goal just because you haven’t been willing (yet) to do what it takes to get there.

Try This:

Name the goal you’ve been afraid to write down.
Ask yourself, What might it take to pursue this?
And then decide what part you are willing to do—without shame, pressure, or comparison.

This is what I call purposeful productivity:
Where your goals align with your values.
Where your plans reflect your current capacity.
And where your progress is personal—not performative.

Note to Self: What I'm Learning

This week, our community gathered—twice, in fact—to talk about goals. And something hit me again:
There’s power in saying your goals out loud.

It’s vulnerable. It’s not always easy. But it’s also freeing. Hearing others share their goals inspired me. Saying mine out loud gave me clarity and courage.

There’s something deeply encouraging about knowing you’re not the only one trying to do big things. We weren’t just sharing goals. We were cheering each other on. And that kind of support is rare and vital.

I’m realizing more and more how much we need community, especially when we’re chasing growth, change, or impact.

That’s why I’m leaning in.

That’s why I keep showing up.

Productivity Hack:

The 5-Minute Setup Rule

Before you end your workday (or shift from one task to another), take 5 minutes to set up your next step.

That means:

Open the document you’ll need tomorrow and type the first sentence.
Set out the supplies or tools for your next task.
Add the link you’ll need to your calendar event.
Write the first bullet on a blank note so you’re not starting from scratch.

Why it works:
Starting is the hardest part. If you set up the beginning now, your future self has no excuse to delay.

It’s a small move—but it builds momentum, reduces friction, and helps you show up ready.

As we step into the 3rd Quarter, it’s clear this season has been heavy. Across the U.S., we’ve witnessed heartbreaking events and difficult moments that have called us to pause, grieve, and ask how we can show up for others.

It’s not always easy to keep moving forward in the midst of so much weight. But we can hold both—grief and momentum, awareness and action.
We move forward with care, staying grounded in what matters most.

Please know—we’re taking time behind the scenes to grieve, to pray, and to consider meaningful ways we can respond and support others. We don’t take these moments lightly. Your presence and your heart matter here.

Supporting You,

Terrie

P.S. ReaderWant support setting goals like this—and actually following through?

That’s exactly what we do inside the All Access Pass.

If you’re tired of only setting “safe” goals...
If you’re ready to name what you really want and build a sustainable, aligned plan to go after it…
The All Access Pass gives you the tools, structure, and support to do it—with flexibility, encouragement, and a community that gets it.

Whether your goal is to grow your business, stay consistent with your routines, or navigate a new season of life with intention—we walk through it together. One goal, one step at a time.

Inside, you’ll get: