Do you hate setting business goals? Try this simple alternative

UPDATED for 2026

I love setting business goals. I find them inspiring and exciting, and I set them at least once a quarter to keep myself energized and productive. But a lot of us business owners don’t feel the same way. In fact, many of my clients have told me that setting business goals causes them a lot of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. And I can totally understand why.

If you’re unclear about where you are or where you’re going, setting business goals can be seriously stressful. To the point where you avoid setting business goals at ALL.

And without a plan, you feel even more lost, which causes even more stress and anxiety. It’s a cycle that just keeps getting worse and worse…

So why is setting business goals so uncomfortable at times?

It’s because the act of setting goals comes from a THOUGHT space. The thought space is a problem-solving space, and it involves your logical brain. It also comes from a space of survival. And when your brain is in survival mode for any reason, that can kick your stress level into high gear.

This is where one of my favorite strategies comes in…

If you’re feeling stressed about setting business goals, try redirecting yourself from a THOUGHT space to a FEEL space.

So, how to set business goals when your brain is stuck in a thought space? It’s all about remembering how you want to FEEL in your business. Get back to the basics, and creating a mantra that reflects your desired feelings.

Here’s how I set business goals when I’m feeling stuck in the goal-setting process.

Step 1: First, choose a mantra. Start with a once-sentence mantra statement that sums up how I want to feel in my business and in what time frame.

Step 2: Now, every time you’re faced with a business decision, recite that mantra. If the decision in front of you is aligned with your mantra, I say YES. If it isn’t aligned, I say NO.

That’s it!

For example, in 2020 my mantra was, “I see clearly.” At the time, I was shifting the focus in my business, and I was trying to understand my new direction with clarity. So I repeated that mantra before making any decision. (Incidentally that was the year that I elected to get LASIK surgery, which is kind of interesting!)

Then in 2021, my mantra was, “make double, work half.” So with each opportunity that year, before I said YES I recited this mantra, and asked if this business move was aligned with it. If it was, I said YES, and if not I said NO. This strategy opened up some really innovative spaces for expansion in my business that I hadn’t previously considered, which was amazing.

Not only that, but I actually DID “make double and work half” that year!

In 2022 through 2024 I didn’t have a mantra, even though I had goals. While my business continued to move forward, I definitely noticed the difference in NOT having a mantra to help guide me.

For this year, I’m getting back to my mantras. My new mantra is, “I invest my time, energy, and money in the things that I value.” I keep my values in mind every time I recite this mantra, and often write them out too.

So how can you make this super-simple business goal strategy work for YOU? Start with a mantra that inspires you!

The best way to find your own mantra is to simply ask yourself what you need, and listen to what your intuition tells you.

If you don’t get an answer right away, try putting on some soft music, relax, and gently meditate on the answer. That’s it!

So there you have it! This is how to set business goals when you’re feeling lost, stuck, or uncertain. It’s a strategy that has worked for both me and my clients, and I bet you’ll love it too. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!

Until next time,

Love, light, and MONEY, Honey…

Kaylee

P.S. Setting business goals is sometimes less about strategy and more about the INNER work. Your next best goal might be to reset your money mindset, so you can start aligning with a more financially abundant life. If that sounds like you, than my FREE Mini-Course is perfect for you!

Join me for RESET YOUR MONEY MINDSET, a simple but powerful Mini-Course to help you take charge of your money relationship. You’ll learn what Money Mindset is, why it matters, and how to take the steps to create a powerful one for your business and life.

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