Turning Challenges Into Checkmarks: How to Achieve Your Goals This Year

Articles

Jan 5

For nearly ten years, I’ve had the honor of hosting intention and goal-setting sessions, along with vision board workshops. Every year, I’m inspired by the goals participants bring to the table—bold visions of success, transformation, and purpose. But alongside these dreams, there’s always an honest conversation about the barriers that stand in the way. Whether it’s fear, time, burnout, or something else entirely, these challenges are universal. The good news? They’re navigable.

As I reflect on a decade of these sessions, I’ve noticed recurring themes in the challenges participants face. Let’s explore some of the most common obstacles—and actionable strategies to overcome them with purpose.

Challenge #1: Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

This one comes up all the time. Fear of failure, rejection, or judgment—you name it, people have felt it. Then there’s imposter syndrome, that persistent whisper: “Who am I to do this?” These fears are common, but they don’t have to hold you back.

What to Do About It:

Reframe Your Thinking: Shift your mindset from “What if I fail?” to “What will I learn if I try?” Fear often signals growth is on the horizon.
Take Small Steps: Break your goal into manageable, bite-sized pieces. Each small win builds momentum and confidence.
Remind Yourself: Everyone has doubts. The people who succeed are the ones who move forward despite them.

Challenge #2: Finding Time for Goal-Setting in a Busy World

“I don’t have time” is one of the most common phrases I hear. Between work, family, and life’s responsibilities, finding time for personal or professional goals can feel impossible. Add burnout to the mix, and stagnation becomes inevitable.

What to Do About It:

Get Ruthless About Priorities: Focus on the 1-3 things that truly matter this year. Say no to distractions that don’t align with your goals.
Time-Block for Success: Schedule dedicated time for your goals, just like a meeting. Even 15 minutes a day adds up.
Protect Your Energy: Set boundaries. It’s okay—and necessary—to say no to what doesn’t serve you.

Challenge #3: Tackling Procrastination and Staying Disciplined

Procrastination is the great equalizer. Whether it’s scrolling social media, binge-watching a show, or reorganizing your closet, we all have our ways of avoiding the tasks we know we need to tackle.

What to Do About It:

Set Micro-Deadlines: Break down big goals into smaller tasks with clear deadlines. Completing small tasks will keep you motivated.
Work in Sprints: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break) to stay productive without burning out.
Find Accountability: Share your goals with a friend or mentor who can check in and cheer you on.

Challenge #4: Managing Emotional and Mental Barriers

Negative self-talk, perfectionism, and burnout are sneaky saboteurs. They creep in when you least expect it, undermining confidence and progress.

What to Do About It:

Practice Gratitude: Reflect daily on what’s going well. Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting your mindset.
Embrace Imperfection: Progress is better than perfection. “Done” will always be more valuable than “perfect.”
Invest in Self-Care: Make time for practices that nourish you, whether it’s therapy, journaling, or meditation. Tools like the Calm app or Insight Timer can help.

Challenge #5: Prioritizing Your Own Needs

It’s easy to prioritize everyone else—family, colleagues, or community—over your own needs. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

What to Do About It:

Reclaim Your Time: Dedicate at least one hour a week—or even one day—to focus on your goals.
Delegate and Outsource: Free up time by handing off tasks that don’t require your personal attention.
Shift Your Mindset: Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish. When you grow, everyone around you benefits.

Moving Forward

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: barriers will always exist, but they don’t have to define your journey. Whether your challenge is fear, time, or something else entirely, there’s always a way forward—incrementally, intentionally, and authentically.

As we step into a new year, I encourage you to reflect on what matters most. Choose your word of the year. Set your intentions. Write down your goals. Build your vision board. And most importantly, give yourself grace. Remember, progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.

Final Thoughts

You’ve got this. If you missed my annual intention and goal-setting session, the recording is available on YouTube. Share it with friends and colleagues, and let’s make this year one of progress, purpose, and achievement.