When Goal Setting Isn’t Working: What to Try Instead
Photo by Anna Nekrashevich
You set the goal. You made the plan. Maybe you even color-coded your calendar.
But… it’s just not happening.
If that’s you right now, I want to start by saying this: you’re not lazy, broken, or unmotivated. You’re human. And when goal setting doesn’t seem to be working, it’s usually not because you’re doing something wrong—it’s because something about the goal, the timing, or the approach needs adjusting.
Let’s talk about what to do when you feel like you’ve hit a wall.
1. Check the pressure level
Sometimes we make goals that are technically doable—but emotionally exhausting. If your goal feels like a heavy obligation instead of an encouraging structure, it might be time to lighten the load.
Instead of:
“Write 1,000 words every day.”
Try:
“Write for 15 minutes three times this week, just to see what ideas come up.”
This creates space for curiosity and experimentation—which often leads to more sustainable progress.
2. Zoom out before you zoom back in
If you’re stuck, it may help to take a step back and reconnect to your why. What made you want this goal in the first place? How do you want to feel? What would success look like in your actual life—not an idealized version of it?
Once you’ve reconnected to that vision, you can zoom back in and choose a smaller, more aligned next step.
3. Ditch the all-or-nothing thinking
Missed a day? Skipped a week? That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means you’re human. Consistency isn’t about never slipping up. It’s about learning to return—again and again.
You don’t have to “start over.” You can just… start from here.
4. Get support that meets you where you are
Sometimes the missing piece isn’t more motivation—it’s connection. Having someone in your corner who gets it can make a big difference. Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a community, support helps you stay accountable without the guilt trip.
5. Redefine what progress looks like
Progress doesn’t always look like forward motion. Sometimes it looks like:
Resting so you don’t burn out
Pausing to rethink your strategy
Saying no to something that no longer fits
Learning from a “failed” attempt and trying again more gently
These things count. They’re part of the process.
If your goals aren’t working, it doesn’t mean you’re not capable.
It just means it’s time to try a different approach.
As a holistic wellness and creative flow coach, I help people who are feeling stuck reconnect to what matters, choose goals that match their energy, and build momentum in a way that feels realistic and regenerative—not rigid or overwhelming.
✨ If you’re ready to feel supported, not stressed, let’s chat.
👉 Schedule a free coaching call here and let’s figure out what’s getting in the way—and how to move forward with more clarity and ease.