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Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve: 5 Game-Changing Questions for Founders

Writer's picture: Frantzces LysFrantzces Lys

Updated: Jan 21



Most founders fail at goal-setting not because they lack ambition but because they ask the wrong questions.


If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many business goals or struggled to stay consistent, you’re not alone.


Take Jade, for example. She’s a small business owner who sat down last January with a shiny new planner, ambitious goals, and big hopes. 


She wanted to double her revenue, launch a new product line, and grow her social media following by 50%. Armed with a productivity app and a detailed plan, Jade dove in with enthusiasm.


But by March, her planner was gathering dust, the app notifications were muted, and Jade was utterly burned out. 


Her problem wasn’t ambition—it was the questions she wasn’t asking, such as: 


  • Why did those goals matter? 

  • What was holding her back? 

  • And how could she set sustainable goals that aligned with her values?


When Jade stepped back to reflect, everything changed. 


She let go of distractions that didn’t serve her vision, focused on her one big priority, and redefined success in a way that felt personal and achievable.


These five questions will help you craft business goals that work for your life and your vision.


Ready to discover a better way to set goals?


Let’s dive in.


Question 1: What’s Holding Me Back From Achieving My Business Goals?


When setting sustainable business goals, it’s tempting to pile on more tasks, projects, and responsibilities. 


But progress isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. And that starts with letting go of what’s holding you back.


Ask yourself: What am I holding onto that no longer serves me? 


It could be outdated habits, unprofitable clients, or saying yes to obligations that drain your energy. 


Imagine trying to run a marathon with boots full of sand. To move forward, you need to lighten the load.


Letting go can feel risky. What if saying no leaves a revenue gap? What if it disappoints someone? 


But every ‘no’ clears space for a bigger, better ‘yes.’


Jade faced this challenge when she realized she was spending too much time managing low-priority tasks and clients who weren’t aligned with her vision. 


Once she let go of those distractions, she had the energy and focus to invest in her top priorities.


Action Step: Create a “stop-doing” list. Write down one thing—just one—that you can let go of today. It could be an unproductive meeting, a low-priority task, or even a belief that holds you back. 


Start small, and watch how momentum builds.


Question 2: How Do I Identify the One Goal That Will Transform My Business?


Have you started the year juggling a dozen goals, only to end up spread too thin and overwhelmed? 


Instead of chasing everything, focus on one goal that can make the biggest difference—the domino that sets everything else in motion.


Ask yourself: What would truly change my business if I could only accomplish one thing this year? 


Maybe it’s landing a dream client, launching a flagship product, or hiring the right team member. 


This single goal becomes your north star, guiding your energy and decisions throughout the year.


Choosing one goal doesn’t mean abandoning everything else. 


Those other goals aren’t gone forever—they’re just waiting for the foundation you’re building right now.


For Jade, this shift came when she realized her biggest priority wasn’t doubling revenue or chasing social media metrics—it was creating deeper connections with her customers. 


By focusing on this one goal, everything else fell into place.


Action Step: Identify your “one big thing” for the year and break it into three actionable steps. For example:


  1. Research the market.

  2. Build a prototype.

  3. Test with a pilot group.


Let your one goal lead the way this year, and everything else will fall into place.


Question 3: Why Does Measuring Success Go Beyond KPIs?


KPIs are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. 


You can hit every revenue target and grow your audience, but is that really success if you’re burned out, uninspired, or disconnected?


Ask yourself: How will I measure progress beyond the numbers? 


Consider mental health, relationships, and creativity. Ask yourself:


  • Are you energized at the end of your day? 

  • Are your connections with your team and clients thriving, or is work pulling you away from what matters most? 

  • Are you making space to innovate, or are you stuck in execution mode?


For Jade, redefining success meant paying attention to how she felt about her work. 


She started measuring success by how much energy and joy she had at the end of her day, not just by hitting revenue goals.


Action Step: Define one non-measurable success indicator. Maybe it’s feeling more creative, finding joy in problem-solving, or carving out time to recharge. 


Write it down and keep it visible as a gut check for evaluating progress.


Question 4: How Do I Overcome Fear in Business and Focus on Bold Goals?


Fear often disguises itself as procrastination or excuses like, “It’s not the right time” or “I’m not ready.” 


But the goals you avoid often hold the biggest potential for growth.


Ask yourself: What bold goal am I avoiding because it feels uncomfortable or risky? 


Maybe it’s pitching a dream client, raising your prices, or launching a product. Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a compass pointing you toward growth.


Leaning into discomfort isn’t reckless; it’s about taking calculated risks that stretch you and help you grow. 


The things that scare you the most are often the ones that will propel you forward.


Jade faced her fear of reaching out to a larger brand for a collaboration. Once she took the leap, she landed the partnership and grew her confidence to tackle even bolder goals.


Action Step: Write down one bold goal that excites and terrifies you. Then, commit to taking the first step within the next seven days. For example:


  • Send an email to someone you admire.

  • Update your pricing on your website.

  • Share a sneak peek of your product on social media.


Small steps lead to big leaps. 


It’s time to embrace the discomfort and grow.


Question 5: Why Is Accountability Key to Sticking With Business Goals?


Even the best plans can fall apart without accountability. 


Willpower fades when life gets hectic, but having someone in your corner—a mentor, coach, or peer—can make all the difference.


Ask yourself: Who can hold me accountable, and how will I stay consistent? 


Accountability isn’t about judgment; it’s about encouragement. Having someone to celebrate your wins and remind you of your “why” makes all the difference.


Consistency is just as important. 


Progress isn’t about grand gestures or bursts of effort. It’s about tiny, steady actions repeated over time.


Jade credits her success to her accountability partner—a fellow entrepreneur who helped her stay focused and motivated during challenging weeks.


Action Step: Choose an accountability partner and set up regular check-ins. Here’s how:


  1. Identify a mentor, business buddy, or supportive friend.

  2. Schedule weekly or monthly calls.

  3. Share your goals and the steps you’re taking to achieve them.


With accountability, you’re never alone. 


It’s a team effort to stay on course.


Your Path to Goals That Actually Work


Goal-setting can feel like a rollercoaster. 


One minute, you’re excited about the possibilities. The next, you’re drowning in doubts. But those feelings don’t mean you’re failing—they mean you care.


Remember Jade? 


She turned her year around by asking the right questions. She let go of distractions, focused on

her one big goal, and redefined success in a way that worked for her. 


If she can do it, so can you.


These five questions aren’t just ideas but a roadmap to clarity and freedom. They’ll help you align your goals with your values and create a life and business you’re proud of.


Ready to take action? Share your ‘one big thing’ in the comments below, or start building your “stop-doing” list today. 


Your year starts now. 


Make it happen.




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