Goals That Glow: Why Your Dreams Should Nourish You, Not Drain You

We set goals to grow, to thrive, to live with intention—not to run ourselves into the ground. But somewhere along the way, many of us start treating our goals like pressure cookers instead of passion projects. (Who else has their hand raised cuz honey, I overdo it every year 🙋🏽‍♀️) If chasing your dreams feels more like a burden than a blessing, it’s time for a reset.

Here’s the truth: Your goals should feel like self-care, not stress. They should light you up, not weigh you down. When your goals are aligned with your values, energy, & capacity, they become a form of nourishment—not another thing on your never-ending to-do list.

I guess this is why I always end up making so many goals at the beginning of each year (meaning my goals aligning with my values). I’ve been in my bag lately to align more with my values, so the passion is on 10. I’m usually laser-focused, but the problem arises when I don’t have enough lasers to handle all of my goals at the same time. I’m learning this year that there’s nothing wrong with slowing down & not doing the most.

And since I’m in the lesson learning season, it’s time to pivot…without feeling like I punked out. Here’s how to shift the vibe:

• Make it meaningful: Choose goals that feel good in your soul, not just ones that look good on paper.

Everybody wants the summer bodies & big bank accounts, but the extremes aren’t necessary. Nothing wrong with striving to just be healthy & working your way out of debt.

• Break it down: Progress doesn’t require perfection. Small, steady steps are still steps.

This is something I’ve mastered for working towards my annual goals. I break the big goal down into smaller ones each quarter of the year, then even smaller steps I can do within each month. When I plan the next day, I use the monthly goals to determine what I need to do that day to make progress towards the pot at the end of the rainbow.

• Build in rest: If your goals don’t leave space for breathing room, it’s time to rework the plan.

My👏🏽 Problem 👏🏽 Child! 👏🏽 I’m not sure if I’ll ever learn how to truly rest. Either my brain, my body, or both are always on the move. This is probably my biggest challenge, so I’m working on a master plan so I can maximize my goal steps & rest at the same time.

• Celebrate often: Every win counts. Don’t wait for the “big one” to honor your growth.

What seems to be such an insignificant thing actually is the way I celebrate my progress the most: checking off boxes on my to-do list that are steps towards my goals. When I plan my tomorrow, I cross off what I accomplished from that day. Go me, go me, go me *in my Cardi B voice

Self-care isn’t always bubble baths & spa days—it’s also setting goals that support your well-being. Let your goals be a source of joy, not exhaustion. Your dreams should be limitless but without the stress.

I created the private Facebook group because community matters. We’re stronger together & need our tribe. Through Intentionally Evolving Together, we can join forces to cheer one another on, hold each other accountable, & drop some valuable gems on our sistas.

✨ Because your peace is the real flex. ✨

Want more support creating goals that feel good? Grab an Intentional Journal or Planner & start aligning your hustle with your healing.