Before You Set Another Goal, Ask Yourself This
We’re constantly told to dream bigger, work harder, and chase the next milestone.
Set another goal. Read another book. Build another habit. Accomplish more.
None of that is bad, I just think we’re asking ourselves the wrong question.
Instead of asking, “What’s my next goal?” I think we should start with, “Why does this matter to me?”
That one question has changed how I approach nearly every area of my life. It’s easy to build goals around what looks impressive: a job title, a number in your bank account, number of followers, awards, or a packed schedule that makes you feel productive.
But impressive and meaningful aren’t always the same thing.
I’ve met people who achieved everything they thought they wanted and still felt disconnected from their own lives. (Myself included!) Not because they weren’t successful. It was because somewhere along the way, they stopped asking why.
When we don’t know our “why,” it’s easy to chase someone else’s definition of success. We compare our timeline to people we barely know. We keep saying yes because we’re afraid of falling behind. We accomplish things that look good from the outside while feeling exhausted on the inside.
I’ve learned that the goals worth keeping aren’t always the biggest ones. They’re the ones that nourish you. The ones that help you become healthier, kinder, more present, more confident, or more connected to the people you love.
Sometimes, the most meaningful goal isn’t starting something new. Sometimes, it’s protecting your peace, spending more time with family, learning to say no, or simply waking up feeling like your life reflects your values instead of everyone else’s expectations.
The next time you write down a goal, pause for a moment and ask yourself:
Why does this matter to me?
Who am I trying to become through this goal?
If no one ever applauded me for accomplishing it, would I still want it?
Does this goal nourish my life—or am I hoping it impresses someone else?
Your answers might surprise you.
Remember: Goals that last aren’t built on pressure. They’re built on purpose. And purpose starts with one simple question: Why?
If you’re looking for a place to explore that question more deeply, my Set Goals That Last workbook walks you through exercises that help you create goals rooted in your values instead of outside expectations. My hope is that you don’t just accomplish more; you build a life that actually feels like your own.
So many goals fail not because we aren’t capable, but because we’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or trying to change everything at once.
Set Goals That Last © was created to help you set realistic, values-based goals that feel supportive instead of stressful. This workbook focuses on progress over perfection and builds skills for motivation, self-trust, and follow-through.
Through guided reflection, conversation prompts, and practical exercises, readers learn how to:
Clarify what truly matters to them
Set goals that align with their values and emotional well-being
Break goals into manageable, achievable steps
Navigate setbacks with self-compassion instead of self-criticism
Build habits that support long-term growth
This workbook is ideal for anyone looking to support goal-setting in a way that feels human, flexible, and sustainable.
What’s Inside
A structured yet gentle approach to goal-setting.
Guided reflections to identify personal values and motivations
Exercises to turn big goals into small, doable steps
Tools for tracking progress without pressure
Space to reflect, adjust, and grow over time
From Francesca Reicherter
When I created Set Goals That Last ©, I wanted something that didn’t feel like another checklist or productivity system. I wanted a tool that honored the emotional side of goal-setting — the fear, the doubt, the hope, and the growth.
This workbook is about learning how to move forward with intention, patience, and trust in yourself — even when the path isn’t linear.
With care and encouragement,
Francesca
