We’ve all heard it before: Set goals. Dream big. Push yourself.
And it’s true—goals can bring meaning, motivation, and a powerful sense of direction.
But here’s the paradox:The very thing that gives our life purpose can also leave us feeling inadequate, anxious, or stuck in constant comparison.
We set a goal… and suddenly the gap between where we are and where we want to be feels unbearable.
We work harder, push further, and still feel like it’s never enough.
We get so focused on the end result that we miss the life happening right in front of us.
So, what’s the answer? Do we ditch goals altogether?
Not at all.
Goals matter. They challenge us.
They inspire growth.
They help us move with intention rather than drifting through the day-to-day.
But I’ve learned something important:
You can set bold, exciting goals—without sacrificing peace, presence, and joy along the way.
Imagine this…
Let’s say you set some massive goals—ones that’ll take 20 years to achieve.
Now imagine you’ve hit every single one of them.
But if you were given the chance to trade it all to be right back here, today…
with the health you currently have, the people around you, and the time still ahead of you—
you’d probably take that deal in a heartbeat.
Because no matter how much we accomplish, the present moment is where life actually happens.
Why set goals if they can cause so much stress?
It’s a fair question.
Here’s why I still believe in goal setting—when it’s done with the right mindset:
We thrive on progress. There’s something deeply human about working toward something that matters.
We thrive on impact. Goals help us serve others and contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
We thrive on meaning. A clear goal can turn ordinary days into purposeful ones.
The key isn’t to stop setting goals— It’s to learn how to hold them lightly.
To pursue growth without tying your worth to the outcome.
To work hard without losing sight of what’s already good.
To remember that who you are today—right now—is already enough.
What's Next?
If your goals are stressing you out more than they’re serving you, take a moment to reset.
Ask yourself:
What do I want to achieve?
Why does it matter to me?
And how can I move toward it without missing the life I already have?
You don’t have to choose between ambition and peace.
You can have both.