goal setting and self-growth
Feeling a little lost with goal setting? In this post, we’ll walk through a gentle and effective 5-step process on how to set goals for yourself—one that feels aligned, doable, and true to who you are.
Hey friend! Let’s talk about something that’s been showing up for a lot of us lately: setting goals that actually feel good. Not goals that feel like pressure or perfectionism. Not the kind that fizzle out after week two.
I want you to imagine we’re sitting together on the floor, tea in hand, comfy clothes on. You’re telling me, “I want to grow, but I don’t know where to start.” And I’m telling you, “I’ve got you. Let’s take this one step at a time.”
Because the truth is, goal setting doesn’t have to be a rigid, overwhelming thing. In fact, the most powerful goals come from a place of clarity, compassion, and connection to who you really are.
So if you’ve been wondering how to set goals for yourself—goals that feel aligned with your growth, your energy, and your season of life—this is for you. Let’s dive in.
Before we talk about goals, let’s take a step back and breathe. Ask yourself: What do I actually want? Not what you think you “should” want. Not what other people are chasing. What feels real and aligned for you?
This is where your clarity lives. When you know what truly matters to you—deep down—it becomes so much easier to create goals that feel good to pursue.
You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Just start by getting honest with yourself. What excites you? What season of life are you in? What feels like a “yes” in your body and soul?
This first step is your foundation. Be gentle with yourself as you explore it. You’re not behind. You’re right on time.
Once you know your goal, the next step is turning it into something that feels doable—not overwhelming.
We tend to look at the big dream and feel frozen, right? So instead, let’s simplify. Break it down into smaller, bite-sized steps. What would it look like to move toward your goal this week? What’s one thing you can do today?
Give your dream a map. Break it into chapters, moments, and milestones that you can walk through with more ease. This isn’t about rushing—it’s about honouring the process and letting it unfold in a way that’s kind to your nervous system.
You don’t need a master plan—you just need a starting point.
Let’s be real—sometimes the biggest block isn’t how to reach a goal. It’s the fear that you can’t.
Self-doubt shows up for all of us, especially when we’re trying something unfamiliar. But here’s the beautiful truth: you don’t need to feel 100% confident to start. You just need a little spark of belief that you’re capable of growing into this version of yourself.
Be gentle when those old stories or fears creep in. Notice them, but don’t live by them. Replace them with something kinder, something rooted in truth—like: “I’m allowed to learn as I go.”
You’re not falling behind—you’re showing up. And that matters more than you know.
Big goals are built on the tiny things you do daily. Not the grand gestures—but the quiet, consistent acts of showing up for yourself.
What’s one habit that could help support the direction you’re going? It doesn’t need to be fancy. Maybe it’s setting a 5-minute timer to journal in the morning. Maybe it’s stretching before bed, or checking in with your goal once a week.
Habits don’t need to be perfect to work—they just need to feel real and doable for you.
Let them fit into your life, not force you into someone else’s mold. Let them be a form of self-respect, not self-pressure.
Here’s a little soul truth: growth isn’t linear. You’ll have highs, lows, pauses, pivots—and it’s all part of the path.
Things might not go exactly how you planned, and that’s okay. You don’t need a flawless record to be making progress. What matters most is your willingness to adjust, to listen to yourself, and to keep coming back to your why.
Adaptability isn’t about giving up—it’s about trusting that you can handle the twists and turns. It’s about honouring your own rhythm, even when it looks different than you expected.
Let your journey be yours. Evolving is a sign that you’re in it. And that’s powerful.
This post is just the beginning. I’ve created a free downloadable workbook that gently guides you through every step of this process—with space to reflect, plan, and stay aligned as you grow.
→ Click here to grab your free Goal Setting Workbook
(You’ll get instant access—no pressure, no overwhelm. Just a tool to support your self-growth journey.)
Setting goals for yourself isn’t about fixing who you are—it’s about meeting yourself where you are and supporting the version of you that’s ready to grow.
You don’t need to chase hustle culture. You don’t need to compare timelines. You don’t need to do it perfectly.
You just need to start. And I’ll be here cheering you on every step of the way.
Welcome to your space for real self-growth. I’m here to support you as you grow into your most authentic self.
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About me
A few years ago, I found myself overwhelmed, searching for deeper meaning. My curiosity about the world often left me with more questions than answers. As I moved through different seasons of life, I started connecting the dots and gaining clarity on who I am and what I wanted in life.
One pivotal moment caused me to pause, reflect, and ask myself: What does a fulfilling life look like for me? Embracing that realisation sparked a life-changing commitment to personal growth, which ultimately led me to create By Raina L.
Let’s do this thing called ‘growth’ together!
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