I had a friend suggest making a weekly goals list with measurable targets—and the result was fantastic!
If you have a goal list that you started at the beginning of the year or at a recent milestone in your life, did you include measurable targets? Did you write down each time you made progress toward a larger goal? This is the key.
Why is it important to note each small step you achieve? Because later, you can remind yourself—without forgetting or downplaying your efforts—that you are actively working toward becoming your best self.
No matter what, we all have wishes and dreams for ourselves. When we set goals and can see our efforts paying off, it feels great. Even if there are still missing pieces in our lives—whether it be a spouse, job, children, financial independence, or something else—your goals remain completely relevant. That’s because you’re focusing not on what’s lacking, but on what’s within your control to create the life you want. That’s the beauty of maintaining a positive, proactive, and regularly grateful mindset.
If you find yourself in an emotional funk—feeling down or thinking, I’m a failure or this is too hard—you can turn to your goal list. Reviewing your targets and achievements reminds you of the truth: how much you’ve already accomplished. Writing down your progress gives you real, tangible evidence that your efforts matter, even when your emotions try to convince you otherwise.
Another friend of mine started a goal list in January, but she overshot her targets and felt like she wasn’t making progress. The truth? She hadn’t included measurable steps, so she had no way to track or acknowledge her achievements. Measurability is key—every small win counts when you can see it.
Bottom line: Use your goals to step into your best self. They serve as a powerful reminder of how much you can do for yourself, even when life feels hard.