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Mindful Goal-Setting Strategies for Entrepreneurs

How to Set Goals That Actually Work


Let’s talk about a goal-setting approach that’s anything but generic. At Built on YES, we believe personal and professional growth starts with mindfulness and intention—not with trendy social media lists of "INs and OUTs." This mindful goal-setting strategy is for you if you’re tired of resolutions that fizzle out before February. Let’s ditch the noise and focus on creating goals that align with your values and drive real progress.



An entrepreneur jumping over their goals they created with mindfulness and intention


 

Why INs and OUTs Miss the Mark

If you’ve been scrolling social media around the new year, you’ve probably seen the “INs and OUTs” trend. Things like:

INs: Pilates, family time, self-care.

OUTs: Overspending, weekend work, packed calendars.


While entertaining, these lists often lack depth and authenticity. They’re more about aesthetics than actionable growth. Real change doesn’t come from curated lists; it comes from intentional reflection and meaningful goals.



Try This Instead: The “What Worked vs. What Didn’t Work” Method

This simple mindfulness exercise helps you turn past experiences into future wins. Here’s how it works:

  1. Reflect: Create two lists—“What Worked” and “What Didn’t Work.”

  2. Analyze: Look for patterns, habits, and systems that need tweaking.

  3. Act: Use your insights to craft purposeful goals backed by systems, habits, and boundaries.



 

Erin’s 2024 Reflection: Personal Goals

To show you how it’s done, here are some real examples from my personal life:

What Worked

  • Walking the Dog as a Workout Warm-Up:

    • Combined sunshine, movement, and mental clarity.

    • Result: Better workouts and improved mood.

  • Mindfulness Between Kid Drop-Offs:

    • Journaling and meditating during small gaps in the day.

    • Result: A consistent habit of self-care.

  • Sustainable Shopping Habits:

    • Buying gently-used luxury goods brought joy without overconsumption.

    • Result: Intentional purchases with meaningful value.

What Didn’t Work

  • Social Media Time Limits:

    • Knowing the password made it easy to override.

    • Result: More screen time than intended.

  • Reading for Fun:

    • Lack of deadlines or structure stalled momentum.

    • Result: A habit that didn’t stick.

  • Hair Extensions:

    • Time-intensive maintenance wasn’t worth it.

    • Result: Pivoted to natural hair care.



 

Applying the Method to Entrepreneur & Business Goals

Entrepreneurs, listen up! This process works for your business, too. Ask yourself:

  • What Worked:

    • Strong client relationships.

    • Delegating low-value tasks.

  • What Didn’t Work:

    • Overcommitting to unaligned projects.

    • Neglecting strategic planning.

From here, align your goals with clear “why” statements to maintain focus and consistency.



 

Turn Reflections Into Mindful Goal-Setting Strategies that Work for Entrepreneurs

Here’s how to create goals that don’t just sit on a to-do list:

  1. Start With Reflection: Write your “What Worked” and “What Didn’t Work” lists. Look for trends and insights.

  2. Set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound. For example, instead of “exercise more,” aim for “walk 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.”

  3. Develop Supporting Habits: Build small habits that align with your goals. For instance, prep gym clothes the night before to ensure morning workouts.

  4. Establish Boundaries: Say “no” to distractions or commitments that don’t align with your goals.

  5. Create Systems: Use tools or routines to streamline tasks. Example: Schedule weekly time blocks for reflection and planning.



 

Final Thoughts

Most of us start the year with good intentions, big goals, and a fresh dose of optimism. But without reflection, those goals fall flat. The “What Worked vs. What Didn’t Work” method is a game changer. It shifts focus from generic resolutions to actionable, meaningful, and personalized changes.


As you head into 2025, I challenge you to pause and reflect. What truly worked for you? What didn’t? Don’t just make a list—dig into the “why.” Use your insights to build habits, boundaries, and systems that support your goals and create real momentum in your life and business.


Forget the “INs and OUTs.” Focus on YOU. Reflect, adjust, and move forward with purpose. You’re courageous, capable, and stronger than you think.



 

For a more in-depth version of this blog, check out Erin's Substack.

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