Goal Setting For Dreamers Series 1 of 4

Breaking Through the Confusion of Dreams vs Goals

Do you feel like you’re putting in all the effort, yet nothing seems to move forward? Maybe you’re chasing after goals that don’t feel aligned with who you truly are, or you’ve set goals that seem to be leading you nowhere. Do your dreams feel out of reach, no matter how hard you try to make them real?

I’ve been there too. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of frustration—setting goals without a clear sense of direction or purpose. We end up feeling burnt out or disappointed when the results don’t align with what we truly desire.

But here’s the truth: the problem isn’t with you. It’s with your approach. Too often, we jump straight into goal-setting without first clarifying our deeper dreams. And that’s where everything can get off track.

But here's the good news: This cycle can be broken.

This Series Is Here to Help You

The Goal Setting for Dreamers series is designed to help you break free from frustration and gain the clarity needed to align your dreams and goals in a way that feels purposeful, attainable, and exciting.

Throughout this series, I’ll guide you through the process of turning your dreams into actionable goals, helping you to:

• Understand the key differences between a dream and a goal, and why that clarity is crucial for your success.

• Explore strategies for effective dreaming and goal setting.

• Take inspired action—even if you’re not sure where to start.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or overwhelmed by your dreams and goals, you're in the right place. Together, we’ll turn your dreams into reality by aligning your goals with the life vision you truly desire.

The Paradox of Dreaming Big

Manifesting My Biggest Dream While Failing at ALL of My Goals

Besides Dream-building, Goal-setting is something I’ve been passionate about for years. In fact, yesterday I began my 23rd goal cycle with my mastermind sisters. We’ve been goal-setting together for the last 6 years, and in that time, I’ve set over 88 goals (each cycle lasting 8 weeks). Every cycle has brought new insights, growth, and transformation—and a few setbacks along the way.

One of those setbacks happened during a goal cycle when I was pregnant and preparing to give birth to my son. I had set my goals, but with all the changes and challenges that came with pregnancy and the monumental transition into motherhood, I didn’t achieve a single one.

It’s ironic, though. While I was manifesting the biggest dream of my life—birthing my child—I simultaneously failed at every single goal I had set for that cycle.

I was disappointed. I felt like a failure.

But here’s the thing about dreams and goals: they don’t always go according to plan—and that’s okay. We all hit roadblocks, setbacks, and moments where we feel like we’re not getting anywhere or worse moving backwards. And that’s exactly why most people give up on their dreams and goals. It’s easier to throw in the towel than to keep going when things don’t go as we expect.

This is also where the path to mastery comes in. The truth is that mastery isn’t about getting everything perfect from the start—it’s about repetition. It’s through repeated cycles of setting and revisiting our goals and allowing our dreams to evolve that we truly grow. With each attempt, even when it doesn’t go as planned, we learn something new, refine our approach, and keep getting stronger.

I remember calling one of my life coaches during that time, feeling down and wondering if I should just quit trying to set goals altogether.

She asked me a simple, yet life-changing question:

“What do you want to make this mean about you?”

In that moment, something clicked. I realized I didn’t have to let this setback define me. I was in charge of the meaning I assigned to it.

She then proposed, “What if it just means that you chose to be courageous and set big goals?”

I let that sink in.

And I made a decision right there: "I am a courageous woman." And I was going to learn from this experience, take it into my next goal cycle, and try again. Because the truth is: it wasn’t about perfection—it was about learning, growing, and showing up in the best way I could. The path to mastery lies in repetition—getting back up after each failure, refining your process, and continuing to show up for yourself.

I got up. I tried again. And I got stronger.

Five years later, I’ve proudly accomplished many of my goals and am now stepping into my 23rd goal cycle, I do so with a deeper understanding of what it truly means to set big goals, show up for them—imperfectly—and embrace the journey with more understanding, grace, and resilience. Each cycle continues to shape and transform me, reminding me that mastery isn’t a destination, but a continuous process of growth. With every new goal cycle, I get one step closer to mastering the art of dreaming big and living fully.

The Difference Between a Dream and a Goal

That experience was pivotal for me. It changed how I approach goal-setting to this day, and it’s a key reason I’m so passionate about helping others align their goals with their authentic dreams in a way that feels approachable and sustainable.

One thing I’ve learned is that the way you approach your goals matters. It’s important to understand the difference between a dream and a goal—and why that distinction is essential for lasting success.

A Dream: Infinite and Expansive

A dream is expansive. It’s boundless, filled with possibility, and often has the power to fuel your sense of purpose and direction. Dreams are like the guiding stars that set your heart on fire— they push you to think bigger and reach higher, stretching beyond what you thought was possible. Your dreams represent the vision of the future you want to create.

When you dream, you enter a state of creation, imagining all the incredible opportunities that life can hold. And that’s what makes dreams so powerful—they give you a sense of possibility, they allow you to dream beyond your current circumstances, and they define the direction you want to head toward.

A Goal: The Structure That Brings Your Dream to Life

On the flip side, a goal is how you transform the infinite possibilities of a dream into something tangible. Goals are the practical, actionable steps that move you toward your dream. They come with structure: specific timelines, measurable outcomes, and clear tasks to focus on.

Without goals, your dream remains an idea, a vision. But once you have clarity about your dream, goals help you break it down into realistic steps that propel you forward. Goals are the bridge between where you are now and where you want to go.

Dream + Goal = Dynamic Duo

In my unique approach to dream-building, the magic happens when your dreams and goals work together. From preparation to follow-through, I’ve discovered a process that’s far more effective than diving straight into goal setting or living in a fantasy world without a clear plan of action. In the process I guide my clients through, we start by identifying your current season in life—your starting point—before diving into the dreaming phase. Only after that do we set meaningful, intentional goals that align with your heart’s deepest desires.

Dreaming and goal setting isn’t about wishing, wanting, or chasing happiness only to end up feeling disappointed, frustrated, or ashamed. It’s about cultivating a practice that strengthens your skills as you navigate life’s transitions and seasons with more confidence, ease, and grace. Setting goals that align with your vision will guide you toward living a purposeful, meaningful, and intentional life.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

This is the first post in my Goal Setting For Dreamers series, and I’m thrilled to have you with me on this journey. This is just the beginning, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what Dreaming and Setting Goals can do for you.

In the coming posts, we’ll explore:

• Different methods of dreaming and how to tap into your inner desires.

• Different styles of goal-setting to ensure your goals are aligned with your dreams.

Through these posts, you’ll gain the tools, techniques, and mindset shifts necessary to align actionable goals with your authentic dreams and move forward with confidence.

Next Steps:

In the next post, we’ll dive into Different Methods of Dreaming, and how you can discover the approach that works best for you. Get ready to unlock your potential and start building the foundation for your dream life!

Book a Complimentary Dream Strategy Session to map out your next steps

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