Top 5 Myths of Goal-Setting (and What Really Works!)

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by goal-setting, you’re not alone. Between social media and our own high expectations, it’s easy to think that goals need to be huge, perfect, and fully mapped out before we even start.

But here’s the truth: goals don’t need to be intimidating or rigid.

Setting goals is meant to be an empowering and flexible journey - something that fits your life, not the other way around. So, let’s dive into the top five myths that may be holding you back and get to the heart of what goal-setting can really look like.

Myth 1: You Need to Have It All Figured Out Before You Start

The Myth: So many people think they need a perfectly mapped-out plan before they can even take the first step toward their goals. But in reality, this “all-or-nothing” approach can lead to analysis paralysis, where you spend so much time planning that you never get around to doing.

The Reality: The magic happens when you focus on small, consistent steps each week—something that MäksēLife’s goal-setting system is designed to make easy.

Here’s how it works: every month, you set monthly goals that align with your bigger vision, and then you break those down even further into weekly actions. By creating a habit of setting and reviewing your goals on a monthly and weekly basis, you’ll stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

Actionable Step: Don’t wait for perfection—start small! With our Weekly Actions, you can begin with tiny steps that create real change over time. Remember, it’s the little things you do consistently that contribute to the most powerful changes in your life.

Myth 2: Every Goal Needs to Be Monumental

The Myth: There’s a misconception that only huge, life-altering goals are worth setting. But focusing only on “big” goals can be intimidating and even discourage us from setting any goals at all.

The Reality: While those big, life-changing dreams are exciting, they’re not the only (or most important) path to meaningful change. We know that some of the most powerful change happens in the smaller, everyday parts of your life. That’s why we include three types of goals in the MäksēLife system: stretch goals, progress goals, and maintenance goals.

• Stretch goals: These are your dreams, wishes, and desires—the thrilling goals that push you out of your comfort zone. While stretch goals can be life-changing, they don’t have to be massive. Choose 1-3 stretch goals each year for that added excitement without feeling overwhelmed.

• Progress goals: These are the goals that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. They’re about growth and improvement, answering questions like “How do I want to feel? Who do I want to be?” You’ll spend most of your time and energy here, as these goals offer the greatest opportunity for learning and progress.

• Maintenance goals: These are the habits and routines that keep the good things in your life going strong. They’re essential for maintaining balance and well-being, even if they’re not big on their own.

Actionable Step: Don’t underestimate the small goals! MäksēLife Goal-Setting Planners support each type of goal, so you can make progress in every area of life—whether it’s a bold stretch goal or an everyday routine that brings more life harmony.

Myth 3: You Must Be 100% Committed 100% of the Time

The Myth: There’s a common belief that you need to be fully dedicated to your goals, working on them without breaks. But this myth can lead to burnout and guilt if you feel you’re not achieving your goals fast enough.

The Reality: Real-life goal-setting isn’t all-or-nothing. Life changes, and so should your goals. It’s okay to adjust your approach, pause, or change directions as you go. Flexibility is crucial for sustainable growth, and taking a break doesn’t mean you’re falling behind—it’s often the very thing that keeps you going.

Actionable Step: MäksēLife Goal-Setting Planners encourage a flexible approach that allows you to revise and adapt your goals as you go. Give yourself the grace to adapt, knowing that the journey matters just as much as the outcome.

Myth 4: Failure Means You’ve Wasted Your Time

The Myth: Fear of failure is one of the biggest reasons people avoid setting goals. They worry that if they don’t achieve a goal, it was all a waste. This mindset can prevent you from even trying.

The Reality: The truth is, “failure” is part of the process. Every step, even the ones that don’t go as planned, provides valuable insights and lessons. Goals are about growth, not perfection, and progress often comes from unexpected setbacks.

One of our favorite reminders we share often in the MäksēLife community is “learn to rest, not quit.” If you find yourself feeling exhausted, remember that rest and rejuvenation are vital for sustaining your energy. When was the last time you gave yourself an actual day off, or took a guilt-free vacation? Planning time for rest is crucial in helping you sustain your energy and focus for the long haul.

Actionable Step: Don’t let fear of failure stop you from setting goals. Build in breaks and rest time so you can keep moving forward without burning out. Use your MäksēLife Goal-Setting Planner to schedule “rest days” and fiercely protect that time.

Myth 5: Setting Goals Will Fix Everything

The Myth: There’s an idea that setting goals will magically fix every area of your life. This myth can create unrealistic expectations and leave people feeling let down when they don’t see instant transformation.

The Reality: Goals are tools, not magic solutions. MäksēLife Goal-Setting Planners are here to help you align your actions with your intentions, but remember: this is a partnership. It’s less about the goal itself and more about who you become in the process of setting your goals. With our planner, you’ll be guided to stay curious, track your progress, and celebrate each step—no matter how small.

Actionable Step: Approach goal-setting as a way to create a life that feels fulfilling, one choice at a time. MäksēLife supports you every step of the way, helping you make intentional decisions that add up to a meaningful life.

Rethink Your Approach to Goals

Goal-setting doesn’t have to be intimidating or rigid. With MäksēLife, you’ll find a flexible, sustainable way to bring your dreams to life—no perfection required!