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The One Goal You’re Not Setting That’s Holding You Back (And How to Fix It)

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Ready for a dad joke?

Consider this a lighthearted amuse-bouche for your brain before we get serious. Sure, it might be groan-worthy—but hey, at least you’re getting your money’s worth, right? ????

I was trying to decide where to go for vacation, so I hung up a map of the world and grabbed a dart. Wherever the dart landed is where I’d go… ✈️????

Turns out this year’s vacation will be behind the fridge. ????️????????

The One Goal You’re Not Setting That’s Holding You Back (And How to Fix It)

You’ve set the SMART goals, created the vision board, and downloaded the latest productivity app. But let’s be real—something still feels off. What if the problem isn’t how hard you’re working… but the goal you’re NOT setting?

The Problem

Too often, we chase the goals we think we should achieve—the next promotion, six-pack abs, that ‘perfect’ Instagram-worthy life. But are these really our goals? Or are they just expectations we’ve absorbed from others?

High-achievers (looking at you, Enneagram 3s!) have it even harder. You’re used to chasing big wins, being seen as successful, and doing **epic shit **. But let’s be honest—it’s not always the goals that fulfill you. It’s the validation of being watched, admired, applauded.

Applause

Chasing “should” goals isn’t sustainable. It can lead to a feeling that something is missing – because it is.

The One Goal You’re Not Setting

Here’s the truth: You need a Self-Alignment Goal. This isn’t about hustling harder—it’s about making sure your ambitions match your values, passions, and authentic desires.

A Self-Alignment Goal ensures that your ambitions serve you, not the other way around. It’s about stepping back to ask: Am I climbing the right ladder? If you reach the top, only to realize it’s not where you want to be, you’ve wasted time, energy, and joy.

Why This Goal Matters

Without self-alignment, even success can feel empty.

Feeling empty
  • You achieve a goal but feel unfulfilled.
  • You hustle hard but never feel satisfied.
  • You check all the boxes society tells you to, but something is still missing.

When your goals align with who you truly are, you work with passion, make real progress, and experience genuine fulfillment.


Now… back to this post…


How to Set Your Self-Alignment Goal in 3 Steps

3 easy steps

1. Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Put it on your calendar like an important meeting—with yourself. You wouldn’t skip a meeting with your boss… so don’t skip the one where you check in on your life.

Pro-Tip: Journaling is an excellent tool to conduct your check-ins.

2. Ask Yourself Key Questions

When you review your goals, ask yourself:

  • Does this goal excite me or drain me?
  • If no one else knew I achieved this, would I still want it?
  • Am I doing this for my growth or for someone else’s approval?

Be honest. The answers might surprise you.

3. Adjust Without Guilt

Drop the guilt. Tweaking—or even dropping—a goal isn’t failure; it’s growth. Replace goals that drain you with ones that inspire you. Your goals should serve you—not the other way around.

My Personal Story

When I lost over 100 pounds in under a year (read my story in Operation Melt: How I Used Life-Changing Project Management to Lose Over 100 Pounds in Under a Year), my original goal was simple: lose weight.

As I progressed, I realized (with the help of an unexpected work sabbatical) my real goal wasn’t about the number on the scale—it was about proving to myself that I could change my life. That shift in perspective transformed my journey, helping me create a sustainable lifestyle instead of chasing a quick fix.

What do you really want?

That’s why my Self-Alignment Goal is simple: “Is this leading me to the life I actually want?”

Your Next Step

What’s YOUR Self-Alignment Goal? ???? Set it today, and watch how it transforms every other goal you create.

Let’s talk! Drop a comment on my socials or DM me—I’d love to hear how you’re aligning your life with your dreams!

And if you’re ready to take goal-setting to the next level, grab my free ebook Goal Success Quick Start Guide for practical strategies to turn your dreams into reality.

Need some hands-on support with your Self-Alignment Goal? I’ve helped dozens of people set powerful, fulfilling goals with big whys. And I’ve been there myself—I know firsthand there’s a path forward.

As a Master Life Coach, I’m ready to help you find your path and start living the life you actually want. Let’s chat!

I believe in you; let me help YOU believe in you! 

These books are designed to help you plan, execute, and achieve your biggest goals—using the same proven approach I’ve used in my own transformation and coaching.

???? And that’s not all… I just unveiled the official covers, and I can’t wait for you to see them! What do you think?

???? See the covers and tell me what you think! Check them out here: Something Big is Coming… Here’s Your First Look!


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Looking for a proven system to achieve your biggest goals? Start here.

Meet Coach Tony

Tony Weaver is a master life coach, technologist, consultant, writer, and founder of Operation Melt.

He helps project managers and other left-brained high-achievers pursue their biggest goals.

Through free resources, personalized coaching, and his proven Project Manage Your Life system, Tony empowers clients to move their dreams from “someday” to success — one step at a time.

Learn more about Project Manage Your Life, the system my clients and I use to crush our goals, at OperationMelt.com/PMYL/


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Published inAsk Coach Tony