I'm Michele

For years, I avoided setting goals. They felt intimidating, heavy, and a little defeating. But here’s the truth: goals don’t have to be scary. They can actually be energizing when you approach them differently.

After years of trial, error, and conversations with other entrepreneurs, I’ve landed on a framework that feels both bold and doable. Here’s how I’m setting goals in 2026 — and how you can too.

1. Dream Big (Really Big)

Forget the “safe” goals. This is the year to stretch. Set the audacious ones that make your palms sweat just saying them out loud.

Will you hit them? Maybe not. But aiming higher takes you further than you thought possible — and usually farther than the “realistic” goals you would’ve settled for.

(And for the record, there’s no magical Cinderella moment where you’ll lose your opportunity if the clock strikes midnight. Growing a business is a fluid, moving process; if this feels like too much in January, give yourself permission come back to it in March, May … or even October.)

2. Adopt a CEO Mindset

Spoiler alert: you already are the CEO of your business. Start acting like it.

Ask yourself: If I were truly the CEO, what five things would be at the top of my list today? Do those first. Everything else? Delegate it, automate it, or delete it.

3. Build Systems and Daily Consistency

Motivation comes and goes, but systems and habits carry you across the finish line. Consistency — showing up daily to do the small things — adds up in powerful ways.

Think of it like compound interest for your business. Habits and systems help you stay steady even when your energy dips.

I love the quote by Annie Dillard, which pretty much sums it up: “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

4. Set Measurable Milestones

“Work/life balance” sounds nice, but it’s too vague to track.

Instead, make your goals measurable: Take five weekdays off every other month. Schedule one client lunch every two weeks. Batch four blog posts each quarter.

Specific, measurable milestones give you something to celebrate along the way.

5. Calendar > Wish List

If it doesn’t live on your calendar, it’s just a wish. Once you schedule something, you’re committed in a whole new way.

Want a new headshot? Book the session. Want to post consistently? Set up a content calendar. Future you will thank present you for putting it in writing.

6. Delegate, Automate, Outsource

This is goal-setting 2026 gold: Some goals will never move forward simply because you dread them. That’s a sign they belong to someone else.

Hire a bookkeeper, use AI to draft content, or delegate tasks to your team. Freeing up mental space to focus on your zone of genius is one of the best business decisions you’ll ever make.

7. Celebrate Progress (Not Just Outcomes)

Don’t wait until you hit the giant goal to pop the champagne. Celebrate the small wins along the way — every client served, every habit built, every milestone checked off.

Progress deserves a party. (Preferably one with Prosecco.)

8. Surround Yourself With Accountability

Goals grow stronger in community. Whether it’s a mastermind, a coach, or a trusted peer, accountability partners help you turn “someday” into “done.”

Pro tip: Book your quarterly content creation day or your next brand session with a few of your most inspiring friends. You’ll have more fun, cue all the natural smiles, and split the cost to boot!

9. Thank the People Who Make Your Dream Possible

No one builds a business alone. Whether it’s a husband who believes in you, a brother who inspires you, a son who lends a hand (I’m talking to you, Evan!), or your networking group cheerleaders who hype you up from the sidelines — pause to thank them.

Write the note, share the toast, book the steak dinner. Gratitude turns your goals into celebrations shared.

10. Add Joy to the Journey

Big dreams are worth the effort, but don’t forget to have fun along the way. Bring flowers to your desk “just because.” Pop a bottle of Prosecco when you finish a launch. Crank the music and dance it out after a tough client call.

Joy isn’t a distraction — it’s fuel.

The more you weave delight into your work, the more sustainable your success becomes.

✨ Your 2026 goal setting takeaway:
Set goals that scare you a little. Protect your time like the CEO you are. Put systems in place, measure what matters, thank your people, and celebrate along the way.

Big dreams + smart execution = unstoppable momentum.

Photos of fitness coach Heidi Powell at the Erica + Jon 30A retreat.