How to Set Financial Goals That Actually Motivate You to Take Action

How to Set Financial Goals That Actually Motivate You

There was a time when I’d set financial goals because I thought I should. Like, “make $10,000/month” or “double my revenue this quarter.” And while those goals sounded impressive on paper, they didn’t inspire me—they stressed me out.

I’d hit some. I’d miss most. And every time I did, I questioned my worth, my work, and whether I was even cut out for this.

Until I realized this: financial goals only work when they’re connected to your values. When they mean something. When they move you, not just your bank account.

So today, I want to show you how to set financial goals that feel expansive, aligned, and actually motivating. The kind of goals you want to show up for—not because you’re afraid of failing, but because you’re excited to grow.

The Problem With Generic Financial Goals

Here’s what I used to do:

• Pick a big round number.

• Write it on a sticky note.

• Hope it happened.

And here’s what happened:

• I felt detached from the number.

• I didn’t know why I wanted it.

• I didn’t track my progress.

• I gave up when it felt hard.

The truth? Generic goals don’t stick. But goals that are tied to your vision, your energy, and your lifestyle? They anchor you.

The New Way: Values-Aligned Financial Goal Setting

Here’s the 4-step process I now use (and teach inside Focus & Conquer):

Step 1: Anchor in Purpose

Ask yourself:

• Why do I want more income right now?

• What would this goal allow me to do, feel, or experience?

• How would it change my life or my work?

Example: “I want to earn $6,000/month so I can reduce my client load and focus on building passive income.”

Step 2: Define Your Enough

Instead of chasing arbitrary numbers, define your baseline and expansion goals:

• Baseline goal: Covers your needs and gives you stability.

• Expansion goal: Funds growth, fun, savings, and next-level investments.

This removes pressure and keeps you rooted.

Step 3: Break It Down

Big goals overwhelm. Break them into steps:

• Monthly targets

• Offer-specific goals (how many sales, spots, products)

• Traffic and conversion estimates

Clarity creates confidence.

Step 4: Connect to Your Calendar + Energy

Set goals that fit your season. Ask:

• Do I have the capacity to launch?

• What’s happening in my life right now?

• Where do I want to put my energy?

Aligned goals are sustainable. Misaligned ones create burnout.

How This Changed My Business

Once I started setting aligned financial goals, I:

• Made more money with less pressure

• Stayed consistent instead of burning out

• Felt proud of my numbers—even if they weren’t “impressive” to others

Because now I wasn’t just chasing money. I was building freedom, calm, and meaning.

And that’s worth way more than any milestone.

Want to Try This for Yourself?

Inside the Get Your Free Financial Starter Kit, I included a bonus values-aligned goals worksheet. It walks you through:

• Your why

• Your baseline & expansion numbers

• How to plan around your real life, not just your ideal one

Use it as your gentle planning guide.

Final Words

You’re allowed to set financial goals that feel good. You’re allowed to move at your own pace. You’re allowed to define success on your own terms.

Let this be your permission slip to build a business that supports your life—not the other way around.

With vision and softness,

Elisa
Focus & Conquer