Tell Me What You Want (What You Really, Really Want): The Power of Setting Goals That Matter

Cynthiana Chamber
Oct 7
3 min read

If you’ve ever felt like life’s moving faster than your to-do list — and somehow you’re busy all the time but not sure what you’re actually accomplishing — you’re not alone.

That’s what happens when we don’t take control of our direction. And as the Spice Girls once wisely asked:

“Tell me what you want, what you really, really want.”

Because here’s the truth: if you don’t define what you want, life will fill your calendar with things that don’t matter.

Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or just trying to live a more intentional life, clear goals are the compass that keeps you from wandering in circles.

1. Start with Why You Want It — Not Just What You Want

Most goals fail because they’re about achievement, not alignment. We set goals like “grow sales” or “lose 10 pounds” — but we don’t connect them to a deeper reason.

Ask yourself:

Why does this matter?
What will it make possible for me or others?
How will it make my life or business better?

At the Chamber, when we set goals, we always tie them to our mission: to advance greater Harrison County by being a catalyst of growth and development. That “why” keeps every project — big or small — anchored to purpose.

2. Write It Down — Because Written Goals Work

Study after study proves it: people who write down their goals are up to 42% more likely to achieve them. There’s something powerful about putting words to paper (or screen). It makes the goal tangible and real.

I keep mine visible — sometimes in my notebook, sometimes taped inside a planner. And when I look at them often, I make progress without even thinking about it.

So grab a pen. Don’t just think about your goals — declare them.

3. Make Them Big Enough to Inspire, Small Enough to Start

Goals should stretch you — but not paralyze you. If your goal doesn’t excite you a little (and scare you a little), it’s probably too small.

But here’s the trick: dream big, then start small. Break down your big goal into mini wins — steps you can actually do this week.

When we were planning the first Breakout Leadership Conference, the vision was huge — but we started with one simple step: book the venue. Then line up one speaker. Then find one sponsor. Before long, momentum did the heavy lifting.

Big goals are built on small, steady wins.

4. Review and Adjust Regularly

Life changes. Markets shift. Priorities evolve. That’s okay — flexibility isn’t failure; it’s leadership.

Set a weekly or monthly “goal check-in.” Ask:

What’s working?
What’s not?
What needs to change?

Some of my favorite ideas and improvements have come after plans started to wobble. Reviewing keeps goals alive and adaptable instead of forgotten in a drawer.

5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection

The finish line isn’t the only place to cheer. Every milestone, no matter how small, builds confidence and momentum.

If your team hit a target — celebrate it. If you personally checked off something you’ve been putting off — reward it. When success feels good, you’ll chase more of it.