Dream Big, Start Small: Setting Bold Career Goals That Stick!
It’s that time of year again—when we tend to be looking ahead, setting big goals, and dreaming about all the things we’d like to accomplish. And I’m totally here for that. How about you? There’s nothing quite like the energy of dreaming and possibility that a new year brings.
But let’s be honest—big goals can also feel overwhelming and out of reach. The worst part is when you give up or backtrack, because, while the dream was great, the actions seem daunting and sometimes impossible. It’s easy to ask ourselves, “where do I even start?” or “why did I think I could do all this?”, and those self-defeating thoughts can make you just want to curl up on the couch instead of tackling the to-do list. I’m guessing I’m not the only one who has felt this way. The less you move toward the dream, the less inspired you become and the less likely you are to actually take action. So the dream stays a dream. Nice, but hardly helpful in building your career. Not taking action over and over again on a dream not only feels horrible, it keeps you solidly stuck.
If this sounds familiar to you, let me remind you of something important: You don’t have to do it all at once. In fact, you shouldn’t. Big dreams are built one small, consistent step at a time. Dreaming is essential, and small steps are smart.
So, if you’re ready to dream big and make those dreams stick, let’s talk about how to start small.
Why Start Small?
When we think about our career goals, we often see the end result: the dream job, the promotion, or the big career move. And while it’s wonderful and necessary to have that vision, focusing only on the big picture can make the path to get there feel overwhelming and impossible. it’s just too big! I am a big picture thinker and I can spend an extraordinary amount of time dreaming and visioning, but I never accomplished anything I envisioned until I got out of my head and into action.
Starting small not only makes your goals more manageable, but it also builds momentum and bonus, you also build confidence and some good habits. Each small step you take is a win, and those wins add up. Plus, let’s face it—it’s way easier to commit to a 10-minute action than a 10-day complete overhaul.
If you’ve been reading my blogs for following me on Instagram, you know by now what a huge believer I am in the power of small actions. Why? Because it works. Try it for proof. You have nothing to lose.
Lots of amazing and wonderful things start small!
3 Super Simple Steps to Set Bold Goals and Start Small
Dream Big: Define Your Bold Vision
Start by getting crystal clear on what you want. What’s the big, bold career goal that lights you up? Don’t hold back—this is your dream. Write it down, picture it, and let yourself get excited about it. Don’t keep it to yourself, tell someone supportive. I cannot tell you how many times I have had a coaching client describe to me a great big bold idea, and then tell me they have told absolutely no one about it! Trust me, even if it is vague, sounds impossible or a little kooky, get it out there. You will quickly see it start to take shape the more you share.Example: "I want to land my dream job in 2025 as a Director of Innovation in a company that values creativity”
I remember uttering my own audacious goal in a coaching session once and I was a bit shocked at what came out of my mouth. I said, “ I want to be the Executive Director of a hospital-based midwifery program”. Sounds great, right?. But the thing is, that position and that program didn’t exist. But guess what, a few years later it did, because I created it and yes, I became the Executive Director. And it all started by saying it out loud. Crazy, right? Well, you can do this to, believe me.
Break It Down: Create Mini-Goals
Once you have your big dream, break it into smaller, actionable steps. Think of these as the breadcrumbs that will lead you to your vision.Example: If your dream is a creative or innovation director role, your mini-goals might look like this:
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Reach out to a mentor in your field for advice.
Take an online course to sharpen your skills.
Actually create something and pitch it to decision makers.
Step up and volunteer to lead a creative project.
Each of these steps is a small win that moves you closer to your goal.
Commit to the First Step: Start Now
Here’s the most important part: take action. It doesn’t have to be perfect or even impressive—just start. The momentum you build from that first step will carry you forward.Ask yourself: "What’s one thing I can do today to move closer to my goal?" Then do it.
Progress Over Perfection
One thing I’ve learned from my own journey is that perfection is overrated. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start moving toward your dreams. You just need to begin. My idea for a new program wasn’t fully perfected when I started pitching it. If I had waited for perfect, I am certain it never would have happened. Instead, I gained feedback, both positive and negative, I found some champions and I gained clarity and confidence the more I spoke about it. People will tell you it won’t work, they will start sentences with “but” and they will not all be as enthused about your vision as you are. Let them - listen to what they say for any lessons, for any opportunities to perfect your vision and use those to propel you forward. Learn to see objections as a gift.
Big goals are achieved by showing up consistently, even when it’s messy, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about progress, not perfection.
This Is Your Year
Dreaming big is brave. Starting small is smart. Together, they’re the key to turning your bold career goals into reality. You will need to be courageous, and when you are, even in the smallest way, you just keep getting braver and braver. Those big career goals - they don’t seem impossible anymore.
So, what’s your big dream for 2025? And what’s the one small step you’ll take today to start making it happen? Share it in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!
