Your Fresh Start: How to Set Goals in Business Seasons (Without the Overwhelm)

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After years of "constant building," I learned a powerful lesson on a trip to Europe for my 50th birthday: rest isn’t a luxury—it’s part of the work.

It’s easy to believe that the only way forward is to push harder, but stepping away from the daily grind gave me three gifts I didn’t expect: fresh clarity, new ideas, and real energy. That lesson was reinforced later in the summer when an unexpected knee injury forced me to slow down even more.

Still, that extra downtime reminded me that business (and life!) is full of seasons. There are seasons of building, seasons of launching, and seasons of rest. In order to make the most of each one, we need to be intentional.

This new season is all about a fresh start, and the best way to begin is by setting goals that feel exciting and achievable. If you’re ready to step fully back into your next business season—whether you're just starting or you're a seasoned pro—here’s a simple system to help you set an actionable plan.

Step 1: Reflect on the Season You Just Finished

Before you can plan for the future, take a moment to look back. What were your wins? What were your challenges? There is no "good" or "bad" season, just lessons.

What to Do:

List your wins: Did you serve a new client? Did you finally start a social media account? Celebrate those small victories!
List your lessons: What did you learn? Maybe you learned that a certain system wasn’t working, or that you need to delegate more.
Release what no longer serves you: Let go of any old goals or tasks that are weighing you down. You don't have to carry them into this new season.

Step 2: Picture Your Next Season

This is the fun part! Instead of thinking about tasks, think about feelings. Take 10 minutes to picture what your business could look like a year from now, and write down three words that describe how you want it to feel. Let those three words guide you.

What to Do:

Dream big: What does your business look like in one year?
Write down your three words: Do you want it to feel "freeing," "impactful," and "steady"? Or maybe "creative," "joyful," and "profitable"? Let your three words be your compass.
Brainstorm the "big rocks": Based on your three words, what are the 1-3 major projects you need to focus on this quarter to get you there? These are your "big rocks"—the tasks that will have the biggest impact.

Step 3: Create Your Simple, Actionable Plan

Now that you have your "big rocks," it's time to turn them into an actionable plan. The key is to keep it simple and focused.

What to Do:

Break it down: Take your "big rocks" and break them into smaller, weekly action steps. For example, if a "big rock" is to "Launch a new service," your weekly steps could be: Week 1: Outline the service. Week 2: Write the sales page copy. Week 3: Create the social media graphics.
Schedule it in: Don't just make a to-do list; put these action steps directly on your calendar. Treat them like a client appointment.
Track and adjust: Check in with yourself weekly. Did you complete your tasks? If not, what can you adjust for next week? This isn't about perfection; it's about progress.

Summary: Your Roadmap for a Fresh Start

Starting a new season with intention is one of the most powerful things you can do for your business and yourself.

Quick Recap:

Step 1: Reflect on your past season to find your wins and lessons.
Step 2: Picture your next season by defining how you want it to feel.
Step 3: Create a simple, actionable plan with "big rocks" and weekly steps.

I'd love to hear what your three words are. Share them in the comments below!

FAQs About Goal Setting for Entrepreneurs

Is it okay to set goals if my business is just an idea?

Absolutely! Setting goals at the idea stage is crucial. It helps you clarify your vision, move past the "overthinking" phase, and gives you a simple roadmap to take your first steps. It's about turning an idea into action.

What if I don't achieve my goals? Does that mean I failed?

Not at all. Your goals are a compass, not a contract. If you don’t achieve a goal, it's not a failure—it's feedback. Use the experience to learn and adjust your approach for the next season. The key is to keep moving forward.

How often should I review my goals?

We recommend reviewing your goals at least once a quarter. This gives you enough time to make real progress but also allows you to adjust based on new information or changes in your business. A quick weekly check-in can also help you stay on track.

What's the difference between a goal and a plan?

A goal is the destination (e.g., "I want to launch my online course"). A plan is the roadmap that gets you there (e.g., the weekly steps to outline, write, and launch the course). You need both to be successful!

How can I stay motivated to work on my goals?

Staying motivated is about celebrating progress, not just results. Break down big goals into small, manageable steps and celebrate each small win along the way. Your motivation comes from seeing that you're consistently making progress, no matter how small.

HEY, I’M MARIA…

... a former corporate executive turned entrepreneur and the founder of Women Biz Academy. As a busy Latina mom of two amazing girls, I’m passionate about empowering women to start and grow their side hustles into thriving businesses. With a background in e-commerce and digital marketing, I share practical strategies to help you work smarter, not harder—so you can achieve financial independence and create a life you love. Let’s build your dream business together!