Why traditional goal setting often fails creatives

Have you ever set a goal with the best intentions…and then totally ghosted it?

Same.

Once upon a time, I would’ve spiraled into a pit of self-criticism for not sticking to my pre-planned path. I’d beat myself up, throw the baby out with the bathwater, and decide I was terrible at goals altogether (doomed to fail, even).

Now? I zoom out.

Because intuitive, creative goal-setting isn’t just about checking boxes or keeping promises to a past version of you. It’s about becoming - honoring your energy, growth, and joy as much as your progress.”

Here’s why I ditched the traditional, linear, rigid goal-setting model, and how you can create a business (and life) that feels expansive, playful, and aligned.

Why traditional Goal-Setting fails nonlinear brains

Let’s be real. Most goal-setting models were built for corporate productivity, not creative flow.

From SMART goals to 5 a.m. wake-ups, the traditional approach often asks you to discipline your creativity into a rigid mold. But creativity doesn’t thrive under that kind of pressure, it needs flexibility, intuition, and soul.

This is especially true for creative entrepreneurs and folks with ADHD. (Yes, even science backs this up: ADHD brains struggle with traditional models of planning, time-blindness, and prioritization - not because we’re lazy, but because we’re wired differently.)

You didn’t start your business so you could run it like a machine. You started it because you love to create. And when your goals lose connection to that love, the whole thing starts to feel heavy.

The result? Burnout. Self-doubt. Procrastination. Shame. And a slow leak of the very sparkle that got you here in the first place.

The Creative Goal-Setting Revolution

Instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s system, what if your goals could actually feel fun?

That’s the magic of creative goal-setting. It’s less about achieving and more about aligning. Less about performance, more about presence.

Here are a few ways to reframe how you set (and feel about) your goals:

1. Swap “Goals” for Something More Playful

If the word “goal” feels stiff or anxiety-inducing, try this:

• Targets – Gentle markers that guide you without pressure

• Dreams – Expansive visions that spark inspiration

• Experiments – Curiosity-driven actions with room for discovery

• Intentions – Ways of being that support your creativity

Play around. The words we use matter more than we think.

2. Balance Structure with Freedom

The sweet spot? Structure that supports your flow, not cages it.

Here’s how to create that balance:

• Let intuition guide your strategy (more below)

• Build systems that feel like support, not punishment

• Take inspired action that supports your goal

• Make space for joy and flexibility

• Pause to check: Does this still align with my “why”?

When you leave room for your process to evolve, your goals become an unfolding - less linear, more alive.

3. Follow your intuition (ditch the hustle)

This is the juicy bit.

Intuition doesn’t yell. It whispers. So if your inner voice is drowned out by “shoulds,” pause and listen. Sometimes this means taking a full rest, so you can recalibrate and hear yourself again.

Let yourself dream. Let yourself shift.

If you’re letting intuition guide your strategy, you’re less likely to burn out.

Your intuition - your heart, gut, knowing - is your essence, your special sauce. THIS is your edge, because you are the strategy.

Sometimes the path looks different than you expected - but the detour leads to something even better.

4. Reflect before you project

Before you set goals for the future, look at what’s already happened.

Zoom out and notice what you’ve planted. Even if you didn’t hit every target, chances are, you’ve grown.

Ask yourself:

• What did I start this year that I’m proud of?

• What creative risk did I take?

• Where did I show up even when it felt hard?

This kind of reflection helps you see your true progress, and makes space to celebrate your evolution.

And finally…

5. Draw your Treasure Map in pencil

Your goals are your best guess of where you want to go. That’s it.

And as you walk the path, your intuition will reveal treasures you couldn’t have planned for.

That’s the beauty of creative goal-setting. It’s not rigid, it’s responsive.

The success is in the “unfolding.”

You’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to dream bigger. And you’re allowed to let joy lead.

ready to cultivate a juicy, creative business?

If this post sparked something inside you, maybe a sense of permission, maybe a little exhale, then I’d love to invite you into a Creative Brain Untangling Session.

These 90-minute 1:1 sessions are where we sort your brilliant ideas, untangle what's keeping you stuck, and co-create a plan that works with your creative brain, not against it.

Whether you’re redefining success, reimagining your structure, or just want your business to feel like your favorite day again, I’ve got you.

And if you want more playful, rebellious insights like this, check out my podcast This Juicy Life where we go deep on creativity, intuition, and building a life that feels really f#%king good.