Setting Goals For 2022

Setting goals for a new year can spark fresh energy and offer hope that things can be different. But what happens after the confetti settles? In this episode, we explore a simple, honest process to set meaningful goals that stick. We also talk about where goals can go off track and how to keep your eyes on what matters.

Throughout the podcast, I break down my own goal-setting approach and share real-life examples. You’ll hear about the big pitfalls that get in the way and the steps I take to avoid them. If you’re ready to find focus and get a jump-start on your year, this one’s for you.

Why Goals Matter

It’s easy to feel negative about goals when you often try setting them—only to forget about them a week later. Yet goals give us direction. For many with dyslexia or ADHD, we need something brighter to aim for so we can harness our creativity and stay motivated.

Goals also help us measure progress without getting overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s not about achieving something huge, but about moving forward in small steps. Ask yourself: what would life look like if I picked one or two things to focus on next?

My Step-by-Step Process

I like to keep it straightforward. There are no fancy spreadsheets, just these key steps:

• Brain Dump: Write down anything you want to do, change or learn. Don’t hold back. Let everything flow.
• Analyse & Group: Look at your giant list. Decide which items are top priorities and group similar ones together.
• Focus on a Few: Pick three main targets. Each should feel like a clear, reachable challenge.
• Set Mini-Goals: Break them down into smaller tasks. Schedule time or reminders so you stay on track.

I thrive if I can see the entire journey in bite-sized steps. If a goal feels too big, it can trigger an “it’s too hard” feeling. So I reduce the size until it’s manageable but still motivating.

"I love sitting down with a blank piece of paper and figuring out where I really want to be by this time next year."

Watch Out for Pitfalls

Even the best goals can be derailed. One of the biggest barriers is trying to do everything at once. You feel pumped, jot down ten massive goals, then stress about them a week later. Sound familiar?

Here are a few common pitfalls I’ve encountered:

• Being Overly Ambitious: If you’ve got dyslexia or ADHD, scaling back is a secret weapon.
• Forgetting Your Why: If you don’t remember why a goal matters, it won’t stick.
• Lack of Accountability: Goals fade fast if you keep them hidden in a dusty notebook.
• Waiting for Perfect Conditions: Progress doesn’t need perfection. Start small and tweak as you go.

When I hit a barrier, I pause, reflect, and remind myself that forward motion isn’t always a straight line. Even a small nudge in the right direction counts as progress.

My Real Goals for the Year

To show you how it works in practice, here are a few goals I’ve set for myself this year:

1. Optimise My Daily Habits: I want to refine my morning routine so I’m less scattered. This means waking up 15 minutes earlier to plan my day and review tasks.
2. Grow the Community: Our Facebook group keeps growing. I plan to host more interactive sessions and create more content that supports adult dyslexics.
3. Try Something New: I’m eyeing a creative hobby. This year I’ve decided to pick up painting, in small bursts, to keep my mind active and curious.

None of these are enormous, but every one of them feels exciting and achievable. I find that aiming for progression rather than perfection means I’m less likely to give up. Whenever life gets hectic, I reduce what’s on my to-do list, rather than ditch the goal entirely.

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Key Takeaways

• Don’t set too many goals—keep them focused.
• Break down big tasks into smaller pieces that fit your schedule.
• Remember your “why” so you stay inspired.
• Accept that progress isn’t always linear—every step counts.
• Be kind to yourself when life inevitably shifts your plans.

If you’re craving more detail on how I approach each step, go ahead and listen to the full episode. It’s just above, waiting for you. You’ll get extra tips, a few personal stories, and hopefully a nudge to set goals that feel right for you.