Coach’s Tip: Don’t Give Up on Your Goals Just Yet
By Buffini Coach Lisa Barravecchio
In coaching conversations, by mid-February we often hear our clients say: “I started strong… and then life happened.”
The best intentions often fail because something crucial was missing. It could be the goal isn’t important enough, there’s no structure or milestones to keep you on track, or there’s a lack of accountability.
Setting goals is an important part of creating — and sustaining — a successful business. Brian Buffini believes in this concept so strongly that he often teaches it in his events, trainings and on his weekly podcast. “Having a set of goals will give you a reason to get up in the morning,” he says. “If the goals are real and are meaningful, it will build a fire and a desire in you.”
Follow these tips to get your goals back on track.
1. Revisit the SMART framework:
SMART goals provide clarity when motivation fades. If a goal feels heavy or vague, ask these questions:
- Is it specific enough to know exactly what success looks like?
- Is it measurable so progress can be tracked?
- Is it achievable within the current season of life and business?
- Is it relevant to what matters most right now?
- Is it time-bound with clear deadlines?
If any of these elements are missing, the goal may need refinement, not replacement. Small adjustments may quickly lead to a win and restore your focus and confidence.
2. Reverse engineer the outcome:
Rather than figuring out where to start, work backward from the desired end result.
3. Use mile markers as recalibration points:
Think of each quarter as a built-in check-in. What worked? What didn’t? What needs to shift? This approach replaces pressure with curiosity and keeps progress realistic and sustainable. Work with your coach to get an honest assessment so you can stay on track before you start feeling overwhelmed.
4. Focus on the next right step:
Looking too far ahead can create pressure. Instead, ask: What is the next simple action that moves this goal forward? Clarity reduces procrastination while action restores belief. This is where having mile-markers can help you gain clarity.
5. Remember, this is a long game:
Success is rarely a straight line. Every meaningful goal includes pauses, pivots, and resets.
And just because the calendar says a specific date, it doesn’t mean you need to give up. Goals can be set at any point in time.
This is where coaching can make a difference. Goals are easier to set than they are to sustain, especially when momentum dips or expectations need adjusting. Coaching creates space to evaluate what is working, adjust what is not, and move forward with intention instead of frustration.
With the right structure, accountability, and perspective, goals do not disappear when progress slows. They evolve. Commit to working with your coach to create a strong plan and before you know it, you’ll not only reach your goals but surpass them!
Your Next Goal Strategy is 30 Minutes Away!
Need a little help reaching your next goal? Contact us for a free Business Consultation. In this impactful session, we’ll help you: get clear on your vision, uncover what’s holding you back, see what’s working for others just like you, and discover your next step. With this one 30-minute call, you’ll be one step closer to reaching your goals this year.