I’ve always had this goal of one day releasing a sky lantern. In fact, I even thought of doing it in Thailand. But I guess destiny has its own plans, because even though there was no lantern festival in Taiwan, where I was travelling, I still got to experience it. Perhaps it’s true what they say: what is meant for you will not miss you. It may come in another form, but the feeling, the magic, and the meaning remain the same.
With this intention-setting and lantern release experience, I’d like to share my goal-setting journey with you. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I hope to humbly share some of the tips, reflections, and actions that have helped me slowly turn my dreams into practical steps and meaningful achievements, like the approach I’ve taken to make steady progress on my goals this year.
So, let’s begin!
My Approach to Setting Goals
Understanding Who I Am
The first step in goal setting, for me, has always been understanding who I am. Born under Pisces, I’ve always been imaginative, sometimes even a little delusional, about my goals in life. Being a water sign, I’d like to think that our dreams and wishes are like the depths of the ocean. They’re vast, mysterious, and beyond what humans can truly fathom. For years, I allowed myself to dream freely, letting my imagination carry me wherever it wanted.
But over time, I realized that while dreaming is natural, turning those dreams into reality requires practicality and action. I started shaping my wishes into goals that are not just magical ideas, but actionable steps I can pursue, always trying to balance imagination with reality.
Making an effort to understand myself deeply had a huge difference in how I approach life and your goals now. I know my strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.
- Frustrations and disappointments are lessened. I’ve become aware of what might trip me up, so I can plan around it or manage expectations.
- I understand threats and obstacles. Knowing the challenges that typically arise helps me prepare and navigate them more effectively.
- I am clear with my preferences. Understanding what I truly like and dislike allows me to focus on goals and paths that feel aligned with me.
- Decision-making becomes easier. When I know my values and priorities, choices are less stressful and more intentional.
- I set realistic, actionable goals. Self-awareness helps me turn dreams into practical steps that suit my personality, rhythm, and lifestyle.
Sustaining Yourself Through the Process
What I’ve learned over the years is that if you give yourself one year to complete a goal, it’s crucial to be able to sustain yourself throughout the journey. This is where understanding and harnessing your resources comes into play.
Think of it like a video game. You have your weapons, bonuses, and a time limit. To reach the finish line, you need to use them wisely, pace yourself, and plan strategically. Similarly, in real life, you need to manage your time, energy, skills, and support systems carefully to ensure that you can stay committed, motivated, and effective until you achieve your goal.
Sustainability isn’t just about endurance. It’s about making smart choices with the resources you have so you can finish strong without burning out.
Here are some strategies that have worked for me:
- Leverage Your Resources Wisely. Identify what tools, skills, knowledge, and support systems you already have. Use them strategically to make progress more efficiently and effectively.
- Break Goals into Manageable Steps. Divide your goal into smaller milestones. Celebrate small wins along the way to maintain motivation.
- Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time. Recognize when you’re most productive and schedule important tasks accordingly. Incorporate rest and recovery to prevent burnout
Creating a Conducive Environment and Support System
The next step in achieving your goals is ensuring that your environment and support system are conducive and nurturing. Your surroundings, both physical and social, have a huge impact on your ability to stay consistent and motivated.
For example, if your goal is to reduce weight, but you’re constantly around people who don’t enjoy walking or who indulge in sugary treats, it becomes much harder to maintain your willpower. On the other hand, being surrounded by supportive people, positive habits, and a motivating environment makes it easier to stay on track.
Some ways to cultivate this environment include:
- Physical space: Organize your home or workspace to support your goals (exercise gear visible, healthy foods accessible, stud yor work area distraction-free).
- Social circle: Surround yourself with people who encourage your efforts and celebrate progress.
- Digital environment: Limit distractions or negative influences online. Follow sources that inspire and educate you.
- Rituals and cues: Use reminders, vision boards, or routines that reinforce your intentions daily.
Does this Process Resonate with You?
If this part of my journey resonated with you and you’re ready to take a more intentional approach to your own goals, I invite you to check out my mini-course, Set Your Goals and Plan the Right Action.
In this short, practical course, I’ll guide you through how to:
- Define meaningful goals that truly align with who you are
- Break them into realistic, actionable steps
- Build systems and habits to sustain your progress
- Stay focused even when motivation fades
It’s designed for anyone who wants to move from wishful thinking to purposeful doing. Start planning your next year with clarity and confidence.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
Releasing a sky lantern in Pingxi reminded me that dreaming deeply and acting practically go hand in hand. My wishes floated into the sky, and my goals are now grounded in action. With intention, resources, and the right environment, anything becomes achievable.
As I prepare for 2026, I’m excited to carry forward these lessons, being intentional, practical, and focused while still allowing room for imagination and wonder.
Have you ever set a goal or made a wish that felt bigger than yourself? I’d love to hear your story!
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🍀 Let’s Stay Connected
If this post resonated with you, let’s keep in touch. I share more on:
- ✈️ Travel, cozy cafes, food discoveries, and freelance life on Instagram and Facebook
- 🧠 Mindful productivity, instructional design, and digital business on LinkedIn
- 💻 Plus, I regularly share digital products and courses to support freelancers, educators, and startups on all three platforms.
Let’s connect. I’d love to learn about your journey too!
