Achieved All Your Goals? How To Clarify What’s Next & Get Motivated Again8 min read
As entrepreneurs, we’re wired to grow, to push boundaries, to hustle, even when we’ve achieved all our goals. We’re always after the next big win—the next milestone, client, or project. The problem? It’s a never-ending cycle of “more.” More revenue, more clients, more stuff on your plate.
It’s like climbing a mountain only to realize there’s another one right behind it… and then all of a sudden you’re wondering what the point of climbing all these mountains is? So you sit down and take a break but going nowhere doesn’t feel right either… you can’t spend forever just sitting in the same spot. You feel restless but you’re not sure what direction to go in… None of the mountains feel exciting to climb anymore… So what do you do?
This is a common feeling for entrepreneurs who have created the success they wanted in their business, and now feel lost as to what’s next. But it’s not just you! We see it with Olympic athletes who crash after the Games, or with actors who feel empty after winning an Oscar they dreamed about their whole life. Hitting the goal doesn’t guarantee happiness.
That’s why this season of your life is the perfect time to hit pause and stop chasing validation or “busy work.” It’s time to start setting goals that actually make you feel alive.
This shift can transform the way you approach your work and reignite that missing spark that drove you forward in the first place, giving you a new & improved sense of direction that will bring you lasting happiness and sustainable success.
Why Contentment Can Feel Unsettling
In a recent conversation with a client, I brought up contentment, and they practically winced at the word. For them, contentment felt like stagnation. Like they weren’t pushing hard enough or living up to their potential. Sound familiar?
Entrepreneurs are conditioned to constantly chase the next thing. Sitting still, even after a big win, feels…wrong. There’s an internal pressure to keep achieving that makes us feel restless, struggling to recognize and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished, or to rest and reap the rewards of all our hard work.
Let’s normalize this. Here’s what I see happen when successful entrepreneurs achieve their big goals:
- A brief flash of elation—about 2.2 seconds to 2.2 weeks. (If you’re lucky.)
- A deep craving for rest—because you’ve pushed yourself to the edge.
- An itch of restlessness—because not having something to work toward feels unsettling.
- Setting new goals—whether they excite you or you’re just trying to stay busy, the pressure to achieve comes roaring back.
Related post: How To Achieve Your Goals | 10 Things To Do After Setting Goals
Before you fall back into the trap of setting goals just for the sake of doing something, let’s slow down and get really clear on what’s going to make you feel fulfilled in the long term.
The Difference Between Achievement and Fulfillment
There’s a difference between goals you set to achieve something versus goals you set to fulfill you.
Achievement goals? They check the external boxes. They’re about the metrics—the revenue, the growth, the next big win. They give you a hit of satisfaction but, spoiler alert, it doesn’t last. You hit the goal and immediately think, “What’s next?” You’re still chasing.
Fulfillment goals? These are the ones that resonate with your soul. They’re not about impressing anyone or stacking up accolades. They’re about you—what makes you feel alive, purposeful, and connected to the things that matter most. And here’s the magic: When you start prioritizing fulfillment, the success follows naturally. Sustainable, long-term happiness comes from goals that reflect who you really are, not what you’re “supposed” to be.
Signs You Might Be Ready for Fulfillment-Based Goals
Here’s how to know if you’re ready to ditch the old achievement hamster wheel for something more meaningful:
- You’re content with where you are, and honestly, if nothing changed, you wouldn’t complain. But… you still feel kind of blah.
- The typical productivity measures don’t inspire you anymore. You’re over setting goals just to hit some arbitrary number.
- You’ve achieved your goals but now feel uninspired to set new ones… The drive for more clients, more revenue, more anything just isn’t doing it for you anymore.
- Your days lack a sense of purpose. Sure, you could do more, but staying busy for the sake of it just feels pointless.
Related post: How Your Mindset Is Keeping Your Business Stuck
Why you might feel resistant to setting new goals
Here’s what’s really going on:
- Burnout or Exhaustion: You’ve been running on fumes for so long that your body and mind are screaming for a break. But you might not even realize it.
- Craving Meaning: You’ve already achieved so much, so now you’re looking for something deeper than just crossing another goal off your list.
- Fear of Stagnation vs. Embracing Rest: We’re all told that “doing” equals value, so allowing yourself to rest without guilt feels downright unnatural.
- Uncertainty About Your Long-Term Vision: The goals that used to light you up might not align with who you are now. You’re evolving, but your goals might not be catching up.
- Indecision: You simply haven’t decided what you want next, and that’s okay! But it’s keeping you in limbo.
What to Do If You’re Unsure About the Future
So, what do you do when you’re not sure where to go from here? Here’s a radical idea: Don’t force it. Instead:
- Give yourself permission to not know. It’s okay to be in a state of uncertainty. Focus on letting new ideas come to you, instead of grasping for the next project out of desperation.
- Embrace the idea that rest is productive: Rest can lead to clarity, rejuvenation, and ultimately help you set more aligned, fulfilling goals.
- Wait for something to emerge organically: Instead of forcing a project, trust that inspiration and direction will come from this phase of rest and reflection. Focus on things you would enjoy accomplishing in the short term instead of trying to figure out your entire future.
- Experiment with curiosity. Explore new opportunities without pressure. What’s something you’ve been intrigued by, but avoided because it didn’t seem productive enough? Go try it.
- Create space for reflection: Take time away from the business to gain perspective and reconnect with what matters most. What are the big things that are important to you? How do you want your life to feel?
- Decide a short term focus: You don’t have to have your next 5-10 year vision planned. Decide what it looks like to lean into each of your values more in this season, set intentions for the month/quarter, and focus more on enjoying the journey than optimizing the future.
Related post: How to Overcome Self Doubt
How to Know If You’re on the Right Path
So, how will you know when you’ve found the right goals to work toward?
- You feel energized and excited by your next steps, rather than drained, overwhelmed, or apathetic.
- Your goals align with your personal values and how you want your life to feel.
- You experience a sense of balance between your business and personal life as you work toward your goals.
Here’s the truth: Success isn’t just about stacking up more achievements. It’s about creating a life that genuinely fulfillsyou, a life that aligns with who you are today, not who you were when you started.
If you’ve hit your goals and feel a little lost or unmotivated, you’re not broken. You’re evolving. This is your chance to reflect, recalibrate, and create something even more meaningful. Stop chasing arbitrary goals and start asking, “What do I truly value?”
The answer to what’s next? It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. And when you get clear on that, the fulfillment (and yes, the success) will follow.
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