Are Your Business Goals Sabotaging Your Success?

by | podcast

Gwen and Tonya are shown together sitting at Gwen's dining room table. Microphones in front of them, Gwen has her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail and Tonya's chin-length curly slat-and-pepper hair is as tame as it'll ever be. Both women wear glasses, but Tonya's black-and-white frames are much cooler. Tonya has a white denim jacket open over a black T-shirt. Gwen wears a bright teal cardigan over a black tank top. Gwen has bold teal wooden jewelry. Tonya is allergic to jewelry and hopes the cool glasses distract you from her lack of accessories. In front of them is a graphic with the words "Set goals that you actually want to achieve."

Entrepreneurs are constantly bombarded with messages about dreaming big, setting ambitious targets, and striving for that coveted million-dollar business. But what if chasing these goals is actually leading you further away from the business — and life — you truly desire?

In the latest episode of The Business You Really Want, co-host Tonya Kubo and I explore a topic that’s close to my heart: setting meaningful, achievable goals that actually propel your business forward. And let me tell you, what we uncovered might surprise you.

Here’s a hard truth: That million-dollar business goal you’ve been chasing? It might be doing more harm than good.

I’ll never forget working with a brilliant attorney who was determined to become a “top kick-ass litigator.” Her words. Not mine.

On paper, it sounded impressive. In reality? It was making her miserable.

As we dug deeper, we discovered that this goal wasn’t truly hers — it was society’s definition of success for an attorney. When she finally allowed herself to pursue a path that aligned with her natural strengths and values, everything changed. Not only did she become happier, but her business thrived in ways she never imagined.

This story isn’t unique. Time and time again, I’ve seen entrepreneurs pursue goals that look good on paper but feel terrible in practice. They end up stressed, overwhelmed, and questioning their abilities as business owners. Sound familiar?

In this podcast episode, we unpack:

  1. How to spot the signs that your current goals might be misaligned with your values
  2. The power of the “Good/Better/Best” goal-setting framework
  3. Why realistic growth metrics matter more than you think

But here’s the kicker: Setting aligned, achievable goals is non-negotiable when it comes to creating a business that supports the life you want to live. You deserve to wake up excited to tackle the day ahead, not dreading the mountain of tasks that don’t truly serve you your business.

Ready to redefine what success looks like for you and your business?

Tune in to “How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve,” the latest episode of The Business You Really Want. You can listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full video on our YouTube channel.

Don’t let misaligned goals hold you back any longer. Listen now and start building the business you really want.

You can listen on Apple and Spotify, or watch on YouTube.

About Your Hosts

Gwen Bortner has spent four decades advising executives and entrepreneurs in 45+ industries. She helps women succeed in business without sacrificing happiness by identifying their true desires and aligning their business functions. She spots overlooked bottlenecks and crafts efficient plans toward sustainable success that center your values and priorities. Known for her unique approach to problem-solving and accountability through the G.E.A.R.S. framework, Gwen empowers clients to achieve their definition of success without sacrificing what matters most.

Tonya Kubo is a marketing strategist and community builder who helps entrepreneurs build thriving online communities. As co-host of The Business You Really Want and Chief Marketing and Operations Officer (CMOO) at Everyday Effectiveness, she keeps conversations on track and ensures complex business concepts are accessible to everyone. A master facilitator with 18+ years of experience in online community building, Tonya takes a people-first approach to marketing and centers the human experience in all she does.