Setting Goals and Making Positive Change With Self-Compassion

Running a business—especially as a sole practitioner or small team—often means wearing multiple hats, juggling competing demands, and striving for growth while staying true to your purpose. In this fast-paced world, goal setting is crucial.

However, how we approach our goals can be the difference between meaningful progress and burnout.

I’m a big believer in productive, positive change. This starts with self-compassion.

Why Self-Compassion Matters

Many business owners are naturally high achievers. You set high standards, push hard, and sometimes expect yourself to do it all, all the time. But harsh self-criticism or “tough love” often backfires, leading to stress, procrastination, and self-doubt.

Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and support you’d offer a friend or colleague. It doesn’t mean lowering your standards—it means giving yourself the space to grow sustainably.

The Self-Compassionate Approach to Goal Setting

Here’s how to create momentum in your business (and life) while nurturing your wellbeing:

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1. Set Goals That Align With Your Values

Before diving into to-do lists or productivity hacks, pause and ask: What matters most to me right now?

Maybe it’s improving client experience, streamlining your admin systems, or carving out more time for creative work. Setting goals that reflect your values helps you stay connected to your “why” and stay motivated when challenges arise.

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2. Break It Down – And Be Realistic

Big goals are exciting, but they can also be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable tasks. Then, take stock of your time and energy. If you’re in a busy season, adjust your expectations rather than just powering through. This is often unsustainably.

Remember: done is better than perfect, and progress is still progress, no matter how small.

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3. Track Progress Without Judgement

Using tools like a digital planner, weekly review, or task manager may help to reflect on what’s working and what’s not.
On reflection – if you feel your progress is less than you’d like, rather than beating yourself up for what didn’t get done, ask: What got in the way? What would help next time?

This curiosity-based mindset makes it easier to adapt and move forward, without guilt.

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4. Celebrate Wins (Even the Small Ones!)

Finished a tricky task?
Took action on a new idea?
Set boundaries around your time?

Celebrate it! Acknowledging wins builds momentum and reinforces your ability to keep going.

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5. Delegate When You Can

Self-compassion also means recognising you don’t have to do it all alone.

Delegating admin tasks, systems, or communication support to a trusted virtual assistant 😉can free up your time—and mental space—for the work you love most.

At Just in Time Virtual Assistant, we help sole practitioners and small health businesses create breathing room so they can focus on meaningful progress.

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Change That Lasts Is Built on Support

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to hustle harder to get ahead. But real, sustainable change is built on compassion—for yourself, your limits, and your journey.

You don’t have to choose between being kind to yourself and being effective in your business. With the right mindset—and the right support—positive change becomes not just possible, but powerful.

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Ready to create space for growth in your business?

Let’s talk about how we can support your goals with clarity and care. Get in touch.