Stop Moving the Goalpost: How to Set the Right Milestones in Your Healing & Growth Journey

Happy Monday Sis!!!

Recap from last week, we laid the foundation for stepping out of survival mode and stepping into abundance.

This week, we’re building on that by setting the right milestones AND keeping them in place.

Too often, we keep moving the goalpost, never allowing ourselves to feel accomplished, always feeling like we’re not “there” yet. But guess what? You are making progress, and it’s time to acknowledge it.

Why Do We Keep Moving the Target?

As women who do it all, we’re used to high expectations. We are the go-to for everything. The problem? We apply that same unrealistic standard to our personal growth. We say, “I’ll feel successful when I lose 10 pounds.” Then, when we get there, we push it to 15. “I’ll feel stable when I save $1,000,” then we hit it and suddenly feel like it has to be $5,000 before we give ourselves credit.

Sis, this cycle leaves us feeling like we’re never enough. But here’s the truth: You deserve to celebrate your wins. Every single one.

How to Set Milestones That Stick

1. Define Success Clearly (And Keep It Real)

Your milestone should be realistic and measurable. If you want to improve your health, instead of saying, “I need to get in shape,” say, “I will walk 10,000 steps every day for a month.” If you want to grow in faith, instead of saying, “I need to be a better Christian,” say, “I will start my day with a 5-minute prayer and devotion.”

“Write the vision and make it plain…’”– Habakkuk 2:2

2. Set a Finish Line You Can Actually Reach

You wouldn’t tell a patient fresh out of surgery to run a marathon tomorrow, right? Same goes for your goals. Instead of “I want to heal completely from my past trauma,” start with, “I will attend one therapy session this month,” or “I will journal about my feelings once a week.” Healing happens in steps, not leaps.

3. Attach an Action to Every Goal

You can’t say, “I want to be financially stable” but not make a budget. Every goal needs an action attached. If the goal is to have more time for self-care, the action might be scheduling one non-negotiable hour for yourself each Sunday.

Faith Without Works Is Dead – James 2:17

4. Add Micro-Triggers to Stay on Track

These are small cues that help you take action. Want to drink more water? Keep a full water bottle on your desk at work. Want to read your Bible more? Put it next to your coffee maker. Want to stick to a budget? Use cash envelopes instead of swiping your card mindlessly.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Every milestone deserves recognition. If your goal was to walk 10,000 steps a day for a month and you hit 25 out of 30 days? Sis, that is a win! Don’t discount your progress just because it’s not perfect.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” – Zechariah 4:10

What Happens When We Keep Moving the Goalpost?

  • Burnout – You never allow yourself to rest or feel satisfied.
  • Imposter Syndrome – You convince yourself you’re never “good enough.”
  • Discouragement – You lose motivation because the finish line keeps getting pushed further away.

How Do We Know We’re Successful?

You are successful when you are consistent, not perfect. You are successful when you show up for yourself, even when it’s hard. You are successful when you acknowledge what you’ve accomplished instead of constantly looking at what’s next.

Sis, stop cheating yourself out of the joy of progress. Your journey is not about checking off an endless list—it’s about growth, healing, and walking confidently in God’s plan for you.

This week, I challenge you to set ONE milestone, write it down, and actually celebrate when you reach it. Let’s stop moving the goalpost and start recognizing how far we’ve come!

Let’s talk in the comments—what’s one milestone you’re setting this week?

P.S. Follow me on Instagram @rooted.resilientfaith for daily encouragement! Let’s build this community together! 💜

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