We’ve all had those days where we’re packed with tasks, meetings, and responsibilities, yet at the end, we’re left wondering, “What did I actually accomplish?” You’re crossing items off your to-do list, putting out fires, but there’s still that nagging feeling that you didn’t touch the things that truly matter.
No matter how hard you work, the important stuff keeps getting pushed to tomorrow, next week, or even further down the road. It’s exhausting, and it’s not because you’re not working hard enough. It’s because the way we’ve been taught to think about goals and productivity is broken.
Life is full of distractions—emails, client needs, interruptions—and it can feel like you’re always on the go but never actually getting closer to where you want to be. That’s frustrating when you have goals, whether it’s catching up on work, growing your business, spending time with family, or just finding space to breathe.
Here’s the thing: it’s not about doing more. It’s about making what you do actually count. That’s where “Do Goals” come in. Instead of focusing on vague, far-off outcomes, “Do Goals” break the big picture into small, actionable steps you can tackle today, tomorrow, and next week.
Imagine ending your day feeling clear, accomplished, and in control—knowing exactly what you’ve worked toward and seeing tangible progress. You’re less scattered, more focused, and have energy for what truly matters—whether it’s your clients, your business, or your family.
The best part? “Do Goals” aren’t complicated. They’re simple, manageable shifts that help you take action without adding more pressure.
If this sounds like something you’ve been looking for, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m diving into why “Do Goals” are the game changer you’ve been waiting for and how they can help you move from busy to productive with ease.
This week, I’m going to discuss why we’re stuck in the busyness trap, the difference between regular goals and “Do Goals,” and how to shift from busy to productive with “Do Goals.”
Why we’re stuck in the busyness trap
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get swept up in day-to-day tasks, only to realize your bigger goals haven’t moved an inch? You’re handling what’s right in front of you—emails, meetings, last-minute fixes—and it feels productive in the moment.
But here’s the problem: being busy doesn’t always mean making meaningful progress. It’s like running on a treadmill—lots of movement, but you’re not actually going anywhere.
Why does this happen? One reason is how we prioritize. Urgent tasks take over because they give us quick wins—like replying to an email or ticking off a small to-do.
While satisfying, these tasks often come at the cost of ignoring what truly matters. The big, meaningful goals that move your work or life forward don’t always feel urgent, so they get pushed aside.
To make matters worse, your brain reinforces this cycle. We’re wired to seek instant results, which makes quick, easy tasks feel rewarding, even if they’re not impactful. Add to that the constant demands pulling you in every direction, and it’s no wonder your most important goals keep getting sidelined.
This is the busyness trap. It tricks you into thinking you’re productive, when really, you’re just treading water. But here’s the good news: you can break free. The answer isn’t doing more—it’s doing differently.
That’s where “Do Goals” come in. By focusing on specific, actionable steps, “Do Goals” help you turn effort into progress. They’re designed to move you forward in a way that’s simple, intentional, and achievable. Let’s take a closer look at how “Do Goals” differ from traditional goals—and why this shift is so powerful.
The difference between regular goals and “Do Goals”
One of the reasons we get stuck in the busyness trap is that we rely on traditional goal-setting, which often works against us. That’s where “Do Goals” make all the difference.
The main distinction between regular goals and “Do Goals” is in their focus and approach. Here are 5 differences that will help you understand this better:
#1 – Focus on the Outcome vs. Focus on the Action
Regular Goals: Focus on the end result you want to achieve, like “Get more organized at work” or “Write a book.” These are destination-oriented and often feel broad or abstract.
Do Goals: Focus on the specific actions needed to achieve the outcome. For example, instead of “Get more organized,” a “Do Goal” might be “Spend 15 minutes each morning organizing my desk.” It’s about the steps, not just the destination.
#2 – Vague vs. Clear and Actionable
Regular Goals: Often feel overwhelming because they don’t include a clear “how.” For instance, “Be healthier” doesn’t tell you what actions to take.
Do Goals: Break goals into clear, actionable steps you can start immediately. For example, instead of “Be healthier,” a “Do Goal” might be “Eat one extra serving of vegetables today” or “Go for a 20-minute walk after dinner.”
#3 – Far-Off vs. Immediate
Regular Goals: Focus on long-term outcomes, which can feel distant and hard to work toward daily. For example, “Run a marathon” might seem unattainable without a plan.
Do Goals: Bring the focus to the present moment by identifying actions you can take today or this week. A “Do Goal” could be “Run for 15 minutes three times this week.”
#4 – Reactive vs. Intentional
Regular Goals: Can lead to procrastination or reacting to what feels urgent because they don’t include a roadmap. For instance, “Grow my business” sounds great, but without steps, it’s easy to get stuck in busyness.
Do Goals: Provide structure and intention by breaking big goals into manageable pieces. For example, instead of “Grow my business,” a “Do Goal” might be “Reach out to three potential clients this week.”
#5 – Overwhelming vs. Manageable
Regular Goals: Often feel overwhelming because they represent big changes without outlining how to achieve them
Do Goals: Feel manageable and motivating because they focus on small, achievable actions. Completing “Do Goals” builds momentum and a sense of accomplishment.
The bottom line is that “Do Goals” are the bridge between where you are now and the regular goals you want to achieve. They make the process tangible and actionable, helping you take consistent, intentional steps forward. Instead of being stuck in vague aspirations, “Do Goals” show you exactly what to do next.
How to shift from busy to productive with “Do Goals”
Now, I want to share how to get started with “Do Goals” step by step:
Step 1: Define Your Big Goal
First, get clear on what you’re working toward. What’s one big thing you’d love to accomplish? Maybe it’s getting more organized at work, spending more time with your family, or finally making time for yourself. Whatever it is, keep it specific, but don’t stress about how to make it happen just yet.
For example, if your goal is to create more time for yourself, it might mean going to the gym, reading a book, or picking up a hobby you enjoy.
Step 2: Break It Down Into Actionable Steps
Once you’ve got your big goal, think about what you can do to start making progress. These are your “Do Goals.”
Let’s say your goal is to make time for self-care. Your “Do Goals” could look like:
Scheduling a quick workout or yoga session three times a week.
Taking 15 minutes every morning to enjoy a quiet coffee or meditate.
Setting aside time for a hobby that makes you feel good.
The idea is to focus on small, specific actions you can actually do—not just the big result you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Prioritize and Schedule Your “Do Goals”
This is where things get real. Take those “Do Goals” and add them to your calendar, just like you would a meeting or appointment.
For example, if you want quiet time in the morning, block off 15 minutes before your day starts. If your goal is to catch up on work, schedule an hour of focused time where you can dive in without distractions.
The key is to treat these actions like promises to yourself—because they are.
Step 4: Focus on One Thing at a Time
Here’s a truth we all need to hear: you don’t have to do everything at once. In fact, trying to juggle too much is a surefire way to feel overwhelmed.
Instead, pick one main priority to focus on. For example, if you’re working on a big project, block out time to work on just that—no emails, no multitasking. Giving one thing your full attention will help you get it done faster and with less stress.
Step 5: Check In and Adjust as You Go
Life happens, and that’s okay. The beauty of “Do Goals” is that they’re flexible. If something isn’t working, you can adjust without feeling like you’ve failed.
For example, if mornings are too chaotic for your self-care goal, shift your quiet time to the evening. Or if a work deadline gets pushed, revisit your calendar and make space to regroup.
The idea is to keep moving forward, even if it means taking a slightly different path.
Step 6: Celebrate Your Wins
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate! Every step you take is a step closer to your big goal, and that’s worth acknowledging.
Whether it’s finishing your first week of workouts, shutting off your work notifications on time, or wrapping up a big project, take a moment to give yourself credit. Small wins add up, and they’ll keep you motivated to keep going.
I’ll give you an example of how I’ve used “Do Goals” in my own life. I knew I wanted to find more time to read, but my mornings were already packed, and reading later in the day just made me fall asleep. So, I decided that once my husband left for work at 7 a.m., I would set a timer on my phone for 30 minutes and dedicate that time to reading—no distractions, no excuses.
It’s now become one of my favorite times of the day. I love the sense of calm and focus it gives me, and I’m genuinely excited about the books I’ve been able to finish and the ones I plan to read next. That’s the power of “Do Goals”—small, intentional actions that make a big difference over time.
I promise that by following these steps and adding your own “Do Goals” to your routine, you’ll shift from feeling overwhelmed and busy to being clear and productive. Remember, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.
And when you focus on that, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish, one step at a time.
Questions to consider
Question: What are my most important goals right now?
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day whirlwind of tasks, but to make real progress, you need to focus on what matters most. Take a moment to identify your top priorities. These aren’t just the urgent tasks that pop up but the goals that, if accomplished, will bring you closer to where you want to be. Whether it’s advancing in your career, spending more quality time with your family, or finally finishing a project that’s been lingering, knowing your big goals gives you a clear direction.
Question: What specific actions can I take this week to move toward these goals?
Once you’ve identified your top goals, the next step is to break them down into small, actionable steps. Ask yourself: what can I do this week to move closer to achieving these goals? These steps should be clear and manageable—things you can schedule into your calendar. For example, if your goal is to spend more time with your kids, maybe that means scheduling 30 minutes of one-on-one time with each child this week. The focus here is on action, not just planning.
Question: Am I being realistic with my time, and how can I better honor the commitments I make to myself?
One of the biggest challenges for working moms is feeling like there’s not enough time. This question helps you reflect on whether you’re setting realistic expectations for yourself. Are you overloading your schedule, or are you making time for what truly matters? If you find that you’re frequently pushing back your goals or letting distractions take over, consider how you can better protect the time you’ve blocked out for your “Do Goals.” Treat these blocks like non-negotiable appointments—your success depends on honoring them.