Dream, Plan, Thrive: Igniting Passionate Goals in Your Creative Business

By Hannah Roper

As creative entrepreneurs, the path to success is often painted with passion and strategy. But what happens when you’ve ticked off a primary financial goal and feel lost? It’s time to reevaluate your goals, not just in numbers, but in terms of emotional connection and broader ambitions.
Reconnecting with Your Financial Goals
Initially, hitting a significant financial milestone can feel like the pinnacle of success. But what comes after? It’s essential to understand that while financial goals are vital, they’re not the only markers of success. We must ask ourselves: What impact do we want to make? What brings us joy? These questions lead us to a more profound sense of purpose and motivation, especially when times get tough.
Remember, it’s not only about the numbers. It’s about what those numbers enable you to do – the freedom they bring, the experiences they afford, and the changes they drive. But beware of the trap of comparison, especially in the age of social media, where success is often misleadingly quantified.
Embracing the Emotional Aspect of Goal Setting
When setting goals, infuse them with emotion. Visualize the achievement and also how it will make you feel. This emotional connection is crucial in manifesting your dreams and every aspect of your business. It’s about connecting with your clients emotionally, understanding their needs, and aligning your services to solve their problems or fulfill their aspirations.
As you set new goals, don’t focus solely on the numbers. Instead, dive into the ‘why.’ Why do you want to run your business? Why do you aim to achieve a specific financial figure? Your emotional attachment to these questions will propel you forward.
Setting Multifaceted Goals for a Balanced Business
Now, let’s talk about goal setting in a broader sense. Setting financial, creative, and impact goals is vital in the dynamic world of creative entrepreneurship. These three goal types reflect our multifaceted nature and inspire and motivate us.
  1. Financial Goals: What do you aim to achieve financially in your business? Remember, these aren’t just about revenue; they’re about what the revenue enables you to do.
  2. Creative Goals: What do you want to achieve creatively? These goals keep the spark of passion alive in your work.
  3. Impact Goals: What impact do you want your business to have on the community and your clients? This is about the difference you make, the value you add.
Understanding Goals, Outcomes, and Activities
Lastly, goals are nothing without action! Ensure you differentiate between goals, outcomes, and activities. Think of your goal as the destination of your business journey – the dream you’re pursuing. Outcomes are the quarterly milestones that bring you closer to this dream, while activities are the monthly tasks that keep you on track.
Align every activity with your goals to ensure every step is a step forward. Take time to break your goals down into quarterly outcomes and monthly activities, this will assist you in tracking your achievements and, most importantly, celebrating your wins, however small!
As female creative entrepreneurs, our journey is unique. It’s filled with both ambition and emotion. By understanding the importance of setting varied goals and infusing them with emotional significance, we can create a fulfilling and successful path for ourselves. It’s about more than financial success; it’s about creating a business that resonates with our values and brings us and our clients joy.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of CHOICES Magazine