How to Set Goals You'll Actually Stick To

Life with little ones is full and fast. Between school drop-offs, nap schedules, and everything in between, it can be hard to think beyond today. But we all have those quietly held wishes that sit at the back of our minds, and now is a great time to turn that hope into something real. The good news? You don't need a perfect plan. You just need a starting point.

Start with your "why"

Before you write a single goal down, ask yourself what's really driving it. Maybe it's financial independence, doing work that feels meaningful, or simply having something that's just yours. When your goal is connected to something personal, it's much easier to stay motivated, especially on the hard days.

Write it down - yes, seriously

There's something powerful about putting goals on paper (or your phone notes — no judgment). It shifts them from wishes to intentions.

Turn "one day" into "by when"

Vague goals like "I'd love to get back into work eventually" are easy to put off. Try giving your goal a timeframe. Something like "I'd like to explore part-time work within the next three months" gives you something to move toward. It doesn't have to be set in stone, just specific enough to act on.

Build in flexibility

Life can be unpredictable. If you miss a step or need to pause, that's not failure, it's just parenting. Build wiggle room into your timeline and try not to stress when plans shift.

Break it into tiny steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into small, manageable actions.

Instead of "update my resume," try "spend 20 minutes listing my last three jobs." Instead of "find childcare," try "ask two friends for recommendations this week."

Small steps add up — and each one builds your confidence along the way.

Be kind to yourself

Progress won't always be linear. Some weeks will be harder than others, and that's completely okay. What matters is that you keep coming back to your goal, even in small ways. Flexibility isn't failure — it's just real life.

You don't have to do it alone

That's exactly what we're here for.

Parent Pathways at Employment Plus offers free, personalised support designed to meet you where you are whether you've only just started to think about work or you're ready to take the next step. Reach out to your Employment Plus mentor for more information or give us a call on 136 123, and let's turn your goals into a plan that actually works for you.