Goal Setting: Turning Intentions Into Achievable Steps

For many people—especially those with ADHD or other executive function challenges—setting goals doesn’t always feel straightforward. It’s not just about writing down what you want. Instead, it’s about knowing how to reach it, moment by moment, without getting overwhelmed or lost.

This is goal setting. It’s more than a to-do list or a New Year’s resolution. It’s a practice, a framework, and often an invisible skill the brain learns over time.

What Is Goal Setting?

Goal setting isn’t just deciding what you want. It’s a way to connect your intentions with action—bridging the gap between now and the future.

Many people describe it as trying to see a path in a fog: the destination is there, but the steps to get there aren’t always clear. Without a sense of direction, it’s easy to feel stuck, distracted, or unsure of where to start.

Effective goal setting transforms big, abstract desires into small, actionable steps, giving the brain something tangible to focus on— even when motivation fluctuates or time feels slippery.

What Makes Goal Setting Hard?

There isn’t a single cause, but several factors can make setting and following through on goals challenging:

• Executive function difficulties – Trouble planning, prioritizing, or breaking goals into manageable steps
• Time perception differences – Losing track of how long steps will take or when deadlines approach
• Emotional weight – Big goals can feel overwhelming, making it hard to start or stick with them
• Distraction or hyperfocus – Either losing focus entirely or getting absorbed in one small part and forgetting the bigger picture

These are not signs of laziness or failure. They’re just the brain doing what it knows how to do—often in a world that doesn’t make space for different ways of thinking.

What Goal Setting Looks Like in Everyday Life

Goal setting isn’t a magic solution, but it shows up in small, consistent ways:

• Breaking a project into bite-sized steps
• Checking in on progress at the end of the day or week
• Adjusting plans when priorities shift
• Feeling a sense of direction instead of being adrift
• Celebrating completion of even tiny milestones

For many people, goal setting isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about creating a connection between intention and action.

What Can Help You Reach Your Goals

You can learn to work with your brain instead of against it. A few approaches can make goal setting feel more tangible and supportive:

• Actionable steps – Break your goals into clear, small, doable tasks
• Structured techniques – Try time blocking, checklists, or visual trackers to stay on track
• Work alongside others – Peer accountability or virtual co-working can help keep goals visible
• Reflect regularly – Check in at the end of the day or week to track progress and adjust

Goal setting isn’t always about discipline or willpower. Sometimes, it’s about connection, support, and creating a framework that works for your brain and your life.

How ShareWell Supports Goal Setting

At ShareWell, we help people turn goals into gentle, achievable steps. Our virtual co-working sessions and peer accountability groups provide structure, support, and community—especially helpful for anyone who struggles with planning, focus, or follow-through.

In our Body Doubling Sessions, members work quietly alongside each other. Everyone focuses on their own goals, yet shares the same calm sense of presence. There’s no judgment, no pressure—just mutual understanding and support.

Because goal setting isn’t about forcing yourself to achieve more. It’s about being seen, supported, and reminded that you’re not alone in how you approach your goals.

At ShareWell, we believe that goals don’t have to feel overwhelming. They can be walked toward steadily, supported, and finally, your own.

Learn more about how to set and stick to your goals: How to Stick to Goals.

Want support from people who get it? Join an online support group today.

To view our sessions on Goal Setting, click here.