How to Prepare for Your Next Big Stretch Goal as an Entrepreneur
Stretch goals are where dreams grow legs. They push you beyond your comfort zone, challenge your limits, and open doors to opportunities you’ve only imagined. But let’s be honest, they can also feel overwhelming. That’s where preparation becomes your secret weapon.
Suppose you’ve just set your sights on a bold new goal. In that case, whether it’s scaling your revenue to seven figures, launching a new online business, or growing your audience to one million, trust me, you’re not alone in feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The good news is you can succeed, one step at a time.
Here’s how to get ready to tackle your stretch goal like the powerhouse entrepreneur you are.
Step 1: Define Your Goal and Break It Down into Milestones
The first step to conquering a stretch goal is to clearly define what success looks like. Be specific. A vague goal like “grow my business” won’t cut it. Instead, say, “I want to grow my revenue by 20% over the next year.”
Once you’ve defined your goal, break it down into milestones. Reaching the summit of a mountain is much easier when you focus on climbing to the next ridge. Milestones keep you motivated and provide real-time insight into your progress.
Pro tip:Make milestones time-bound. For example, if you’re launching a new product, you might aim to finalize the design by month three, start beta testing by month six, and go live by month nine.
Step 2: Leverage Your Resources
You will never achieve stretch goals in isolation. Think about what tools, platforms, and people you already have in your corner. Make a list of your existing resources, including your professional network, software, courses, or even the support of family and friends.
Can you delegate certain tasks to free yourself up for the big-picture work? Do you know someone who’s already achieved a goal similar to yours? Great. Talk to them about what worked.
My favorite example of leveraging resources comes from a client who turned a casual lunch date into actionable advice. She asked a seasoned peer what strategies helped them break into the course creation market. That one conversation put her six months ahead of schedule!
Pro tip: Don’t forget financial resources. Set a budget for your stretch goal so you know where to invest and how much to save for unexpected challenges.
Step 3: Maintain a Positive and Resilient Mindset
Stretch goals are thrilling, but they’re also a rollercoaster ride. There will be twists, bumps, and moments when you wonder if you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Those moments are where a positive, resilient mindset is your best ally.
Start by reframing challenges as opportunities. When something doesn’t go as planned, ask yourself, “What’s this teaching me?” One entrepreneur I worked with faced a major delay in supplier shipments, which initially felt like a disaster. Instead of panicking, she used the extra time to refine her marketing strategy and, as a result, had the strongest launch her company had seen in years.
Pro tip:Surround yourself with positive influences. Build your tribe. Find people who celebrate your wins and offer solutions when you’re stuck. You can be your own cheerleader, but a supportive team amplifies your confidence.
Step 4: Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Every great entrepreneur has sought inspiration and advice from someone who’s walked the road before them. A good mentor won’t just tell you what to do; they’ll ask the right questions to help you find your own answers.
Don’t be shy about reaching out! Mentors can be found in your industry through networking events or online communities. If you’re short on opportunities to connect, consider joining a mastermind group tailored to entrepreneurs like the Soulutionist Portal.
One of my mentees shared how connecting with a mentor saved her months of trial and error. The advice given to her on pitching led directly to securing speaking engagements, bringing her dream to fruition faster than she thought possible.
Pro tip:Recognize that mentorship is a two-way street. Build a genuine relationship. Offer value where you can, even if it’s as simple as an insightful conversation.
Step 5: Brace For Uncertainty and Take Action Anyway
This step is the hardest but also the most crucial. You’re not meant to have all the answers before you begin. Waiting for perfect conditions will only delay your progress. Action beats analysis paralysis every time.
When uncertainty creeps in and the “what-ifs” start whispering, remind yourself that uncertainty is part of the process. Every single entrepreneur you admire has faced it. What sets them apart is their willingness to move forward anyway.
Pro tip: You don’t need to take the whole leap today. Just start with the next step. Send the email. Make the call. Draft the proposal. Action, no matter how small, creates momentum, and momentum will carry you to your goal.
Your Stretch Goal Awaits
Stretch goals aren’t meant to be smooth or easy; they’re meant to transform you. Every effort, success, and setback along the way will build you into the entrepreneur who achieves the goal you’ve envisioned.
The world needs what only you can create, and your stretch goal is the path to bringing it to life. You are ready, capable, and strong enough to tackle it.
Here’s my wish for you as you step forward into this exciting new chapter of growth and discovery: May your courage fuel your action, your resilience carry you through challenges, and your wins reflect your true brilliance. I am Brenda, The Soulutionist, and I believe in you. You’ve got this! The climb may be steep, but the view at the top? It’s breathtaking. Remember, Protect Your Peace. Be blessed.
Why “We The People” Matters for Entrepreneurs and Businesses
When you hear the words “Declaration of Independence” or “Constitution of the United States,” you might picture history books, founding fathers, and ancient parchment sealed behind glass. But as an entrepreneur and someone living the dream of building something greater, those documents aren’t relics of the past. They are blueprints for your success.
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States embody the principles that make entrepreneurship possible. They are the backbone of freedom, self-determination, and governance that nurtures innovation and a thriving business environment. If you’ve built a business, fought for your vision, or chased a dream, you owe more to these documents than might first meet the eye.
Freedom Fuels Innovation
The Declaration of Independence was more than a political rebellion. It was a radical idea, a declaration that every individual was born equal and entitled to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” For entrepreneurs, liberty is everything. It’s the foundation that allows you to take risks, solve problems, and push boundaries. Freedom of choice will enable you to create, grow, and innovate without fear of unwarranted restriction.
Imagine launching a business in a world where your dreams are dictated by someone else. There are countries throughout history, and even now, where aspiring entrepreneurs could lose everything simply for stepping outside the status quo. Without the principles of freedom and equality outlined in the Declaration, could entrepreneurship even exist as we know it?
“We the People” Built the Framework for Business
Fast forward to 1787, when the Constitution of the United States came to life, an agreement between “We the People” to build a government that protects the freedoms essential for individuals to thrive. It established rules, accountability, and rights that fundamentally shaped how businesses operate today.
The Constitution protects the right to private property, a critical element for any entrepreneur. It ensures contracts are honored, intellectual property is protected, and there’s a legal recourse if your business faces unfair practices. It laid the groundwork for a system of governance that allows competition to flourish, trade to expand, and innovation to thrive.
The Cost of Ignoring the Principles
But what happens if these principles are neglected? Look at certain places where rights are undermined, corruption thrives, or governments exert excessive control over their economies. The business environment in such areas is unstable, unpredictable, and often hostile to innovation. Without the rule of law, businesses crumble under the weight of uncertainty and fear.
Take Prohibition as an example. When restrictions and bans swept through the U.S. in the early 1900s, countless legitimate businesses were forced to shut down. Unsanctioned markets seized the opportunity, but many of those who sought to run honest ventures paid a heavy price. It was a reminder that entrepreneurship and the broader economy suffer when laws don’t uphold justice or fairness.
Protect Your Peace and Lift Your Voice
For the business community and you as an entrepreneur, honoring the legacy of “We the People” helps maintain the environment where ideas, innovation, and risk-taking shine. Everything from property rights to free markets could fall apart without these principles.
This is why it’s vital that we, as entrepreneurs, protect our peace and lift our voices. Advocate for justice, respect the democratic system, and challenge policies that threaten the freedoms that fuel all our ventures. Resilience isn’t just important in handling business setbacks; it’s critical when safeguarding the environment that lets businesses even exist.
Real-Life Inspiration from History
In our Nation, the boldest entrepreneurial ideas were made possible by stepping stones laid by these documents. Look at figures like Madam C.J. Walker, who, as the first self-made female millionaire, grew her empire during a time when equality was far from practiced. Her ability to succeed despite racial and gender barriers was anchored on the fact that these imperfectly implemented principles existed to be called upon and fought for.
Or consider Silicon Valley itself, the hub of modern innovation in America. The ecosystem that allowed something as revolutionary as Google or Facebook to erupt started with protected rights, structured governance, and an economic model rooted in freedom.
Building Together for Tomorrow
Remember this as you hustle through late nights, overcome setbacks, and fulfill your goals. The entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It thrives on the freedoms and foundations established centuries before us. “We the People” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a reminder that our potential is infinite when built on a system that values equality, opportunity, and innovation.
Take a moment to reflect on what these freedoms mean for your life and business. How will you honor them? How will you amplify them for future generations of entrepreneurs? Together, we must protect what empowers us. Together, we create legacies, not just businesses that matter.
Finally, Rise Up!
Don’t wait for the world to hand you change. Be the one who creates it! Your voice, vision, and actions can light the way for all of us to live our best lives NOW (No Opportunity Wasted). Rise up, speak out, and build boldly. Because the future doesn’t wait, neither should you.” – Brenda The Solutionist. Please remember to protect your peace. Be Blessed.
Hello, my incredible change-makers, innovators, and dream-builders! Today, I want us to pause and reflect on a powerful truth that can reshape how we lead our lives and businesses. It’s this: Yesterday is not chasing you. Yesterday, with all its wins and wounds, does not define you. Yesterday is not a prison. However, it is a teacher. And friends, the lesson it teaches is simple yet profound: the key to your growth, breakthroughs, joy, and success lies not in the past. It is in this moment, right now.
Why Do We Chase Yesterday?
It’s easy to get caught up in the illusion of the past. Too often, we find ourselves running after memories of past successes or carrying the weight of mistakes long gone. But I’m here to tell you to stop wasting your energy chasing ghosts. Yesterday is done, and it cannot chase you either. What you commit to today will build your power, influence, and future. You create the inspired life, the thriving business, and the family legacy by showing up here and now with purpose, clarity, and a willingness to grow. Remember, the more you dwell on the past, the more you miss out on the opportunities of the present.
The Power of Staying Present
To live fully today, you must first anchor yourself in the present. I challenge you to create a brighter future. Commit to stop being held hostage by your past. Being fully present is about finding the strength to honor your experiences. They shape your perspective, give you wisdom, and remind you of your capacity to rise. But don’t allow them to dictate your actions. Think about it: The only thing you can shape is what happens next. That’s a beautiful opportunity waiting for you every single day.
How Do You Stay in the Here and Now?
Being present starts with practicing mindfulness in your daily life. Mindfulness is not just a concept. It’s a practical tool that can help you stay focused on the present moment.Take five minutes out of your day. Yes, just five minutes to breathe deeply, sip your coffee slowly, and actually feel gratitude for something in your life. This small act immediately redirects your focus and calms that overactive inner critic. You know, the one who constantly pulls you back to last week’s mistakes or the things you “should have” done. It’s shifting your focus to daily progress. When your energy is rooted in the now, magic happens. You tune into opportunities you may have overlooked. You become sharper, more resilient, and ready to lead with clarity. That shift is powerful, and it’s just the beginning.
Three Steps to Take Bold Action
Living in the moment doesn’t mean sitting still. It’s about taking purposeful action every single day. The most successful people don’t wait for inspiration; they move. Here’s how you can start taking bold, deliberate steps forward right now:
1. Set Daily Non-Negotiables
Begin each morning asking yourself, “What is my one most important objective today?” Make it realistic, achievable, and aligned with your long-term vision. Consider reaching out to a potential client, spending uninterrupted time with your kids, or testing a new marketing strategy; commit to it 100%. Remember, consistency builds momentum.
2. Build Reflection Into Your Routine
Take moments at the end of the day to check in with yourself. Celebrate small wins. Did you learn something new? Great. Did you fail? Even better, now you know what not to do. Reflection isn’t about nitpicking flaws. It’s about finding lessons and moving forward stronger.
3. Cultivate Creativity Daily
Innovation thrives when you create space for curiosity and experimentation. Be playful and allow yourself to brainstorm without fear of judgment. Try asking questions from your customers. What do they really want? Collaborate with team members or even your family circles for fresh ideas. Creativity doesn’t just belong in the boardroom. Make creativity a part of your everyday problem-solving toolbox.
Believe in Your Impact
Finally, I want you to understand this: Someone is waiting for you to walk in your purpose. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or someone building a legacy, your dedication shapes lives, including your own. When you are actively shaping a future that surpasses anything in your past, yesterday cannot chase you. Believe in your impact and know that you are making a difference.
So, take a breath at this moment. It’s yours! Throw yourself, heart-first, into pursuing better, more decisive, more aligned-to-your-purpose days. Forget chasing what’s gone. Instead, chase your potential. I am Brenda, The Soulutionist, and I believe in you. Now it’s time to believe in yourself and live in the NOW! No Opportunity Wasted. Protect Your Peace. Be Blessed.
The unexpected passing of two beautiful souls this week has me thinking about self-love. Grief and emotional challenges can feel overwhelming, particularly for entrepreneurs juggling high-pressure responsibilities. During these times, practicing self-love becomes essential, not just as a form of healing but as a way to maintain balance and resilience. In an effort to prevent any additional unnecessary silence, here are five mindful and actionable strategies to incorporate into your daily routine. I pray something in this article will encourage all readers to practice self-love. If you are struggling, please reach out for help if needed.
1. Start Your Day with Intentional Gratitude
The first moments of your day set the tone for everything that follows. Begin each morning by identifying one or two things you are grateful for, big or small. This simple practice can help shift your focus from loss to appreciation, fostering a sense of stability and positivity.
How to Implement It:
Keep a gratitude journal on your nightstand and jot down your thoughts immediately upon waking.
If mornings are rushed, try a 2-minute mental practice during your first cup of coffee or while brushing your teeth.
For busy entrepreneurs, weaving this into your existing habits ensures it’s doable without adding stress. Even in a chaotic schedule, gratitude has a grounding effect.
2. Create Gentle Boundaries Between Work and Rest
As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal time. However, failing to establish clear boundaries can be even more challenging during emotional turmoil. Practicing self-love means protecting your energy and allowing yourself the space to process your emotions.
How to Implement It:
Dedicate “non-negotiable” time blocks for yourself daily, even if it’s just 15 minutes to take a slow walk or breathe deeply.
At the end of your workday, engage in a symbolic “transition” activity, like changing clothes, turning off your phone, or writing a quick to-do for tomorrow to release work-related thoughts.
These small rituals can create a sense of closure, letting you recharge and be more present with yourself and your loved ones.
3. Practice Compassionate Check-Ins
When experiencing grief, it’s common to be hard on yourself. Give yourself some grace and forego feeling guilty for not being as productive or emotionally “together” as you’d like. Regularly carve out time to check in with yourself, free of judgment.
How to Implement It:
Pause for 2-3 minutes several times a day to ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” A breath? Support? A small reward?
Use mindfulness apps or journal prompts to explore your emotions without critique.
Entrepreneurs often check in on others, like their clients, teams, or families. Turning this nurturing instinct inward can be a powerful way to cultivate self-love.
4. Adopt a Simple, Nourishing Routine
Grief can drain your mental and physical energy. A supportive routine can help you stay grounded and regain a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. Make simplicity a non-negotiable priority. Practice focusing on small steps that nourish your body and mind without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, it’s the small, consistent acts of self-care that matter most.
How to Implement It:
Aim for balanced meals, regular hydration, and enough sleep. For example, prep healthy snacks for long workdays to keep energy levels steady.
Incorporate short physical activities like stretching at your desk or doing a quick home workout session.
Think of these habits as acts of love for your future self. Consistency is key, even if the steps feel small.
5. Lean on Your Support System
A major barrier to self-love during grief is the instinct to “carry it all” alone, especially for entrepreneurs used to self-reliance. Vulnerability and connection are acts of self-care, allowing you to feel seen, supported, and understood. Your support system is a crucial part of your self-love journey, and their presence in your life is a testament to your strength and resilience.
How to Implement It:
Schedule weekly check-in calls with trusted friends, family, or a mentor. Just sharing how you feel can lift emotional burdens.
Join a grief support group or talk with a therapist if you’re open to professional guidance.
For entrepreneurs, considering a business accountability partner or delegating tasks can also provide the additional breathing room you need for personal healing.
Finding Strength in Self-Love
Grief is not linear, and neither is the act of self-love. Loving oneself is honoring your needs, even when those needs change by the day. Be kind to yourself as you explore these strategies, acknowledging that healing takes time. Remember, your self-love is a powerful tool that can guide you through even the most challenging times.
Your self-love will flourish by carving out space for moments of gratitude, setting boundaries, nourishment, reflection, and connection. Creating these moments will allow you to set a solid foundation to emerge stronger, more centered, and deeply in tune with yourself. Remember, it’s okay to pause, feel, and love yourself. You are worthy of the care and compassion you so often extend to others. I am Brenda, The Soulutionist, and I believe in you. Always protect your peace while loving yourself. Be Blessed.
Need To talk? Call 988 (Veterans Press 1) Lifeline is for everyone. This line is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential. Help is available online at https://988lifeline.org/. You are not alone.
The Super Bowl isn’t just a game. It’s a phenomenon. It showcases ambition, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of victory. Entrepreneurs, take note! The same energy that fuels championship teams can propel your business to its own big win in 2025. Even if you’re running a solo operation or leading a growing team, this is your time to shine under the lights.
Here’s a playbook to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a victory celebration.
Step 1: Define Your Goal—Your Championship Trophy
Every player on a Super Bowl team knows exactly what they’re fighting for: the Lombardi Trophy. For you, that might mean hitting a specific revenue milestone, launching a breakthrough product, or achieving work-life harmony. Whatever your “trophy” is, define it clearly. This is your chance to take control and set the course for your success.
Ask yourself:
What does success look like this year?
How will I measure it?
Start with Writing it down. Keep it visible. When the goal is crystal clear, you’ll naturally make choices that move you closer to it.
Action Step: Take 15 minutes today to write down your 2025 “big win.” Make it specific, measurable, and tied to the deeper “why” that drives you.
Step 2: Identify Your Unique Strengths—Your MVPs
Super Bowl teams don’t win by accident. They win because they know their strengths. They identify their MVPs (Most Valuable Players) and lean into them. The same goes for you. Your MVPs are your unique skills, knowledge, or traits that set you apart.
Maybe you’re a brilliant networker. Or a detail-oriented planner. Or a visionary thinker who’s always ten steps ahead. Whatever you excel at, own it! Recognize these strengths as your unique selling points, and feel the confidence that comes with knowing you have what it takes.
Action Step: List out three strengths you bring to the table. Then, brainstorm how to leverage these MVPs for maximum impact in 2025.
Step 3: Build Your Team—Even If You’re a Solo Entrepreneur
Every great Super Bowl team has a roster of talented players and trusted coaches. But here’s the secret: even a solo entrepreneur can build a “team.”
Your team might include:
Mentors to guide you through tough decisions.
Allies to provide support and encouragement.
Virtual assistants or freelancers who help you tackle tasks.
You don’t have to do it all alone. The strongest entrepreneurs know when to call a play and when to get help. Building your team, even if it’s a virtual one, can provide the support and reassurance you need to navigate the challenges ahead.
Action Step: Identify one area where you need support. Commit to reaching out for help. Don’t shy away from hiring a pro or asking for advice.
Step 4: Create Your Strategy—Your Playbook
No Super Bowl victory happens without a smart, adaptable game plan. Your business strategy is your playbook, outlining exactly how you’ll achieve your goals. The key is to keep it both focused and flexible.
Break it down step by step:
What tasks must happen to achieve your goal?
When will they happen?
How will you measure progress?
Leave room for halftime adjustments (we’ll get to that).
Action Step: Dedicate time this week to start mapping out your playbook. Even a rough draft beats wandering aimlessly!
Step 5: Stay Resilient—Make Your Halftime Adjustments
Every team faces setbacks. Injuries happen. Plays get intercepted. But champions make halftime adjustments, coming back stronger in the second half. You will face challenges. Prepare for unexpected shifts in the market, failed experiments, and burnout. The secret? Stay adaptable.
When something goes wrong, don’t dwell on the loss. Take the lesson, realign, and get back in the game. Resilience will carry you through.
Action Step: Reflect on a time when you overcame a business obstacle in the past. How did you course-correct? Use that memory to remind yourself of your adaptability.
Final Whistle—Your Motivational Call to Action
The crowd is roaring. The clock is ticking. And the ball is in your hands. You’ve got everything it takes to make 2025 the year you score your entrepreneurial touchdown. Start today. Define your goal. Build your team. Draft your playbook. And promise yourself that when challenges arise, you’ll meet them head-on with the energy of a champion.
Because this isn’t just another year, win the game by taking action and proclaiming, “It’s YOUR year.” Grab the opportunities. Stay focused. And remember, no opportunity is wasted when you show up ready to win.
Now, it’s time to take action: What’s your first step toward your big win in 2025? Write it down, share it with your tribe, and start taking the steps to make it a reality. I am Brenda, The Soulutionist, and I believe in you. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to tackle. The championship trophy and your thriving, fulfilling life await. Let’s go!
