Beyond SMART Goals: Embrace the FEARLESS Framework for Goal-Setting

Continuous Learning, Featured

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Goals are the compass that guides our journey in life and business, but how often does our goal-setting lead to ambitions that lose steam or leave us feeling off course? At Breakthrough Co Lab, we believe in a goal-setting approach that doesn’t just challenge you but inspires you—goals that feel so aligned with who you are that pursuing them becomes an act of joy rather than a chore.

Enter the FEARLESS Goals framework: an intentional, dynamic, and adaptable approach to goal setting that aligns with your values, vision, and strengths. If you are looking for an alternative, modern take on goal setting, this framework may be for you.

What are FEARLESS Goals?

Dream big, but plan smarter. That’s the essence of FEARLESS. It’s not just about achieving goals; it’s about creating a system that empowers you to thrive. FEARLESS stands for:

  1. Focused: Clear and specific goals with defined outcomes.
  2. Empowering: Goals that inspire confidence and align with your values and strengths.
  3. Achievable: Manageable steps that stretch but don’t overwhelm.
  4. Relevant: Tied directly to your larger vision or purpose.
  5. Logical: Goals that fit your current resources and priorities.
  6. Evolving: Flexible enough to adapt to new information or challenges.
  7. Supportable: Measurable elements supported by data or tools.
  8. Specific: Clearly defined success metrics.

This refined framework grew from the LEAP program, our 12-week business planning intensive for rising entrepreneurs. We designed it to help participants create actionable, deeply personal, sustainable plans.

A woman sitting at a desk writing in a notebook labeled "My Goals" in bold letters. The desk is neatly organized with a small tree decoration, a container of pens, wrapped gifts, and a laptop. Soft natural light illuminates the scene, with golden glitter accents adding a festive or motivational touch.

 

How to Apply the FEARLESS Framework to Goal-Setting

Let’s break it down with examples of ways you can adapt to your life or business.

1. Focused

Your goals should be crystal clear. Vague aspirations like “get fit” or “earn more money” don’t give you a roadmap. Instead, focus on specifics:

  • Instead of “get fit,” set a goal to “complete two 15-minute core workouts every week for three months.”
  • A goal without focus is just a wish—the more specific your target, the sharper your aim.

2. Empowering

Empowering goals should ignite your passion, align with your values, and give you a sense of purpose.

  • If you value creativity and community, your goal could be to “Launch a weekly creativity challenge on the Breakthrough Discord server.”
  • When your goals align with your values, they become a source of energy, not a drain.

3. Achievable

Stretch yourself, but stay realistic. Too ambitious goals can lead to burnout, while overly safe goals don’t push you to grow.

  • If you’re new to owning a business, aiming to land 100 clients in a month might be unrealistic. Instead, focus on booking your first 10 discovery calls.
  • Growth happens when goals challenge you, not when they overwhelm you.

4. Relevant

Your goals should align with your broader vision. At Breakthrough Co Lab, we often ask: “How does this goal support your long-term mission?”

  • If your ultimate dream is to open a coworking space, a relevant goal might be to research local real estate options and create a feasibility plan.
  • Relevance keeps your efforts tied to the bigger picture.

5. Logical

Before you begin, ensure that your goals are reasonable, given your current resources, time, and priorities.

  • If you’re working full-time and launching a side hustle, a logical goal might be to allocate two evenings a week to business development.
  • Goals that fit your reality are the ones that will fit your future.

6. Evolving

Life is unpredictable. Your goals should be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances without losing sight of your vision.

  • If a marketing strategy isn’t working, pivot. Experiment with new approaches, such as leveraging insights from our “Being Yourself in Business” blog post.
  • Flexibility isn’t failure; it’s growth in action.

7. Supportable

Data is your friend. Make your goals measurable so you can track progress and make informed adjustments.

8. Specific

Specificity is the cornerstone of success. Define success in tangible terms.

  • Instead of “build a brand,” set a goal to “design a logo, create a brand color palette, and launch a website by Q2.”
  • Clarity transforms ambition into action.

Common Challenges in Goal-Setting

Goal setting often feels like an uphill battle, and it’s easy to lose momentum when faced with challenges. Here’s how the FEARLESS framework addresses some of the most common pitfalls:

Procrastination

Many hesitate to take the first step because our goals feel too overwhelming. FEARLESS helps by breaking goals into manageable, achievable steps. For instance, instead of “write a book,” focus on “write 500 words daily.” Small steps build significant momentum.

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Lack of Clarity

Vague goals lead to ambiguous results. The framework emphasizes specificity and focus, helping you turn nebulous dreams into actionable targets. If you’re unclear about where to start, our free worksheets can guide you through defining your priorities.

Fear of Failure

Fear of falling short can keep you from starting at all. FEARLESS turns this fear into fuel by encouraging adaptability. Remember, evolving goals aren’t failures but reflections of your growth and learning.

Distractions

In today’s world, staying focused is more challenging than ever. A FEARLESS goal keeps your attention on what truly matters. By tying your goals to your values and long-term vision, you create a mental filter to block out distractions.

Burnout

Ambition without balance can lead to exhaustion. FEARLESS emphasizes logical and achievable goals that respect your time and energy. Progress is a marathon, not a sprint.

Expanding the Framework: FEARLESS in Every Area of Life

While we designed FEARLESS with entrepreneurs in mind, its principles apply far beyond the business world. Here’s how you can use it in different areas of your life:

Fitness

Rather than aiming to “get in shape,” set FEARLESS goals like “complete three yoga sessions per week” (Focused and Specific) or “build core strength to alleviate back pain” (Empowering and Relevant).

Personal Finances

Replace vague goals like “save money” with FEARLESS alternatives such as “Save $200 per month for a vacation fund” (Specific and Achievable) or “Create a budget aligned with my values” (Empowering and Logical).

Relationships

Use FEARLESS to strengthen connections. For example, “Plan one meaningful activity with my partner every week” (Supportable and Specific) ensures your efforts translate into quality time.

Learning

Lifelong learning becomes more achievable with FEARLESS. Instead of “learn guitar,” commit to “practice chords for 15 minutes daily” (Focused and Achievable).

Community Impact

FEARLESS goals can drive positive change. A goal like “Organize a monthly park cleanup with five volunteers” (Relevant and Supportable) combines individual action with collective benefit.

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Making It Work for You

One of the best things about the FEARLESS framework is its versatility. Maybe you’re a solopreneur diving into your first business plan, or perhaps you’re a pro with big ideas for your next move. Either way, this framework is designed to help you move forward with clarity and flexibility.

If you’ve been part of Breakthrough Co Lab, you already know how powerful it can be to set goals with the right support. Let’s build on that and make something amazing happen.

The conversations in our Discord server, the insights shared during the Big Idea Workshop, and the tools available through the LEAP program are all designed to help you set and achieve FEARLESS goals.

What’s Next?

Ready to put the FEARLESS framework into action? Here are three steps to get started today:

Download the Worksheet: Our free worksheet will guide you toward setting your FEARLESS goals. Fill in your name and email below, and we will send the worksheet straight to your inbox.

Join the Conversation: Share your goals in the Breakthrough Discord server and gain support from a like-minded community.

Join the community

Take the Leap: If you’re serious about achieving your goals, consider joining the LEAP program. It’s a transformative experience designed to turn your vision into reality. 

Learn More

At Breakthrough Co Lab, we believe success looks different for everyone, and that’s exactly how it should be. FEARLESS goals aren’t about checking boxes—they’re about stepping into your vision with intention and courage. Big ideas can feel daunting, but with the right mindset and a little support, they start to feel possible. You’re not in this alone—we’re here to help you turn those possibilities into something real.