Every journey to success begins with a single, powerful step: setting goals. For me, goal-setting has always been more than just a professional exercise—it’s been a deeply personal process of self-discovery and growth. It’s about dreaming big, breaking those dreams into actionable steps, and continually evolving to reach new heights. Let me share a bit of my story and how it’s shaped the way I approach goal-setting today.

Envisioning a Five-Year Plan

I’ve always believed in thinking big when it comes to planning my future. When I imagine my five-year plan, it’s not something I necessarily share with everyone—it’s a private space for ideation, creativity, and possibility. This process allows me to explore my ambitions without limits, asking myself: What do I really want? Where do I want to be in five years? From there, I break it down into smaller, manageable steps.

This method has helped me focus on the immediate tasks at hand while keeping the bigger picture in mind. It’s a balance between dreaming and doing—allowing the vision to guide me but staying grounded in actionable plans.

**“Where do you want to be in five years?”**

It’s more than a cheesy interview question… it should be a roadmap for you to live the life *you* want to live!

The College Dream

I vividly remember sitting in my college apartment, envisioning my future. My dream was clear: to land an outside sales role where I could sell to large companies or state agencies. In my mind, that was the pinnacle of success. I imagined the car, the house, and a fabulous life where everything felt perfectly in place.

Fast forward a few years, and I achieved those goals earlier than I had expected. But an unexpected realization hit me: once you reach the summit of one mountain, you begin to see other peaks in the distance. I started to ask myself, “What’s next? How could I grow my mind, expand my capabilities, and make an even greater impact?”

Shifting Focus: From Achievement to Impact

As I moved through my career and reached many of the milestones I had set, my perspective began to shift. It wasn’t just about achieving personal success anymore—it was about giving back and creating opportunities for others. That’s what led me to establish the Sales Squad Foundation.

This organization is my way of helping others reach their potential, just as I’ve been fortunate to do. It’s about building a community where we uplift, inspire, and equip women to succeed in sales and beyond. Giving back has become the most fulfilling goal of all, one that continues to evolve and challenge me in new ways.

How You Can Set Goals for Success

Here’s what I’ve learned about effective goal-setting—lessons that I hope will inspire and empower you:

1. Dream Big and Start Small

Let yourself imagine without limits. Write down your biggest aspirations, even if they feel far-fetched.
Break those dreams into smaller, achievable steps. Ask yourself, What can I do this week, this month, or this year to move closer to my goal?

2. Reflect on Your Progress

Take time to review what you’ve accomplished and where you’ve faced challenges. Use these insights to refine your goals.
Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Each step forward is a victory.

3. Stay Open to Growth

Your goals will evolve as you grow. Be flexible and willing to adjust your plans.
Embrace opportunities to learn new skills, take on challenges, and expand your horizons.

4. Focus on Impact

Think about how your success can benefit others. Whether it’s mentoring a colleague, volunteering, or starting a community initiative, giving back adds depth and purpose to your journey.

My Challenge to You

As you look ahead to 2025 and beyond, I challenge you to take some time to envision your own five-year plan. Be bold in your aspirations, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Then, break it down into the steps you need to take today, tomorrow, and next month to make it happen.

Remember: success isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey, the lessons you learn along the way, and the impact you make on others. Whether you’re climbing your first mountain or looking toward new peaks, know that you have the power to create the life you envision.

This is your time. Dream it, plan it, achieve it—and make the world a better place while you’re at it.

Setting Goals for Success: Envisioning Your Path Forward