5 Steps: The Power of Micro Goals To Achieve Big Results

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Last Updated on January 22, 2025 by Sarah McCubbin

Its easy to think that we have not time to accomplish personal goals, but breaking those down into micro goals is the best way for anyone to work toward goals of any size. 

As a mom, your days are packed with teaching, shuttling kids to extracurriculars, cooking, cleaning, and running a household. It’s no wonder that personal goals often get pushed aside. After all, who has time for big changes when there’s barely time to sit down?

But here’s the good news: you don’t need big chunks of time to work on your goals. Micro goals—a powerful tool for breaking larger goals into small, actionable steps—allow you to make meaningful progress even in the busiest seasons of life. Here’s how you can make them work for you.

Years ago, after I had been homeschooling for 14 years, I realized that I had no personal goals anymore. It was sort of a weird eerie thing. I was just existing…taking care of my kids day in and day out but not working toward any long-term goals for myself. It caused a bit of a crisis for me and we ended up making a lot of big changes over the next year. 

I Quit Homeschooling After 14 years & Sent My Kids To School…(Here is what happened)

As moms, we often put ourselves last. After all the “to do list” is never done…it never will be done. But it takes intention to put ourselves and our goals on that list and give them priority. Oftentimes, we don’t do that because we “Don’t Have Time.” And that is true…you may not have hours or days to work on a goal. 

But when reframe that big goal, we can actually break it down into smaller goal steps that help us get to our destination much faster than if we never tried at all!! 

Step 1: Start With Your Big Goals

Think about what you’d like to accomplish just for you. It might be working toward fitness goals, starting a creative project, or finally prioritizing your overall health. What is your ultimate goal? Whether it’s a long-term goal like writing a book or a short-term goal like finishing a new fitness program, it’s important to start with a clear picture of where you want to go.

Examples of Big Goals:

• Lose weight or build strength through a fitness journey.
• Dedicate time to your own business idea.
• Improve your professional life with small, manageable steps.
• Starting a business that can add income to your family

Write your big goal down. It’s the first step in turning a lofty goal into achievable small steps.

Step 2: Break It Down Into Small Goals

Once you know your big goal, divide it into smaller goals that fit your daily reality. 

When I realizing that I had no goals….I didn’t set any goals right away. After all, “I don’t have time” was something I had told myself for a LONG time.  I took my daughter on a retreat hoping to inspire her to write…and instead I ended up learning the BIGGEST lesson of my life about TIME. 

Here is how I learned to reclaim time

So what about you. Think about manageable tasks that can be completed in just 10 minutes each day. These are your micro goals!!

Examples of Micro Goals:

• If your overall goal is better health, start with a daily task like drinking an extra glass of water or walking for 10 minutes.
• If you want to declutter your home, focus on clearing one drawer or a single shelf at a time. Set a timer for 10 minutes!
• For personal development, commit to reading one chapter of a book per week or writing for 15 minutes a day.

By focusing on small things, you create a sense of progress without needing a lot of time.

Step 3: Set a Realistic Schedule

Time management is key when you’re juggling the needs of your family. Look at your daily routine and find pockets of time where you can fit these micro goals. It could be during nap time, while waiting at a soccer practice, or after the kids go to bed.

Tips for Scheduling Micro Goals:

• Use a to-do list to prioritize your micro goals each day.
• Tackle one or two actionable steps rather than overwhelming yourself with too much at once.
• Focus on small rewards—like enjoying a burst of dopamine when you check off a completed micro-goal.
• Commit to enjoy the process – accomplishing big goals can take time but the many lessons learned in the process become a bigger benefit than the goal itself! 

Consistency is the best way to build momentum and move closer to your larger goals.

Step 4: Celebrate the Small Wins

When you achieve a small goal, no matter how tiny, celebrate it! Recognizing progress keeps your motivation high and reinforces the importance of these steps.

Ideas for Celebrating Micro Goals:

• Take five minutes to relax with a cup of tea after completing a goal.
• Keep a journal to track your progress and reflect on your sense of accomplishment.
• Share your wins with your family so they can cheer you on.

Remember, every single step forward—no matter how small—brings you closer to the bigger picture.

Step 5: Reflect and Adjust

As a recovering perfectionist, I realized on the journey to accomplishing goals that I could not hold myself to a perfect standard if I wanted to actually keep going and not quit. As a mom, I had to let go of the fact that life happens, and some weeks might be harder than others. The beauty of micro-goal setting is its flexibility.

I have learned that if a particular task didn’t get done today…or this week, simply adjust and try again. The most important thing is to keep moving in the right direction. 

Reflection Questions:

• What worked well this week? How can I do more of that?
• Were there obstacles that slowed me down? How can I plan for those next time?
• Am I feeling a sense of achievement with my progress?

By regularly reflecting on your journey, you’ll stay on track and make better choices for the next week.

Why Micro Goals Work for Busy Homeschool Moms

The power of micro goals lies in their simplicity. You don’t need a lot of time or a perfect schedule to start. By focusing on small, realistic goals, you’ll see positive outcomes while still managing your busy life.

Over time, you can build on these micro goals with other strategies like habit stacking and time blocking! 

So, grab your to-do list, think about your big goals, and start small. Whether it’s 10 minutes of self-care, clearing out one drawer, or taking the first step toward a fitness goal, micro goals are your clear path to big results—even in the busiest seasons.

More Reading:

• Overcoming 10 Obstacles to Achieving Goals
• 10 Steps: Simple Vision Board Supplies & Printable Checklist
• 10 Steps for Accomplishing Your Goals!