add “one” to your goals

Add “one”

It is too easy to set goals, even “smart goals”, and not feel like your goals have direction and clarity. Even if a goal is achievable, is it the right goal to be working towards? How do we know that we are headed in the right direction?

I have been adding the qualifier “one” to my goals as of late. 

This has really helped me to prioritize what I am doing with my time, energy, and effort. Adding this one qualifier forces me to choose between “good”, “great”, and “best”. This helps cut through the noise, and makes me laser focused on what my priority is ahead.

By having one goal, I find that it makes me dream bigger. If I can only get one thing done, that means it needs to be something worth working towards. It can’t be “make the bed”. It needs to be something like “gain 10k followers this year”. 

Goal buckets

Now, I think it can be overwhelming to have one, singular goal that encompasses all of your brand & business goals for the year. That’s why I think having a goal for each category of your business is helpful.

For example, you have ONE marketing goal, ONE sales goal, ONE design goal, and on and on. By having different buckets, you can see how each goal aligns and supports the other. And, by having it simply be one goal for each bucket, it is easy to prioritize your efforts and align them across your team.

Goals & Design

Why do I mention all these things about goal setting as a design & branding consultant? Because your time is more precious than ever. It is the most valuable asset you have. Design & branding is about working towards and solving business goals, not merely making things look pretty. 

So, in 2026, what are some “one” goals that you have? How can you narrow your scope and priorities to be super effective, crush it in revenue, and make an impact in your clients lives?

Cheers to what 2026 has in store, and God bless. 🥂

–

Psalm 127:1-2

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.