A lot of people resist setting goals - not because they’re lazy, but because they’re afraid of disappointment.

If that’s you, you’re not broken. 

So today I’m sharing why incremental upgrades are often far more powerful than big, dramatic goals - especially if you’re prone to perfectionism or burnout.

Goals Aren’t About Perfection

People often ask me:

Should I set huge stretch goals?
Should I write goals in present tense?
Should I manifest or use SMART goals?

All of that can quickly turn into procrastination.

The real purpose of goals is focus. When you know what you’re playing for, your brain starts looking for opportunities automatically. But when goals feel too big, vague, or pressured, we shut down.

That’s where incremental upgrades come in.

Why Big Goals Can Backfire

Setting a goal that feels wildly unrealistic can actually hurt confidence.

If you’ve never made consistent money and you jump straight to a million-dollar goal without systems, offers, or support - it can create shame instead of momentum.

On the flip side, setting goals that feel too small or vague can lead to wishy-washy results.

Incremental upgrades sit in the sweet spot between excitement and safety.

Incremental Upgrades Help You Acclimatise

Think of success like altitude training.

If you suddenly jump to a higher altitude, you feel sick.
But if you acclimatise slowly, your body adapts.

The same thing happens with money, visibility, and success.

Incremental upgrades help your nervous system get comfortable with:
• earning more
• receiving support
• being seen
• charging properly
• having better tools

That’s why people who get sudden windfalls often sabotage them - they haven’t acclimatised.

What Incremental Upgrades Look Like

An upgrade doesn’t have to be expensive or dramatic.

It could be:
• improving your workspace
• buying better tools
• setting a cancellation policy
• opening a business bank account
• stopping a stressful product or service
• charging for “pick my brain” sessions
• upgrading one page of your website
• discontinuing something that drains you

These changes are symbolic. They tell your brain - and the universe - that you’re taking yourself seriously.

Planting Seeds, Not Forcing Results

I always remind people: my very first course had one person in it.

That wasn’t failure. It was a seed.

Every launch, every offer, every small upgrade teaches you skills you use later. You don’t skip steps - you build momentum.

Success compounds.

Final Thought

You don’t need to suffer for growth.
You don’t need all-or-nothing goals.
And you don’t need to overwhelm yourself to prove you’re serious.

This year, ask yourself:
What’s the next upgrade that would make my life easier, calmer, or more supportive?

That’s how real change happens.