Why Achieving Goals Isn’t as Fulfilling as You Think — Until You Do This

I hit 100 subscribers on my D8 Training Podcast across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean. It was a milestone I’d been working towards, a goal that had been on my radar for a while.

I was excited. For about two minutes.

Logo for the D8 Training Podcast featuring the host's smiling face, with the tagline 'Dominate Your Life'.

Then the thought came rushing in: “Okay, what’s next? Can I hit 200 by the end of the year?”

The achievement didn’t light me up as much as I expected. Maybe because I had secretly hoped for more. But it got me thinking — this is a pattern I’ve noticed in other areas of my life too.

Whether it’s hitting a personal best at the gym — like recently benching 30kg and immediately thinking,

“How soon can I hit 35?” — or reaching a financial goal and immediately raising the bar, I realised I’m always chasing the next milestone.

A person is performing a dumbbell press while being assisted by a trainer in a gym setting.

But is that because I’m ungrateful?

Absolutely not.

Every single day, I wake up thankful for the life I live — my two beautiful, healthy children, a husband who adores me, a body that allows me to move, and a life that many would dream of.

So why the constant push for more?

A family smiling and posing for a selfie while preparing for a rafting adventure, wearing red helmets and life jackets. They are near a river surrounded by greenery.

I realised it’s not about the number. It’s about growth.

But in that drive, what I’d been missing was taking the time to actually reflect and acknowledge what it took to get there.

That’s when I had my “aha” moment.

“stop and smell the roses”

You’ve heard the saying “stop and smell the roses.” That’s what I forgot to do.

Here’s what it actually took to reach those 100 subscribers:

  • I consistently published 34 episodes — one every fortnight — without missing a week.
  • I reached out to guests, many of whom ignored or rejected me.
  • I was vulnerable. I promoted the podcast across social media, even when it felt uncomfortable.
  • I kept learning how to promote better, tag others, and build a following.

Looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve done. Not because of the number — but because of the consistency, courage, and commitment it took to get there.

If I want to grow further, I know what I need to do:

  • Learn more about podcasting and promotion
  • Network and collaborate with new guests
  • Speak on other podcasts and stages
  • Improve my communication and storytelling
  • Move to weekly episodes
  • Bring on help with editing and content creation

I love setting goals because they give me a reason to grow. They stretch me. They keep me uncomfortable — and that’s where the real magic happens.

But now, I’ve promised myself something new:
When I hit a goal, I will take time to reflect.
To acknowledge how far I’ve come, what I’ve overcome, and who I’ve become in the process.

Whether it’s daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly — take a moment to reflect.

Where were you 1 month ago? 6 months ago? A year ago?

What have you achieved? How have you grown?

Be proud of yourself.

Then look forward:
Where do you want to be in 1 month? 6 months? A year from now?

Set the next goal — not because what you’ve done isn’t enough, but because you’re capable of even more.

Growth isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about who you become along the way. Celebrate that version of you. Because the goals will keep moving, but your journey is worth pausing for.

Now, your turn.
Reflect. Acknowledge. And keep going.

And before you go — leave a comment below and let me know one thing you’re proud of achieving.
Big or small, I’d love to hear it so I (and others) can cheer you on. 💬👏

A congratulatory graphic highlighting the achievement of reaching 100 subscribers on a podcast.

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