Embracing awe whilst setting goals can be inspiring and purposeful for the highly sensitive person. Discover how to do this in this blog.
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Have you ever experienced a moment so profound, so beautiful, that it stopped you in your tracks? Maybe it was the breathtaking view of a sunset, a moving piece of music, or even something as simple as the perfect bite of chocolate cake. As Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), we tend to experience the world deeply, and moments of awe can have a profound impact on how we approach life—including our goals.
For me, one of these moments happened unexpectedly at a dinner with friends. We were all served the same chocolate dessert, but as I took my first bite, something shifted. I got literal goosebumps. The taste was so rich, so perfect, that my body responded immediately. Yet, as I shared my experience, my friends laughed—they hadn’t felt the same. This was a pivotal realization: HSPs experience life in a profoundly deep way, and this sensitivity can be a powerful guide when it comes to goal-setting.
Here’s What You’ll Discover:
The Problem with Traditional Goal-Setting
At the start of the year, the world seems obsessed with big, bold resolutions—set a goal, hit a number, hustle harder. While this may work for some, it can feel overwhelming and pressure-driven for highly sensitive people. The focus on external results and rigid timelines can leave us feeling anxious, disconnected, and often self-critical if we don’t meet those expectations.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. In the past, I would set massive yearly goals with hard deadlines—like working out five times a week or hitting specific financial milestones. But instead of feeling inspired, I often felt stressed, guilty, and overwhelmed. When life got busy and I missed a few milestones, I felt like a failure. My body carried the tension of unmet expectations, and the joy of working towards something positive disappeared.
That’s when I realized something had to change. As an HSP, I needed a goal-setting routine that felt meaningful and supportive, not pressure-driven.
Why Awe Matters in Goal-Setting for HSPs
So where does awe come in? Awe is that feeling of wonder, appreciation, and deep emotional connection—like my chocolate cake moment. For HSPs, awe has the power to ground us, reconnect us with our values, and shift our mindset from “I have to” to “I get to.”
Dr. Elayne Daniels, who specializes in working with highly sensitive people, explains it beautifully: “HSPs often thrive when goals are value-driven and connected to meaningful experiences, not just results.”
Experiencing awe reminds us that life isn’t just about productivity—it’s about connection, presence, and feeling alive. When we set goals inspired by awe, they feel more fulfilling and less like a checklist we need to complete to feel successful.
Creating a Gentle Goal-Setting Routine Rooted in Embracing Awe
Here’s how you can begin incorporating awe into your goal-setting routine as a highly sensitive person:
1. Reflect on What Sparks Awe for You
Think back to moments where you felt deeply moved or inspired. Was it being in nature? Creating something with your hands? Connecting with a loved one? Write these moments down and notice patterns.
For me, walking with my dog in nature sparks awe. The simple joy she experiences while sniffing around reminds me to stay present and find beauty in small moments.
2. Set Goals Connected to Your Values
Rather than focusing on rigid outcomes, center your goals around experiences and feelings. Ask yourself:
- What truly matters to me?
- How do I want to feel while working on this goal?
For example, instead of saying, “I will walk 10,000 steps a day,” I reframed it as, “I want to feel more energized and connected to nature by taking daily walks with my dog.” This subtle shift made the goal feel more inviting.
3. Use Gentle Language in Your Goals
The words we use matter. Highly sensitive people often respond better to language that feels supportive rather than demanding. Swap phrases like:
- “I must achieve X by this date” → *”I’m exploring ways to grow in this area.”
- “I have to work out 5 times a week” → *”I want to move my body in ways that feel joyful.”
This language shift has made a world of difference for me. It feels less like a demand and more like an invitation to grow.
4. Break Goals into Smaller, Joyful Steps
HSPs can feel overwhelmed by large, far-off goals. Instead, break them down into smaller, achievable steps. I’ve personally started using a monthly goal bingo—a fun, visual way to track gentle progress. I write down nine small goals for the month, like “explore a new book” or “take a mindful walk,” and reward myself with something meaningful when I complete a row.
5. Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Results
When we focus only on the outcome, we miss the beauty of the process. Instead of waiting for a massive win, celebrate small victories along the way. Maybe it’s acknowledging a moment of personal growth or simply feeling more balanced in your day-to-day life.
Celebrating those moments has made me feel more fulfilled, less critical of myself, and more motivated to keep going.
How Awe Has Changed My Approach to Goals
Since incorporating awe into my goal-setting routine, I’ve noticed a huge shift. I feel calmer, more inspired, and far less self-critical. My goals feel purposeful, not pressuring. I’m no longer chasing an outcome—I’m living the experience.
I’ve also noticed that when I focus on awe, I’m more creative, more connected to my body, and able to celebrate progress without guilt. It’s made a lasting difference in how I approach personal growth and productivity.
Start Your Gentle Goal-Setting Journey
If this approach resonates with you, I invite you to explore our Ideal Self Plus Membership, where we’ve collaborated with Dr. Elayne Daniels to create a powerful experience around gentle goal-setting for HSPs.
🌿 What you’ll receive this month:
- A masterclass with Dr. Elayne Daniels on gentle, meaningful goal-setting
- A 36-page e-book filled with tips and insights for HSP goal-setting
- 4 guided worksheets to help you identify values, set goals, and track progress
- Daily affirmations and prompts to keep you inspired
We’re currently offering a 7-day free trial so you can start the year with clarity, balance, and purpose.
In this article, we collaborated with AI, meaning that the input and stories are real, but the blog itself has been created with support from AI.
