How to Craft a Big, Scary Goal and Process Map It Out Step by Step

Turning Ambitious Dreams Into Achievable Success for Handmade Sellers

We all have those big, scary goals that excite us and terrify us at the same time. Maybe it’s launching a new product line, landing your first wholesale deal, or expanding your handmade business into new markets. The challenge isn’t just dreaming big—it’s turning those dreams into actionable steps that lead to success. That’s where a process map comes in. By breaking down a big goal into smaller, manageable steps, you can move from overwhelm to accomplishment.

Here’s how to craft a big, scary goal and map it out step by step so you can bring it to life.

Step 1: Define Your Big, Scary Goal

Before you start mapping anything out, you need to be clear on what your goal actually is. Be specific. Instead of “I want to grow my business,” a more specific goal would be, “I want to land my first wholesale deal with a boutique by the end of the year.”

Action Tip: Write down your goal in one clear sentence. Make sure it’s specific, measurable, and tied to a deadline. The more precise, the easier it will be to break down.

Example: "I want to sell 100 units of my handmade jewelry to five retail stores by December 31."

Step 2: Make Your Goal SMART

Once you’ve defined your goal, make it a SMART goal. This means your goal should be:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.

• Measurable: Set criteria to track your progress and know when you’ve reached the goal.

• Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic and attainable.

• Relevant: Make sure the goal aligns with your overall business objectives.

• Time-bound: Attach a specific deadline to your goal.

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Example SMART Goal: "I want to sell 100 units of my handmade jewelry to five retail stores by December 31, by creating a wholesale product line sheet, pitching to 20 boutiques, and following up with five key decision-makers each week."

By making your goal SMART, you give yourself a clear direction and a structure for accountability.

Step 3: Break It Down Into Key Milestones

Once you have your SMART goal, break it into major milestones. These are the significant steps you’ll need to hit along the way to achieve your goal. Think of them as checkpoints that keep you on track.

Example Milestones for Wholesale Goal:

1. Research 20 potential retail stores.

2. Create a wholesale product line sheet.

3. Reach out to 10 stores with a pitch.

4. Schedule 5 meetings with interested retailers.

5. Finalize a deal with at least 2 stores by the deadline.

   
   

Each of these milestones will take you closer to your goal, and they’ll also help break down the bigger task into smaller, more digestible pieces.

Step 4: Process Map Each Milestone

Now that you have your milestones, process map each one. This means breaking each milestone down even further into actionable tasks. For example, if one of your milestones is “Research 20 potential retail stores,” the steps could look like this:

1. Step 1: Make a list of local boutiques that align with my brand.

2. Step 2: Search online for independent stores that carry handmade items.

3. Step 3: Visit local markets or craft fairs to scope out potential retail partners.

4. Step 4: Record all store details in a spreadsheet with contact info.

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Pro Tip: Focus on the smallest possible actions. The more specific you get with your steps, the easier it becomes to follow through and make consistent progress.

Step 5: Set Deadlines for Each Task

Now it’s time to give yourself deadlines. Assign a due date for each milestone and each task underneath it. Be realistic, but don’t be afraid to push yourself. The key to meeting your big goal is staying on track with these smaller deadlines.

Example:

• Research 20 stores: Deadline October 15

• Create wholesale product line sheet: Deadline October 22

• Reach out to 10 stores: Deadline November 1

By setting clear deadlines, you’ll prevent procrastination and ensure steady progress toward your goal.

Step 6: Take Consistent Action

Process mapping only works if you take action. Schedule your tasks in your calendar or planner so you’re dedicating time to work on them consistently. Whether it’s setting aside 30 minutes a day or a few hours a week, make sure you’re taking regular steps toward your goal.

Real-World Example: When I had a goal to land a wholesale client, I broke down the process into small tasks like finding the right retailers, creating a wholesale sheet, and practicing my pitch. I made sure to dedicate time each week to work on it, and little by little, I got there. The feeling of landing that first deal was worth every step!

Step 7: Track Your Progress and Adjust as Needed

Regularly review your process map to track your progress. Are you hitting your deadlines? Are there tasks that need adjusting? It’s normal for things to shift, so be flexible and willing to tweak your plan as necessary.

If something isn’t working, don’t get discouraged. Adjust your approach and keep moving forward. Every small action gets you closer to your big goal.

Step 8: Celebrate Small Wins

As you hit each milestone, take time to celebrate! It’s easy to focus solely on the end goal, but celebrating your progress along the way keeps you motivated and energized.

Example: If you successfully create your wholesale line sheet or send your first pitch, treat yourself to something small—whether it’s a coffee break, a mini shopping spree, or simply acknowledging that you’re one step closer to success.

Conclusion: Your Big, Scary Goal is Within Reach

Big, scary goals can feel overwhelming, but by process mapping them out step by step, they become much more achievable. By breaking down your goal, setting clear milestones, using a SMART framework, and taking consistent action, you can move confidently toward the success you deserve. Remember, you are good enough to achieve it—and I’m here cheering you on every step of the way!

Question: What’s your next big, scary goal, and how can you start mapping it out today?