Hey Friends,

How often do you set a goal and genuinely feel excited about it—only to find that weeks (or months) later, you’ve barely made progress? Not because you don’t care, but because life keeps getting in the way.

I see this all the time with my clients. They know what they want, they’re motivated, and yet—between work, personal obligations, and everything in between—their goals end up on hold. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: achieving meaningful goals isn’t just about pushing harder or managing time better. It’s about rethinking how we approach progress altogether.

In my latest blog post, I shared three practical ways to make time for your goals without adding to your already full plate. Today, I want to take that a step further by exploring how to make meaningful progress—even when you feel maxed out.

1. Instead of ‘Finding Time,’ Start Making Space

One of the biggest mistakes I see professionals make is waiting for the perfect moment to focus on their goals. They tell themselves, "Once work slows down…" "After I finish this big project…" "When things settle at home…" But those perfect conditions rarely come.

The truth? You don’t need more time—you need more space. And that often starts with saying no to the things that drain your energy and yes to what moves you forward.

Fresh Action:

Look at your calendar for the week ahead. Identify one commitment or task that isn’t serving you. Ask yourself: Do I really need to do this? Can I delegate, reschedule, or remove it altogether? If the answer is yes, reclaim that time for something that truly matters.

2. Identify Your ‘Hidden Time’

Most of us have more available time than we think—it’s just tucked away in small pockets of the day that we don’t fully utilize. The challenge isn’t that we lack time; it’s that we default to low-value activities (like scrolling, mindless emails, or unproductive meetings) instead of using it intentionally.

I once worked with a client who wanted to grow her network but kept saying she had no time to reach out. When we looked at her routine, we found an hour every day that she spent waiting at her child’s soccer practice. She repurposed that time for quick networking calls, and within a few weeks, she’d made more progress than she had in months.

Fresh Action:

This week, pay attention to those hidden time pockets—while commuting, waiting in line, between meetings. Could you use even 10 minutes to take a small action toward your goal?

3. Progress Happens in the Gaps, Not in the Grind

A lot of people think making progress requires intense effort and long stretches of focus. But in reality, sustainable success is built in small, consistent moments—not in sporadic bursts of hard work.

Rather than waiting for a huge block of uninterrupted time (which rarely comes), start using the gaps in your day. Whether that’s five minutes to write down ideas, a quick message to a mentor, or reflecting on what’s working and what’s not—those small moments add up.

Fresh Action:

Choose one goal you're working on. Instead of setting aside a big time block, commit to taking one micro-action each day. Even if it’s just five minutes, momentum builds when you stay engaged.

Your Goals Deserve More Than ‘Someday’

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to focus on what matters, you’ll be waiting a long time. But when you shift from finding time to making space, from grinding to intentional progress, and from big leaps to small steps—that’s when real transformation happens.

So tell me: What’s one thing you can do this week to create space for what matters most? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear!

Cheering you on,

Nitza
Owner | Nitza Rivera Coaching & Consulting

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About the Author: Nitza Rivera is an executive coach and human capital consultant with a background in mechanical engineering and HR. She helps professionals master career transitions, achieve their dream roles, and find lasting career fulfillment. Nitza is passionate about aligning professional growth with personal values and guiding individuals through meaningful career transformations.

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