Setting Goals Without Support

December 21, 2019

It’s that time of year. Many of us set goals for the new year. We dream of where we’d like to be at this time next year, and we start making plans to get there.


Maybe you’re doing that. Maybe you’re dreaming about the new year and setting goals for yourself. If so, that’s great! It’s important to set goals, to have something to work toward. It’s important that we grow. Norman Vincent Peale once said, “All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do.”


But what if you’re setting goals and the people around you aren’t supportive? What if your friends and family don’t encourage you – or maybe they even actively discourage you? What can you do?


First, it’s probably a good idea to pause and consider why they don’t support your goal? If they haven’t said why, then ask them.


Maybe your loved ones truly don’t think your goal is what’s best for you. If that’s the case, it’s time to do some serious soul-searching. Is this goal genuinely in your best interest? Is it good for your mind, your body, your emotions, your future, your relationships? Listen to their objections and weigh out whether there’s any truth to what they’re saying. Then decide if your dream is really what’s best for you.


Maybe your friends and family feel judged by your goals. Sometimes people take our choices personally or feel that our choosing a different path is a judgment on them. If your parents didn’t go to college and you really want to, then they might feel like you’re saying they aren’t good enough. If your significant other is working in a trade and you want to pursue a master’s degree, they might think your goal for yourself is a condemnation of their choices. Sometimes people’s lack of support is rooted in their own insecurities.


Or maybe their lack of support is rooted in their fears for you. If you want to drop out of college and become an entrepreneur, your family may be afraid that you’re choosing a hard path or that your business might not work out. So even though it might feel like your loved ones aren’t supporting you, maybe they’re coming from a place of love and concern. Knowing that can help you respond with love and grace.


After you figure out why your family and friends aren’t supportive and you decide to pursue your goals anyway, you can try to talk to them and explain yourself. You might not change their minds, but you’ll have said your piece. Then it’s important to remember that you can’t control other people; you can only control yourself.


If you’re going to pursue a goal without the support of your family, partner, or friends, what might help you?

  1. Use their negativity as motivation. Some people work harder and find more success when they feel like they have something to prove. Channel that into the fuel you need to work hard.
  2. Journal. Write down your goals and what you’re doing each day to reach them. Make note of each bit of progress you make. Choose positivity. Let your own written words be the encouragement you need.
  3. Believe in yourself. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Educators call this a self-fulfilling prophecy. We often reach the goals we believe we can.
  4. Find a supportive community. We’re not saying break all ties with your family and friends, but you can create a new community of support. Find a mentor. Seek out others who are pursuing similar goals, then encourage each other.



It might feel more difficult – and lonelier – to pursue goals without the loving support of your partner, your family, or your friends. But it isn’t impossible. And as you meet goals along the way, who knows? Maybe your people will come around. Maybe your passion and hard work will win them over.

July 2, 2025
If you’re in your second trimester (between 13 and 26 weeks of pregnancy), you might be asking, What now? Maybe you just found out you’re pregnant, or maybe this stage of pregnancy is bringing new questions or emotions. No matter where you are in your journey, Collage is here to offer support, information, and a safe place to talk through your options. Understanding Abortion Laws in Nebraska In Nebraska, abortion is not permitted after 12 weeks gestation, with limited exceptions. If you’re considering abortion and believe you may be near or past this point, it’s important to have an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are. If you’re unsure how far along you are, Collage offers no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to provide the medical information you need to understand your next steps. Exploring Your Other Pregnancy Options If abortion is not an option or you’re unsure what’s next, you still have choices. We can talk with you more about each of them. Parenting Parenting might feel like something you’re not ready for or even impossible right now. But with the right support, it may be more achievable than you think. You don’t have to have all the answers today. At Collage, we can connect you with local resources, parenting classes, and support systems that can help you prepare, step by step. You won’t be alone. Adoption If parenting doesn’t seem like the right fit for your current season, adoption is another option that gives you the ability to make a thoughtful plan for your child. Today’s adoption process puts you in control of key decisions, including:  Choosing the adoptive family Deciding how much (if any) communication you’d like to have Creating a plan that reflects your goals and values We offer adoption referrals and a confidential space to explore what this might look like for you—no pressure, just information and support. You’re Not Alone Navigating pregnancy in the second trimester can feel heavy, but you don’t have to walk through it by yourself. At Collage, you’ll find compassionate care, medical services, and honest answers to your questions. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We’re here to listen and support through this process.
June 4, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.
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An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.
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