When you're running a fiber business, juggling creativity, orders, social media, and the rest of life can feel like a never-ending whirlwind. Add neurodiversity—hello, ADHD!—into the mix, and traditional goal-setting advice can feel like it’s written for someone with a completely different brain (or a tech bro).
If you've ever looked at your to-do list and thought, "Where do I even start?", you're not alone... not even close.
You've probably heard about it before, but the S.M.A.R.T. goal framework can be an incredibly helpful tool, even for creative, neurodiverse thinkers. The key is adapting it to work with your brain, not against it (read that again).
What Are S.M.A.R.T. Goals?
S.M.A.R.T. goals are a way to structure your objectives to make them clearer and more achievable.
In case you're unfamiliar, this acronym stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
The framework is flexible, so you can adjust it to fit your creative process and the realities of running your fiber business. Let’s take it step by step, with a focus on making this ADHD-friendly.
1. Specific: Start Small and Clear
When you’re creative, it’s easy to dream big. ("I’m going to double my sales, launch five new products, and revamp my website!")
But big goals can quickly become overwhelming, especially when ADHD kicks in with analysis paralysis or task-switching spirals (been there, done that).
Instead, narrow your focus. Think about what small step would make the biggest impact right now.
For example:
Instead of “Grow my Instagram,” try: “Post three Reels this month featuring my best-selling patterns.”
Instead of “Increase sales,” try: “Email my existing customers with a new promotion next Friday.”
2. Measurable: Make Progress Visible
ADHD brains love the dopamine hit of immediate feedback and visible wins, so tracking your progress can help keep you motivated.
Build measurable checkpoints into your goal so you can see your success unfold.
For example:
Unmeasurable goal: “Get better at product photography.”
Measurable goal: “Take 10 product photos and test three lighting setups by next Wednesday.”
Bonus Tip: If measuring sounds boring, make it fun. Use colorful charts, check off a cute list, or reward yourself with a treat for each milestone.
3. Achievable: Keep It Realistic (and Kind)
It’s easy to set goals based on what you think you should do, but you and I both know that your brain has limits, and life happens.
Ask yourself:
Does this fit into my energy levels and schedule?
Am I being kind to myself with this goal?
For example, instead of trying to crochet 50 items for an upcoming craft fair, commit to 10 and build in buffer time. If you exceed that number, great! If not, you’re still winning because you set a goal that worked for you.
What you don't need is to set a goal that causes you to be disappointed in yourself. You don't deserve that kind of energy!
4. Relevant: Tie It Back to What Actually Matters
As a fiber business owner, your to-do list is endless. Quite literally. Ask me how I know.
To stay focused, ask yourself: Does this goal align with what’s most important to me right now?
For example:
If your priority is connection, a relevant goal might be: “Start a monthly newsletter to build stronger relationships with my customers.”
If your priority is financial stability, it could be: “Launch pre-orders for my newest hand-dyed colorway to fund production upfront.”
When goals align with your core values, it’s easier to stay motivated.
5. Time-bound: Give It a Deadline (That Works for You)
ADHD brains often struggle with open-ended tasks. Adding a clear timeline creates a sense of urgency and keeps procrastination at bay.
Make your deadlines realistic but specific.
For example:
“I’ll update my Etsy shop someday” becomes: “I’ll add 5 new listings by Saturday at noon.”
“I’ll post on Instagram more” becomes: “I’ll schedule my posts for next week by Friday afternoon.”
Bonus Tip: Break deadlines into smaller steps. If “Write a blog post by Thursday” feels overwhelming, try “Draft the intro on Monday, write the main section Tuesday, and edit Wednesday.”
Extra Tips for Neurodiverse Fiber Business Owners
Embrace External Accountability Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or fellow peer. External deadlines or encouragement can help keep you on track without relying on internal motivation alone.
Make It Visual Use sticky notes, colorful planners, or a vision board to keep your goals front and center. ADHD thrives on novelty and visual cues!
Reward Yourself Often Celebrate even the smallest wins—like finally photographing that skein of yarn that’s been sitting on your desk for 5 weeks. Positive reinforcement makes progress feel rewarding.
Don’t Fear Adjustments If your goal feels off or life throws you a curveball, give yourself permission to tweak it. Flexibility is a strength, not a failure.
Example of a S.M.A.R.T. Goal
Let’s say your big goal is to build a winter collection for your hand-dyed yarn business.
Here’s how you can break it down into a S.M.A.R.T. goal:
Specific: Create a mini-collection of three hand-dyed colorways inspired by winter landscapes.
Measurable: Dye 10 skeins of each colorway and photograph them.
Achievable: Dedicate two afternoons this week to dyeing, with one more for photography.
Relevant: This collection ties directly to your goal of growing your winter sales.
Time-bound: Launch the collection in your shop by January 15.
You’ve Got This!
Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals doesn’t have to feel rigid or boring. With a little creativity and self-compassion, you can turn them into a tool that works for your unique brain and business.
Start small, keep it kind, and celebrate every step forward—because you’re doing amazing things.
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