The Power of Trifecta Goals in your business
With a Unicorn twist...
Have you ever found yourself in the grip of achievement addiction?
Its natural habitat is the energy-draining, relentless pursuit of “not quite enough”, an ever-raising bar, or a higher target. Its close companion is the dismissal of results, a milestone passed with barely a pause for savouring before you’re on to the next thing.
It’s like being stuck in perpetual potential mode, always on the cusp but never quite there.
Watching this play out in my world and for almost every one of my mentoring clients is why I created the concept of Trifecta Goals several years ago.
Trifecta Goals is a strategy you can adopt to dance around the achievement and perfectionism traps by setting goals that actually make sense. It's simple: set a goal, but break it down into three distinct levels - Foundational, Stretch, and Unicorn.
I regularly prescribe them to my clients and so here are two Trifecta Goal examples to demonstrate the idea in action for business/ revenue growth over a specific quarter.
An independent Leadership Coach/Trainer
Foundational: Securing enough clients to cover your expenses, taking drawings, and paying your super each month - $X
Stretch: Focusing on attracting 1-3 contract clients that significantly boost your monthly revenue for an extended period $Y
Unicorn: Securing a partnership that delivers a steady stream of referrals and takes you up an income bracket $Z
If you're sparky-brained like me, Trifecta Goals are particularly powerful. They give you the dopamine hit of achievement at EVERY level, not just when you nail the stretch goal or catch the unicorn. You get to celebrate when you hit Acceptable (which is already a win!), feel energised by Stretch, and delight in Unicorn if it happens. Your progress becomes visible, which means celebration is possible, and most importantly, you create a pattern of momentum that is sustainable rather than fall prey to the all-or-nothing thinking that can keep us stuck.
A Boutique Marketing Agency Owner:
Foundational: Building a client base that provides a consistent workload and reliable revenue, so we build a strong local presence - $X
Stretch: Developing and launching a new targeted service package aimed at a lucrative slice of the market that will lift revenue to - $Y
Unicorn: Becoming the contracted marketing services provider for a specific organisation, boosting the bottom line and the agency's reputation - $Z
Each level of Trifecta Goals has success baked into it – you don’t have to wait until you lasso a Unicorn level result before you can savour and celebrate the results of your work. And if you choose, you can build on the Foundational or Stretch levels of achievement to aim for that magical equine next quarter.
Why Trifecta Goals Work So Well:
This method is like an anti-perfectionism shot in your spirit because each level of Trifecta Goals has success baked into it.
You don’t have to wait until you lasso a Unicorn level result before you can savour and celebrate the results of your work. And if you choose, you can build on the Acceptable of Stretch levels of achievement to aim for that magical equine next quarter.
It’s about progress, not perfection, and acknowledging progress, allowing it to actually land, provides you with future fuel for your next action.
And we need a ready supply of that fuel if we are in business for ourselves!
Implementing Trifecta Goals:
You can adopt the Trifecta Goals approach for work and play, in any area of your world where you have agency, the ability to set your own agenda and influence your actions and therefore, your results.
Start small: Begin with what feels manageable. Set an 'Acceptable' goal that keeps you motivated without overwhelm.
Stretch a little: Push your boundaries bit by bit. The 'Stretch' goal is your growth spurt, challenging but definitely achievable.
Dream Big: Let your imagination expand with your 'Unicorn' goal. Even if it seems initially out of reach, your two prior goals will help you to build momentum.
And please remember you have the key for the handcuffs - you have the right to adjust ANY self-directed goal if you realise it's actually the wrong shape and size for you and your circumstances.
Why I Encourage you to Embrace Trifecta Goals:
When we’re surrounded with highlight reels on the socials, our own high expectations of ourselves, and an often-demanding inner voice it's too easy to fall into the comparison trap.
Trifecta Goals remind us that success is layered, growth is a process and your story has many chapters. They encourage you to keep your eye on the horizon while also appreciating each step on the journey.
So, when you’re setting new quarterly targets for different areas of your business, remember that perfection is the enemy of progress. Embrace the B+ approach I’ve previously mentioned, celebrate every win of every size, and let Trifecta Goals set the pace for your growth.
I'd love to see and hear about the new Trifecta Goals you've decided to set.
And of course, sometimes a Unicorn gallops into view of her own accord, with little conscious strategic planning and action on your behalf. When that happens, jump onboard and ride into the sunset!
We need not look a Gift Unicorn in the mouth…
An invitation
Trifecta Goals are one of the strategic planning tools we use in my Ignite Business Community. When you join, Trifecta Goals will be integrated across key areas of your business as part of your initial strategy session. We'll then track progress and celebrate wins together in our weekly Group Focus Sessions. It's exactly the kind of accountability and support that helps you stay in momentum without the perfectionism trap. Founding member pricing is $695+GST monthly.
Would you like to know more about this new experience for 2026 that has a high degree of in-person connection? Then let's chat!
