Type A to Type Aligned: How to Chase Goals Without Burnout

How Does a Type A Personality Step Into Their Goals with Gentle Passion?

What do I mean by this?

Well, as a Type A person living in a very disruptive world, I’ve come to realize something has to shift in order for me to live and thrive. Since I can’t control the circumstances around me, I’ve learned to change the way I expose myself to those circumstances—and more importantly, how I respond to them.

But here’s the kicker: my nervous system is still on high alert. And while I can manage that with somatic practices, the moment I start pursuing my goals again, I tend to revert back into “stress mode.” This stress used to serve me—it fueled my drive and got results. But now, it pushes me beyond healthy limits.

So how do I move forward in a new way—one that isn’t rooted in outdated Type A habits that no longer serve me?

I know this post won’t resonate with everyone. Some of you aren’t Type A, and might be thinking, “I don’t know what she’s talking about.” But for those of you who do, I see you. I feel you. You know exactly what this feels like.

Every time I wanted to go after something—achieve something—I’d shift into “go mode.” Nothing could stop me. It was a high-energy, driven state that felt great... at the time.

But with the added levels of stress in today’s world (hello, global chaos), it just doesn’t feel good anymore. I’ve been working on a new way to move toward my goals—one that still brings me to the finish line, but actually feels good getting there.

Now, let me be real: I haven’t mastered this yet. In fact, when I first started to practice this new approach, I felt like a failure. I honestly thought I was losing the momentum I’d relied on my whole life. But I reminded myself: circumstances only mean what you decide they mean. So I looked at the facts. And guess what?

I still succeeded.

I still made it to the finish line—and pretty quickly, too. The difference? My energy, my approach, the pressure I used to place on myself, and the way I worked. So let’s explore the key changes I’ve made to continue being the go-getter… just in a more chill, soul-aligned way.

The Energy I Carry When Working Toward a Goal

In the past, I’d approach my goals with full-force “LET’S GO” energy—think: football team bursting onto the field before a big game. It was exhilarating, and it worked… until it didn’t.

Now? I begin by tuning into how I want to feel when I achieve what I desire. I let those feelings lead. This relaxed, joyful, feel-good energy is so much better for my nervous system. I also do a morning energy check-in—it helps me shift into an intuitive, magnetizing, manifesting mindset that feels aligned with attracting rather than chasing. My body responds so much better to this.

The Way I Approach a Goal

This part has evolved a lot. I used to make long, elaborate to-do lists. And let me tell you—it felt so good to cross things off. (I’m a list girl through and through.)

But the structure was too rigid. It left zero space for the magic that happens when you're tapped into your intuition and the natural energy flow in your body.

Here’s a quick exercise: Think of a big goal you’ve achieved. Now, think about the actual path you took to get there. I’m willing to bet it wasn’t what you expected or planned.

When we over-plan, we can accidentally close ourselves off to the creative, unexpected, and better ways that goal could come to life. I used to push harder when something didn’t go as planned. “I’ll make it happen!” And I often did—but at the cost of burnout.

These days, I focus only on the next aligned step. I ask myself: “Where am I right now, and what’s the next best step that feels good?” Then I move toward that. I stay open to intuition, synchronicities, and unexpected shifts. And you know what? I often reach my goals faster—and with more ease.

The Pressure I Put on Myself

This has shifted a lot, too. Maybe it’s age, maybe it’s deeper self-trust—or both. But I’m now a proud member of the “I Do Not Care Club.”

Let me explain: It’s not that I don’t care about my goals. I just no longer force them. I finally understand that if a goal is meant for me, it will unfold in its perfect timing. I don’t need to push. I can flow.

I trust that what’s meant for me will not miss me. And if I follow what feels good, I’ll always land in the right place. This ties into something I shared last week on the blog and podcast: If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a hell no. You can read the [BLOG HERE] and listen to the [PODCAST HERE].

The Way I Work Now

As I mentioned earlier, this new way of working isn’t second nature—yet. Whenever I make a major shift, I have to be very intentional before it becomes effortless. Right now, I’m still in the intentional phase.

So here’s what I do:

I resist the urge to make a giant to-do list. I ask, “What is the first aligned step today?” I get into a grounded headspace with meditation, visualization, and a nourishing morning routine that includes yoga and Yoga Nidra.

Once I’m centered, I ask myself, “What comes next?” I take that step. Then, I pause to reflect. Did I get the result I wanted? If not, I gently ask: “Do I need to pivot? What can I learn here?” Then I decide on the next aligned step—and repeat.

I also tune into how I feel. What goal feels good today? What do I want to work on? I ask, “What do I get to do today?” instead of “What do I have to do?” Because when your work aligns with your energy, it becomes joyful and inspiring.

Now I know not everyone is self-employed. You may not have full control over your time—but you can begin weaving these shifts into your daily life. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Final Thoughts

Today, when I set a goal, there’s a new energy behind it—one of trust, excitement, and a quiet knowing that it’s already mine. My job is to enjoy the journey, to move in alignment, and to make sure the path feels good along the way.

Because let’s be honest: it really is all about the journey—not just the destination.

If you’re craving a community that embraces this kind of soul-aligned self-care and growth, come join me over on Patreon at Soul Aligned Life – [join us here]!

Wishing you a happy, flowy week.
Xo,
T