As women business owners, we’re often focused on doing — reaching milestones, hitting targets, and accomplishing more. But what if those achievements don’t bring the fulfillment we’re chasing? I sat down recently with Danielle LaPorte to talk about a different way of approaching success: one that aligns with your real desires and focuses on what actually matters in life
Danielle shares her philosophy of “Goals with Soul,” a refreshing perspective on how to create success that feels meaningful. If you’ve ever felt burnout, emptiness, or misalignment after hitting a big goal, this is the shift you’ve been waiting for.
Key Takeaways from the Interview with Danielle LaPorte
Here are the top bits of advice that Danielle shared:
- Ego-driven goals often leave you feeling empty and disconnected.
- Shifting to soul-driven goals means focusing on who you want to be and embodying qualities like joy, peace, and compassion.
- Success comes from aligning your goals with your values, not from overworking, proving yourself, or following “one-size-fits-all” formulas.
- Reflecting regularly and slowing down allows you to reconnect with what matters most.
Q1: What is the difference between soul-driven goals and ego-driven goals?
Danielle: Ego-centered goals — when you reach them, you don’t rest. Sometimes, you even forget to celebrate.
It doesn’t sink in, and the questions come almost the same day: ‘Okay, what now? Bigger, brighter?’ There’s this form of regret: ‘I didn’t think big enough, I should have been in a 10x mode.’
But when you focus on what you want to embody, it’s different. Do you want to be radiant and resilient? Do you want to be joyful no matter what? That’s where the shift happens—when you focus on being, not just achieving.
Q2: How do we lead with what you describe as the ‘soul qualities’ we want or what we want to feel?
Danielle: The old question I used to ask was, ‘How do I want to feel?’
That was powerful for so many people. But then I realised the deeper question is, ‘What do I want to embody?’
I went through a really dark time, and I realised that feeling meaningful and fulfilled isn’t about being in a good mood. It’s not predicated on hormones, or what anyone thinks of me, or how my business is doing.
I want to live a heart-centred life where nothing pulls me out — where I can be loving no matter what.
Q3: How do you map this way of being—the way we show up—to some of the more practical things in your business, like your marketing, team policies, or metrics?
Danielle: Instead of a mission statement, we have a soul-quality statement. For us, it’s about creating a universe that feels nourishing, nurturing, and generous.
That shows up everywhere. For example, our membership comes first. I’m not going to put money into Facebook ads unless I’ve made sure my members are being taken care of. It also influences how we price things — we do clean pricing. So instead of $499, we say $500, because people know it’s $500.
I want to speak to the highest intelligence of my audience. My marketing doesn’t use hammer language like, ‘Here’s your problem, and I’m here to solve it.’ It’s about connection and common ground.
Q4: How do you stay connected to your Goals with Soul when things don’t go to plan?
Danielle: I am not my goals. My value is not my launch numbers or the bottom line. My business is my personal development program for life.
When I feel that panic, I go back to the decisions we made when we were sane — when we were calm and regulated.
Impulsivity often comes from fear.
So I take a breath, and I trust the plan we created as a team when we were grounded and aligned.
I also remind myself: it’s all an experiment. Nothing is guaranteed, and that’s okay. The beauty of being in an online business is that you can pivot and try again.
Q5: How do we know when the resistance we feel to doing something is our soul speaking to us versus fear holding us back?
Danielle: Transparency is key.
We had a team meeting recently where we reflected on a project that was successful but didn’t light us up.
We were honest with each other: ‘I feel let down,’ or ‘I wanted this to do better.’ That clarity helped us realign our priorities.
For me, impulsivity can feel like wisdom, but sometimes it’s panic.
So I check in: is this coming from fear, or is it a deeper knowing? The answer usually comes when I reflect on the decisions we made when we were calm and focused. If it feels misaligned with those plans, I listen to that resistance.
Q6: What does a day in your life look like when you’re truly doing what you love?
Danielle: I live in Vancouver near the beach, so most mornings include a seawall walk or yoga — sometimes just three sun salutations and some breathwork.
I don’t officially start my workday until 10 am.
Before that, I might post something online or check in with my team, but I give myself space. I also block out one ‘creative cave week’ every month — no communication, no meetings. It’s time for me to think, plan, or lay on the floor and map out my next idea.
These routines help me stay connected to the qualities I want to embody—peace, calm, and creativity.
Your Challenge — Create Goals That Truly Matter
Danielle’s approach to Goals with Soul reminds us that success ISN’T about how much we achieve but about how we show up. Instead of chasing external milestones, she invites us to focus on the qualities we want to embody — joy, resilience, compassion, or peace.
When we align our goals with our values, success feels more fulfilling, and our businesses become a reflection of who we truly are.
Ready for a Community that Gets YOU? Join the HerBusiness Waitlist
At HerBusiness, we help women business owners like you grow businesses that align with your vision, values, and goals. Inside the HerBusiness Network, you’ll find the tools, community, and support to stay focused, connected, and on track with what matters most to you.
Join the HerBusiness Network waitlist today and take the first step toward building a business that supports both your success and your ‘goals with soul’.
