When you hear the words “you have cancer,” the idea of setting goals might feel out of place.
Yet, for me, goals have been one of the most powerful tools in navigating life with stage 4 cancer. They give me focus, hope, and a reason to keep moving forward – even on the hardest days.
A goal doesn’t have to be big. In the early days of my diagnosis, simply getting out of bed, sitting in the garden with herbal tea, and listening to the birds became daily wins. These small moments anchored me when life felt uncertain.
Research shows that setting goals – and achieving them – boosts motivation, improves mental health, and provides a sense of control. For people living with cancer, they can also help maintain physical activity, support emotional wellbeing, and create a sense of normality.
Some goals are bold. Recently, one of mine was to travel overseas – a dream I wasn’t sure I could achieve. Just a week before my trip to Europe, I still didn’t know if I’d go. But my medical team gave me the green light, and I chose not to live in fear. The experience revitalised me, proving that achieving something you’ve dreamed of can be life-changing.
I’ve also achieved a lifelong goal of walking the City2Surf in August 2025. I want to say a big thank you to my physiotherapist Darren Pivetta from Dynamic Motion Physiotherapy who not only trained and encouraged me but who also walked beside me during the event. I managed to raise $1K for fellow cancer survivors for our community.
Anything is possible with the right team beside you. Goals – big or small – can help you feel connected, uplifted, and truly alive. When cancer changes your life, goals remind you that you can still shape it.
