Happy new year! As 2026 begins, many of us naturally reflect on the year behind us and think about what we want to carry forward. What goals or intentions did you set last year? Which ones did you meet, and which are still unfolding?
Taking time to reflect on the past year without judgment can help you set more meaningful and achievable goals for the year ahead. One of the most important lessons of goal setting is remembering that progress matters more than perfection. Seeing a goal reappear from year to year isn’t a failure; it’s often a sign of commitment to something that genuinely matters to you. Sustainable change takes time.
Identifying Areas for Goal Setting
Goals can take many forms. Common categories include:
- Physical health
- Mental and emotional well-being
- Financial health
- School or career development
- Relationships and social connection
- Spiritual or personal growth
These categories are simply starting points. Feel free to create your own based on what feels most relevant to your life right now.
Tips for Setting Yourself Up for Success
Be realistic about your current life circumstances.
Before setting goals, try mapping out a typical month or week. Consider your work schedule, self-care needs, chores, grocery shopping, rest, and time with friends or family. Visualizing how a goal fits into your real life—not an idealized version of it—makes it far more achievable.
Start small and build gradually.
Small, manageable steps allow you to adjust more easily, build confidence, and avoid feeling discouraged. Consistency over time is far more effective than trying to do everything at once.
Build in flexibility and review your goals regularly.
Goals are not static. Plan to review them every few months and make adjustments as needed. Life changes, and your goals can change with it.
Expect interruptions—and be kind to yourself.
Travel, holidays, illness, or unexpected stressors can disrupt routines. This is normal. Instead of abandoning your goals, make a simple commitment to return to them when you’re able.
Example: Building a Movement Habit Over Time
Rather than focusing on rigid expectations, this example shows how a goal can evolve gradually across the year:
Notice that the focus is on movement, not a specific type of exercise. This might include walking, jogging, gym workouts, Pilates at home, dancing, or anything else you enjoy. What matters most is staying physically active in ways that feel sustainable and motivating. Changing activities can also help prevent boredom and keep you engaged.
A Compassionate Approach to Goal Setting
Returning to routines after the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially when new goals are added on top of existing responsibilities. Instead of striving to do everything perfectly, aim to do something consistently. Small steps, taken repeatedly, lead to meaningful change.
Creative Ways to Support Your Goals
- Vision boards
- Journaling (paper or digital)
- Desk or wall calendars with highlighted milestones
- Pinterest boards
- Habit-tracking apps
Choose tools that feel supportive rather than stressful—and remember, the best system is the one you’ll actually use.