Over the previous few weeks, I preserve getting messages from folks saying, “I can’t wait to see your targets record for 2026! It’s certainly one of my favourite stuff you submit!”
And I needed to form of chuckle after which additionally understand that I’m presumably going to shock some folks with a choice I made in November with the encouragement of my husband and my enterprise coach: I’m not setting any targets for 2026!
I do know! It’s not like me in any respect.
I Have Been Objective-Setting Since I Was a Tween
In actual fact, as I used to be reflecting on goal-setting, I spotted that I doubtless began setting targets once I was 11 years previous. The considered a contemporary begin to a brand new yr… it was thrilling to me. And — being the overly bold individual that I’m! — I might whip out a clear sheet of paper and make a protracted record of massive audacious targets.
I beloved the contemporary begin. The clear slate. The possibility to dream large goals. And set BIG targets.
Targets Stopped Serving Me and Beginning Enslaving Me
The issue was, over time, these targets didn’t serve me; they began to enslave me. Like, I felt like I wanted to attempt to hit them and I’d usually really feel actually discouraged or down on myself if I didn’t.
The opposite factor I didn’t usually do with goal-setting was to essentially contemplate the season of life I used to be in. I might simply get so enthusiastic about all of the issues I wished to do and purpose for that I’d make these large targets for myself with out counting the prices… as in, how a lot time do I realistically have to perform further issues this coming yr?
I additionally wouldn’t consider interruptions or the sudden. No, I used to be simply targeted on all of the issues I wished to do or felt like I ought to do. I attempted setting solely weekly or month-to-month targets as an alternative of yearly targets, and that labored higher, however I nonetheless discovered I used to be pushing myself actually onerous (too onerous!) to attempt to meet the targets.
Targets Grew to become Unhealthy and Hurtful For Me
As I’ve talked about on right here, I began working with a dietitian halfway by means of 2025. She ended up altering my life and serving to me to see so many dysfunctional beliefs and patterns I had in my life. A type of was pushing by means of as an alternative of being attentive to my physique’s cues for issues like starvation and sleep.
Slowly, as I began to start noticing my physique’s cues for issues like meals and relaxation, I spotted how I had actually uncared for my well being and myself — particularly the previous 5 years as there’s been a lot happening in our lives.
Motivated by this, I discovered a practical medication physician to assist me grow to be more healthy. She actually challenged me that I wasn’t taking good care of myself and that my bloodwork and well being have been exhibiting vital indicators of this. She instructed me that I would really feel okay now, but when I proceed on within the sample I’m in, my physique goes to start out falling aside in 15 years.
The Strategy of Scaling Again and Saying No
This was a real wakeup name for me. I began taking a look at methods I might cut back my obligations and commitments to permit for extra down time, extra relaxation, extra time to recharge, extra sleep, and fewer go-go-go in my life.
I started monitoring how a lot hours I used to be working every week and was shocked to find I used to be nearly all the time working not less than 50-60 hours (generally extra!) I really like what I do however no marvel my physique was not loving my tempo of life.
As I thought of what it will imply for me to essentially pare right down to solely working 40 hours per week and to start out having much more respiration room and area in my life, I knew the one method to do that could be to say no to an entire lot of issues and to cease pushing myself to realize bold issues for a season.
Untethering Myself From Discovering My Worth in What I Accomplish
I’m within the strategy of untethering myself from discovering my worth in my work and accomplishments. I had no concept how addicted I used to be to work and busyness and doing.
It’s been scary and bizarre to have broad open areas in my day and life. To enter 2026 with out a large record of bold targets. Aside from realizing I’m launching a brand new ebook within the fall and working the enterprise and taking good care of my household, my marriage, and myself, I don’t have any large issues I’m chasing after, pursuing, or constructing.
It feels unsettling and quiet. And in addition, precisely the place I’m presupposed to be. I really feel like I’m going to study and develop a lot this yr and it’s going to be so therapeutic for me in lots of, some ways. I’m excited to see what the following 12 months maintain!
Need to hear extra about this modification? Jesse and I recorded a podcast the place I share extra in-depth on Why I’m Not Setting Targets This 12 months. Take heed to it right here.
An Essential Phrase on Targets
Do I feel targets are unhealthy or improper? Completely not. They only aren’t serving me effectively within the season I’m in. If you’re in a season the place targets are motivating and exhilarating and wholesome, please set them! And I will probably be right here cheering you on!
I’ve a sense that this not-setting-goals factor is only a season and I’ll doubtless be again to setting targets after this yr. However I’m not considering of that proper now. For now, I’m simply absorbing the teachings I have to study proper now on this quieter season.
You probably have ideas, suggestions, or questions, I’d love to listen to!
