There’s something about the final weeks of the year that always slows me down in the best way. The calendar naturally invites reflection, what worked, what didn’t, what I’m proud of, and what I want to do differently. And then, almost immediately, the new year offers a fresh start. A clean slate. Permission to begin again.
I’ve always loved goal setting, not in a hustle harder, cram everything in way, but in a thoughtful, intentional way. For me, goals aren’t about becoming a totally different person overnight. They’re about paying attention to what matters most in this season of life and making space for it on purpose. The new year feels hopeful. It feels full of possibility. And I like leaning into that feeling, while also being honest about how life actually works, messy, unpredictable, and constantly shifting.
How I Actually Set Goals (and Why Pretty Pictures Aren’t Enough)
Yes, I absolutely have a Pinterest vision board for the year. I love visuals. I love aesthetics. No surprise there. But pretty pictures alone don’t turn into real life changes.
What does make a difference for me is writing my goals down. Saying them out loud. Letting someone else know what I’m working toward. When I tell my husband what my goals are, suddenly they feel more real. Less like ideas floating around in my head and more like commitments I’m choosing to make.
From there, I focus on systems. Not motivation. Motivation fades. Systems are what carry you through when life gets busy or things don’t go as planned.
The Tool I Use Every Year to Stay Grounded
For the past several years, I’ve used Cultivate What Matters to help guide my goal setting. What I love most about their approach is that it’s rooted in values first. Before I decide what I want to accomplish, I’m asked to slow down and consider what actually matters to me right now.
Once my goals are clear, I break them down into smaller, actionable steps. Then those steps go somewhere practical, my calendar, my reminders list, my task manager. If a goal isn’t connected to something tangible in my day to day life, it’s easy for it to quietly disappear.
Cultivate What Matters makes this process feel doable, not overwhelming. It gives structure without being rigid, and guidance without pressure.
Checking In, Adjusting, and Giving Yourself Grace
One of the most important parts of goal setting, in my opinion, is checking in regularly. I do a monthly check in with my Cultivate What Matters planner, and each quarter they offer a refresh that encourages you to reassess your goals.
Because life changes. Priorities shift. Energy ebbs and flows.
Just because you set a goal in January doesn’t mean you have to force it through December if it no longer makes sense. Adjusting your goals isn’t failure. It’s awareness.
I love that this system leaves room for grace. Grace for the months that don’t go as planned. Grace for seasons that require rest instead of growth. Grace for the fact that we’re human.
My Takeaway for the New Year
Goal setting doesn’t have to be about doing more. Sometimes it’s about doing less, but with more intention. It’s about choosing what matters, creating systems that support it, and giving yourself permission to adapt along the way.
The end of the year is a beautiful invitation to reflect. The beginning of a new one is a chance to begin again, thoughtfully, honestly, and with grace.
If you’re stepping into the new year craving clarity, structure, and flexibility all at once, I truly can’t recommend Cultivate What Matters enough. It’s been a grounding tool for me year after year, and one I always come back to when I want my goals to feel aligned, not forced.
