Over the previous few weeks, I hold getting messages from individuals saying, “I can’t wait to see your objectives listing for 2026! It’s considered one of my favourite belongings you publish!”
And I needed to kind of chuckle after which additionally notice that I’m probably going to shock some individuals with a choice I made in November with the encouragement of my husband and my enterprise coach: I’m not setting any objectives for 2026!
I do know! It’s not like me in any respect.
I Have Been Aim-Setting Since I Was a Tween
The truth is, as I used to be reflecting on goal-setting, I spotted that I possible began setting objectives after I was 11 years previous. The considered a contemporary begin to a brand new yr… it was thrilling to me. And — being the overly formidable individual that I’m! — I’d whip out a clear sheet of paper and make an extended listing of massive audacious objectives.
I liked the contemporary begin. The clear slate. The prospect to dream massive desires. And set BIG objectives.
Objectives Stopped Serving Me and Beginning Enslaving Me
The issue was, over time, these objectives 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 actually think about the season of life I used to be in. I’d simply get so enthusiastic about all of the issues I needed to do and purpose for that I’d make these big objectives for myself with out counting the prices… as in, how a lot time do I realistically have to perform additional issues this coming yr?
I additionally wouldn’t think about interruptions or the sudden. No, I used to be simply centered on all of the issues I needed to do or felt like I ought to do. I attempted setting solely weekly or month-to-month objectives as a substitute of yearly objectives, and that labored higher, however I nonetheless discovered I used to be pushing myself actually onerous (too onerous!) to attempt to meet the objectives.
Objectives Grew to become Unhealthy and Hurtful For Me
As I’ve talked about on right here, I began working with a dietitian halfway via 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 via as a substitute 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 useful medication physician to assist me turn out 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 begin falling aside in 15 years.
The Means 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 virtually all the time working no less than 50-60 hours (typically 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 actually pare all the way down to solely working 40 hours per week and to begin having much more respiration room and area in my life, I knew the one means to do that can be to say no to an entire lot of issues and to cease pushing myself to attain formidable issues for a season.
Untethering Myself From Discovering My Worth in What I Accomplish
I’m within the technique of untethering myself from discovering my worth in my work and accomplishments. I had no thought how addicted I used to be to work and busyness and doing.
It’s been scary and peculiar to have broad open areas in my day and life. To enter 2026 with no massive listing of formidable objectives. Apart from understanding I’m launching a brand new e-book within the fall and operating the enterprise and taking good care of my household, my marriage, and myself, I don’t have any massive issues I’m chasing after, pursuing, or constructing.
It feels unsettling and quiet. And likewise, precisely the place I’m speculated 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!
Wish 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 Objectives This 12 months. Take heed to it right here.
An Essential Phrase on Objectives
Do I feel objectives are dangerous or incorrect? Completely not. They only aren’t serving me properly within the season I’m in. If you’re in a season the place objectives 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 possible be again to setting objectives 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.
When you’ve got ideas, suggestions, or questions, I’d love to listen to!
