Over the previous few weeks, I preserve getting messages from individuals saying, “I can’t wait to see your objectives checklist for 2026! It’s considered one of my favourite stuff you submit!”
And I needed to form 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 Objective-Setting Since I Was a Tween
In truth, as I used to be reflecting on goal-setting, I spotted that I possible began setting objectives once I was 11 years outdated. The considered a contemporary begin to a brand new yr… it was thrilling to me. And — being the overly bold person who I’m! — I’d whip out a clear sheet of paper and make a protracted checklist of massive audacious objectives.
I beloved the contemporary begin. The clear slate. The prospect to dream massive goals. And set BIG objectives.
Targets 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 typically really feel actually discouraged or down on myself if I didn’t.
The opposite factor I didn’t typically do with goal-setting was to essentially take into account the season of life I used to be in. I’d simply get so enthusiastic about all of the issues I wished to do and goal 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 further issues this coming yr?
I additionally wouldn’t think about interruptions or the surprising. 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 objectives as a substitute of yearly objectivesand that labored higher, however I nonetheless discovered I used to be pushing myself actually arduous (too arduous!) to attempt to meet the objectives.
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 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 kind of was pushing by 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 occurring in our lives.
Motivated by this, I discovered a purposeful drugs physician to assist me develop into more healthy. She actually challenged me that I wasn’t caring for myself and that my bloodwork and well being had been exhibiting important indicators of this. She advised 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 Technique of Scaling Again and Saying No
This was a real wakeup name for me. I began taking a look at methods I may reduce my duties 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 at all times working at the least 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 could imply for me to essentially pare right down to solely working 40 hours per week and to start out having much more respiratory room and house in my life, I knew the one approach to do that could be to say no to an entire lot of issues and to cease pushing myself to attain bold issues for a season.
Untethering Myself From Discovering My Worth in What I Accomplish
I’m within the means 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 peculiar to have large open areas in my day and life. To enter 2026 and not using a massive checklist of bold objectives. Apart from understanding I’m launching a brand new guide within the fall and working the enterprise and caring for 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 in addition, precisely the place I’m purported to be. I really feel like I’m going to be taught 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 subsequent 12 months maintain!
Need to hear extra about this transformation? Jesse and I recorded a podcast the place I share extra in-depth on Why I’m Not Setting Targets This Yr. Hearken to it right here.
An Vital Phrase on Targets
Do I feel objectives are unhealthy or unsuitable? Completely not. They simply 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 might 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 be taught proper now on this quieter season.
In case you have ideas, suggestions, or questions, I’d love to listen to!
