You are not behind...
a goal setting encouragement
I set goals for a living—for seven years+ I have been in a space where strategic planning, goal setting, vision casting etc. are actually my job. I am passionate and disciplined in the setting of goals on a regular basis, not resolutions or wishes but goals with plans and strategies.
AND this year I was late to the game. I am still working on all the things I’d like to see across the various areas of my life and I have been reminding myself, as I will remind you:
You are not behind.
Culture lies
There is a narrative on social media, the news, social circles that there is a logical and preset timeline for all of life events and no matter where you are, you’re late. You need to have this degree by this point in time. You didn’t graduate early?! wow. Now you need a house and property. You haven’t already added an AirBnB on? Also where are the kids? You only have two? Why aren’t they in all the sports and also the arts and also scuba sky-diving at an olympic level?
It’s insanity.
Some of you are just trying to survive. Your 2026 goals look like: don’t die. Pay the bills. Rest when I can. Avoid despair.
This is a valuable start. You don’t need more guilt and shame about not having a neat list of SMART goals, you need grace and patience for self that says confidently and quietly: I am not behind. I am where I am.
a little, today.
Some of the best goals are actually really small steps in the grand scheme. It’s researching, having one conversation, trying one class, doing one workout, iterating and reflecting and going from there.
One of my clients shared a financial goal that was essentially: figure out where all the money is going. Might seem like it’s not really impressive, but it was part of a vision and a step forward, a step away from stuck.
What goal could you set for today? The smallest possible step toward what you long for?
If you need someone in your corner as you try to move this year, I’d be happy to come alongside you or recommend someone to help. My calendar is open until it isn’t. My DMs are free and I’ll answer without pitch slapping you. I love what I do.
I have been inspired this year (2026 so far) by a quote I heard, I modified one [word] to make it apply to all of us:
From today, we will [live] expansively and audaciously... We may fail, but we will never be accused of lacking the courage to try.