Over the previous few weeks, I maintain getting messages from folks saying, “I can’t wait to see your targets checklist for 2026! It’s considered one of my favourite stuff you publish!”

And I needed to type of chuckle after which additionally notice that I’m probably 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

The truth is, as I used to be reflecting on goal-setting, I noticed that I possible began setting targets after I was 11 years previous. The considered a contemporary begin to a brand new 12 months… it was thrilling to me. And — being the overly formidable person who I’m! — I might whip out a clear sheet of paper and make an extended checklist of massive audacious targets.

I beloved the contemporary begin. The clear slate. The prospect to dream large desires. And set BIG targets.

Objectives 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 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 think about the season of life I used to be in. I might simply get so enthusiastic about all of the issues I needed to do and intention for that I’d make these enormous targets for myself with out counting the prices… as in, how a lot time do I realistically have to perform further issues this coming 12 months?

I additionally wouldn’t think about interruptions or the sudden. No, I used to be simply targeted 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 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.

Objectives Turned 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 an alternative of listening 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 noticed 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 develop into more healthy. She actually challenged me that I wasn’t taking good care of myself and that my bloodwork and well being had been displaying important indicators of this. She informed me that I’d 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 Strategy of Scaling Again and Saying No

This was a real wakeup name for me. I began taking a look at methods I might 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 nearly all the time working at the least 50-60 hours (generally extra!) I really like what I do however no surprise my physique was not loving my tempo of life.

As I thought-about what it could imply for me to essentially pare right 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 manner to do that can be to say no to an entire lot of issues and to cease pushing myself to realize 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 concept how addicted I used to be to work and busyness and doing.

It’s been scary and bizarre to have huge open areas in my day and life. To enter 2026 with no large checklist of formidable targets. Apart from understanding I’m launching a brand new ebook within the fall and operating 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 likewise, precisely the place I’m presupposed to be. I really feel like I’m going to be taught and develop a lot this 12 months 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 alteration? 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 believe targets are unhealthy or unsuitable? Completely not. They only aren’t serving me properly within the season I’m in. In case you are in a season the place targets are motivating and exhilarating and wholesome, please set them! And I can 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 targets after this 12 months. However I’m not pondering of that proper now. For now, I’m simply absorbing the teachings I must be taught proper now on this quieter season.

In case you have ideas, suggestions, or questions, I’d love to listen to!