Time for a Check-In: Are Your Goals Still You?
My Dearest Humans,
Remember that electric feeling you had when you set your last big goal? Maybe it was to launch a specific business, reach a certain income level, or master a challenging skill. You wrote it down, made an action plan, maybe even made a vision board, and started the hustle.
That drive is fantastic, but here’s the truth that often gets lost in the grind: Time has passed, and you are not the same person who set that goal.
We live in a state of constant, subtle evolution. Every new book you read, every new person you meet, every challenge you overcome—it all changes the landscape of your internal world. The person you were six months or a year ago had different priorities, different fears, and a different understanding of what made them happy.
So, it's time to ask the hard question: Does that old goal still align with the person you are today?
Often, we keep chasing an old goal out of pure inertia. We’ve invested so much time and energy that letting it go feels like failure. We believe we must finish what we started, even if the destination now feels hollow or wrong.
This is where goal re-evaluation isn't just helpful; it's essential for your well-being. Continuing to push toward a goal that no longer resonates is a fast track to burnout and dissatisfaction. It’s like climbing a mountain only to realize halfway up that you actually prefer the beach.
Signs It's Time to Re-Evaluate
How do you know if your goals need a refresh? Tune into these signals:
The "Should" Factor: When you think about working on your goal, does your inner dialogue start with, "I should do this," instead of, "I want to do this?" The energy has shifted from inspiration to obligation. While some “should” is essential, it cannot be the only thing moving you forward.
The Drag: You used to feel excited and energized by this goal. Now, even thinking about taking the next step feels heavy, frustrating, or draining.
A Fundamental Shift: You've had a significant life event—a new relationship, a career change, a move, or a health scare. These events often fundamentally re-shuffle your core values and priorities.
New Passions Emerge: You find yourself constantly daydreaming about a completely different path or spending all your free time on a new side interest that feels more fulfilling than the original goal.
Give Yourself Permission to Pivot
Releasing an old goal isn’t a failure; it’s a powerful act of self-awareness and self-respect. It’s acknowledging that you have grown and that your map needs updating.
How to Do Your Goal Check-Up:
Look at Your Core Values: What truly matters to you right now? Is it freedom, connection, creativity, or stability? Write down your top three.
Hold Your Goal Up to the Light: Take your old goal and ask: "Does achieving this goal get me closer to my top three core values?" Be brutally honest. If the answer is no, or only a weak "maybe," it's likely time to change course.
Permission to Shrink: Not every goal needs to be abandoned; some just need to be downsized. Maybe you don't need to launch a massive company, but a small, flexible side hustle is the true fit for your current life.
Embrace the Pivot: If you realize the goal is a mismatch, don't just stop—replace it. Set a new, smaller, more aligned goal that excites the person you are today.
Your life is not a fixed script. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure story, and you get to edit the storyline whenever you need to. Give yourself the gift of clarity and the courage to pivot. The goals that truly belong to the current, evolving you are the ones that will lead to genuine fulfillment.
Change your mindset, change your life!
