Hi Lovelies,
As the Christmas season winds down, New Year's prep is officially underway. We all know the drill: frantically curating the perfect vision board and setting vague, overwhelming goals that fizzle out by February.
But here's what I've been thinking about lately: what if the problem isn't us? What if it's the way we've been taught to approach new beginnings?
Every January, we're told to dream bigger, do more, be better. But nobody talks about the exhaustion of chasing our goals when they're built on shaky foundations, goals that look good on paper but don't actually move us forward.
So this year, let's try something different. Let's get intentional about what we're building toward, and make sure our goals actually serve the life we want to create.
Here are 5 questions that have completely changed how I think about goal-setting. I hope they help you too:
1. Have you reflected on your year?
Before you sprint into the new year, take a moment to look back. Did you celebrate your wins? Did you give yourself grace for the tough moments? Reflection is essential. It shows you where you've been, where you are now, and where you want to go.
2. Which 3 areas of your life would transform everything else if you tackled them right now?
Here's the thing, we don't want to try to tackle everything at once. That's how we burn out by February. Instead, think about just 3 areas. Whether it be finances, health, relationships, career, personal growth, or spirituality. Identify your top 3 categories, then break your goals into quarters using the 12-week year approach.It’s a game-changer for staying focused and making real progress without feeling overwhelmed.
3. What habits do you need to build (or break) to support your goals?
Goals don't exist in a vacuum. They're built on daily habits. There's a quote from Atomic Habits that I think about constantly: "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." In other words, if you want financial freedom but don't have a system for tracking your spending, you'll fall back to your current financial habits. If you want better health but don't have a system for consistent sleep, you'll default to staying up late. The goal isn't enough,you need the daily systems that make success inevitable. So if your goal is financial freedom, maybe you need to build a habit of tracking expenses. If it's better health, perhaps it's prioritizing 7 hours of sleep. Identify the small, consistent actions that will get you there.
4. Who's in your corner?
Success rarely happens in isolation. Who are the people who will support, challenge, and celebrate you? Whether it's an accountability partner, a mentor, or a community, surround yourself with people who align with where you're going, not just where you've been.
5. How will you measure progress?
What does success actually look like? Is it working out 3 times a week? Saving $500 a month? Reading 2 books a quarter? Define what progress means to you so you can track it and celebrate the wins along the way.
This year, let's trade the pressure of perfection for the power of intention. Take your time with these questions, answer them honestly, and watch 2026 become your most purposeful year yet.
We're cheering you on,
Roberta Boccovi
What we're loving right now:
Podcast: Working Hard with Grace Beverly 
Book: The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran
Drink: A hot cup of dirty chai latte
