Setting Goals for Your Military Transition During the Holidays

As the year winds down, the holiday season is often filled with family gatherings, festive activities, and cherished traditions.

But for military women transitioning to civilian life, it can also feel like a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities.

Between the busyness of the holidays and the challenges of transitioning out of the military, it's easy to lose focus on your goals.

I’m here to remind you that you don’t have to put your transition plans on hold.

Instead, this season can be an opportunity to take intentional steps toward your next chapter, whether that’s landing your next role, preparing for school, or just figuring out your next steps.

Why Setting a Goal Matters During the Holidays

The transition from military to civilian life can feel overwhelming, especially when coupled with the distractions of the holiday season.

It’s tempting to put your career and transition goals on the back burner, convincing yourself that January will be the time to get back on track.

But here’s the truth: these next 30 days matter.

Even small, consistent actions now can set you up for success in the new year.

Think of it like training for a race—if you don’t run for 45 days, you can’t expect to hit the ground running in January at your best pace.

The same principle applies to your transition journey.

How to Set a 30-Day Goal for Your Transition

Here’s a simple framework to help you stay focused and make meaningful progress during this busy season:

1. Define Your Priority: Decide on one area of your transition to focus on. It could be:

• Updating your resume for specific roles
• Researching schools and application requirements
• Preparing for an upcoming job interview
• Practicing networking or attending events

2. Set a Clear Goal: Write down a specific, actionable goal. For example:

• “Refine my resume for 10 job descriptions by December 15.”
• “Research and shortlist 3 schools to apply to by the end of the month.”

3. Break It Down:

Break your goal into smaller tasks you can accomplish weekly. For instance, if your goal is to refine your resume, spend the first week analyzing job descriptions, the second week updating bullets, and so on.

4. Create Accountability:

Share your goal with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor who can keep you on track.

Balancing the Holidays with Progress

The holidays are a time for connection and joy, so this isn’t about sacrificing celebrations. Instead, it’s about finding balance.

You can enjoy decorating, baking, and spending time with loved ones while carving out intentional moments for your transition.

Remember, taking even 15-30 minutes a day to work on your goal can add up to significant progress over the month.

Encouragement for the Journey

I know this season can also bring up mixed emotions. For many of us, the holidays are a reminder of loss, transitions, or challenges we’ve faced.

If you’re navigating difficult emotions, allow yourself space to feel them while staying focused on what lies ahead.

You’re capable of so much more than you realize. By setting a small, achievable goal and sticking to it, you’re proving to yourself that progress is possible—even during the busiest times.

With Appreciation,

Wendi

Tune in to full episode and originally written here: https://wendiwray.com/245

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What kind of goals should I focus on for my transition during this time? Your goals should align with where you are in your transition. Here are some examples:

• If you’re job hunting, focus on updating your resume for specific roles.
• If you’re preparing for school, research application deadlines or familiarize yourself with online platforms.
• If you’re in the interview phase, spend time practicing your answers or building stories to showcase your skills.

The key is to choose one manageable goal and work on it consistently.

2. What if I don’t feel motivated to work on my transition during this busy season?

It’s natural to feel unmotivated during the holidays, but remind yourself of the bigger picture. Visualize how good it will feel to start the new year with progress already made. Focus on one manageable task at a time, and break it into small, achievable steps. Accountability can also help—share your goal with someone who can encourage and support you.

3. How can I avoid procrastination and stay consistent with my goals?

Procrastination often comes from feeling overwhelmed, so start by breaking your goal into smaller, actionable steps. Set a clear deadline and work backward to create a simple timeline.

For example, if your goal is to update your resume by December 15, dedicate one week to reviewing job descriptions and another to refining your bullet points.

Additionally, keep a daily or weekly reminder of why this goal matters and how it will benefit your transition. Progress, even in small doses, builds confidence and momentum.

Tune in to full episode and originally written here: https://wendiwray.com/245