Why New Year’s Goals Don’t Work - and What to Do Instead

Just three months ago, my life looked quite a bit different. Summer was just beginning, it was finally warm enough to enjoy my morning coffee on the deck, our grape vine was starting to turn green and I was busy finalizing our family travel plans. Our son Cole would be flying in from Vancouver for a family reunion, our youngest was starting his first job, my signature 1:1 coaching program was underway, and I was welcoming new clients. Understanding how much can change in just a few short months has reshaped the way I set goals for myself, my businesses, and how I guide my clients.

Many of us feel that New Year’s urge for a new beginning, but let’s be honest; year-long resolutions often lead to burnout and frustration. Instead of the pressure of annual goals, I’ve embraced a more flexible, seasonal approach. As a mom, entrepreneur, and managing partner at The Willows Box & Co., I’ve experienced firsthand the power of setting goals that align with the ebb and flow of each season. Ready for a fresh start? Here’s how you can embrace a more sustainable and empowering approach to setting your goals:

1. Treat Every Season or Quarter Like a Fresh Start

Listen, there’s nothing magical about January 1st. If you’re waiting for a single date to change your life, you’re giving away your power. Instead, think of every season as an opportunity for a fresh start. Each quarter is a chance to check in with who you are right now, reset your intentions, and reignite your motivation, your inspiration and get back on track.

How to Make it Work: At the start of each quarter, take time to REFLECT on what’s working in your life and what isn’t. Maybe you need to let go or RELEASE some goals that aren’t serving you, or maybe you just need a fresh perspective. Create a vision board, write a letter to your future self, or take yourself on a solo date to get clear on what’s next. Don’t wait for January; your next RESET starts today.

2. Set 90-Day Goals (Because Life Changes Fast!)

Here’s the thing: a lot can happen in a year, and the goals you set in January may not make sense by June. That’s why I’m all about 90-day goals; break them into smaller, actionable steps you can tackle one season at a time. This approach keeps you focused, motivated, and gives you a chance to adjust if things aren’t working.

How to Make it Work: Use a planner or a big wall calendar to map out your next 90 days. Set two to three specific, realistic goals, and check in with yourself weekly. Celebrate your wins, learn from your setbacks, and keep moving forward. Quarterly reviews are the perfect time to adjust your goals, ensuring they remain relevant and achievable.

3. Let Your Priorities Evolve

This is a big one. While goals are important, it’s also about the person you’re becoming along the way and creating a life that aligns with your purpose. Maybe the goal isn’t just to run the marathon, but to become someone who doesn’t quit when things get tough. Or something in your life might have shifted, come to light and things have changed. It’s more than okay to Reflect + Reset ?? your vision & goals.

How to Make it Work: Regularly reflect on your goals and ask yourself if they still light you up. Do they align with where you want to spend your time, money, and energy? If not, give yourself permission to adjust them. Journaling, meditating, or talking it out with a friend or coach can help you stay connected to your truest self. Your goals should evolve just as you do.

In a world that’s constantly changing, embracing each quarter allows us to stay present, intentional, and flexible. Let’s stop waiting for the “perfect” time and start living intentionally, one season at a time. You’ve got this!