Not Setting Goals In January

This year, I’m not setting goals, well not formally anyway. I was was never very good at annual review marathon, forcing myself to reflect on the entire year in one go.

Then I’ve realised something about myself over the years (hello, ADHD): That I do not find it easy to do the following:

• Sit down and reflect on a whole year in one sitting

• Come up with answers instantly

• Decide in January what will matter to me in October

When I did try to follow this framework I fell into the trap of measuring my worth by how busy I am. have learned, and maybe you can relate, that my reflections don’t arrive on demand, they arrive gradually, and I have these lovely realisations through the year that feel more hollistic and meaningful.

I bit like everything we do here, everything is more effective when there is space things.

So instead of forcing myself to do what others are doing and feeling like I'm not doing it 'right', I've learnt to do things my own way, and instead of goal setting, I’m practising attention.

I will let the year unfold, and respond as patterns emerge, but not before.

Here’s what that looks like in practice.

• Pay attention to what genuinely feels useful

• Build habits, not pressure-filled targets

• Let themes emerge naturally before choosing a word for the year

• Honour my energy, health, and nervous system

• Seasonal reflection instead of annual pressure

• Responsiveness instead of rigid plans

If you’ve been feeling resistant to goal setting this year, maybe this is your permission slip too.