Checking In: How Are Your January Goals Going?

Can you believe it? January is already coming to an end. It feels like, just yesterday, we were setting our goals for the year, brimming with excitement and optimism. But now, as the month wraps up, it’s the perfect moment to check in and see how things are really going. So, how are your goals looking? Are you on track, or have some objectives slipped to the back burner?

It’s okay if things haven’t gone exactly as planned. This is where self-reflection comes in— sometimes, it’s not about staying rigidly on course, but recognizing when a pivot is necessary. The end of the month is a natural time for assessment, and here’s the truth: adjusting your goals doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re learning, growing, and staying on course for what truly matters to you.

Reassessing your goals is a requirement for taking proper action.

Let’s take a few minutes to reflect and reassess. In doing so, we can continue building the momentum we started earlier this month. Whether you’re on track toward your goals or hitting a few roadblocks, there’s always an opportunity to shift, pivot, or reframe. Here’s how to take a moment, look back, and move forward with renewed energy.

Why It’s Important to Check In

We often deem our goals as these grand, unshakeable commitments. But life doesn’t always work that way. Goals aren’t static; they evolve just like we do. Checking in allows you to celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and assess whether your current approach aligns with what you truly want.

We can sometimes get so caught up in the hustle of doing that we forget to pause and reflect. The end of the month is a perfect time to review, reset, and adjust if necessary. This simple act of pausing allows you to stay in touch with what matters most and ensures that you’re not on autopilot, mindlessly pushing forward with outdated or misaligned goals.

What to Look for When Checking In

Here are a few things to consider when reflecting on your progress and making any necessary pivots:

Progress is progress, no matter the pace.

1. Have you made tangible progress toward your goals?
   It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of New Year resolutions, but it’s important to track how much progress you’ve made in measurable ways. Are you able to check off milestones? If not, what’s holding you back?

   Example: If you set a goal to work out five times a week but haven’t consistently made it to the gym, maybe it’s time to adjust the goal. Could you aim for three times a week or perhaps find an activity you enjoy more?

2. Is your goal still aligned with your bigger vision?
   Sometimes, we set goals based on societal expectations or external pressure—like losing weight or getting promoted. But if the goal no longer excites or motivates you, it’s worth reassessing. What truly sparks joy and enthusiasm in your life?

   Example: If your goal to travel more this year feels overwhelming or unrealistic, maybe it’s time to simplify. Instead of booking a big trip, start with a weekend getaway or explore new places in town.

3. Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed about your goals?
   Goals should challenge you, but they shouldn’t overwhelm you. If you feel stuck, anxious, or like you’re running into constant obstacles, it may be time for a pivot. Sometimes, that means scaling back or adjusting timelines so that you can work toward your goal at a pace that feels more sustainable.

   Example: If you set a goal to write a book but feel like the pressure is too much, break it down into smaller steps. Aim for writing 500 words a week instead of 2,000.

How to Pivot (Without Losing Momentum)

If you’ve found that your goal needs a little tweaking, that’s okay! It’s often a sign of growth and a deeper understanding of yourself. Here are some quick tips on how to pivot while staying motivated:

1. Reframe Your Mindset:
   View this pivot as an opportunity rather than a setback. Shifting gears allows you to refine your goals and approach them in a way that’s better aligned with where you are now. Life changes, and so should your goals.

2. Break Big Goals Into Smaller Tasks:
   If you’re feeling overwhelmed, break down your goal into more manageable pieces. Instead of focusing on the end result, concentrate on the small steps that will get you there. Celebrate each win along the way!

3. Set Realistic, Flexible Deadlines:
   It’s okay to adjust your timeline. Being too rigid can lead to burnout. Setting flexible deadlines for yourself helps you stay grounded while still making progress. Remember, life happens—be kind to yourself.

4. Revisit Your ‘Why’
   Why did you set this goal in the first place? Is it still meaningful to you? If it is, use that deeper connection to fuel your motivation. If you’re finding that your goals no longer align with your values, it might be time to realign and set new, more inspiring goals.

5. Create a Plan B:
   Life is unpredictable. Having a backup plan doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’ve prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s a change in your financial situation or a family commitment, a Plan B helps keep you moving forward, no matter what.

Keep the Momentum Going

Don’t let the end of the month be a reason to give up on your goals. Take a step back, reframe, and find clarity in the adjustments you make. Goal-setting is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. The beauty of checking in with yourself is that you can refine your vision, stay aligned with your values, and ultimately build the life you’ve always wanted.

As you move into the next month, continue to check in regularly with yourself. Celebrate your progress, even the smallest steps, and keep your vision clear. Embrace the idea that goals can shift and evolve, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters most is staying connected to your purpose and moving forward in a way that feels true to you.

Reflection

So, how are your goals going? Whether you’ve hit a few bumps or are cruising toward success, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Keep checking in with yourself, pivoting when needed, and celebrating your growth along the way. Stay patient, stay kind, and most importantly, stay motivated. You’ve got this!