Ready for a Reset?
How to Set Powerful Goals with These 4 Questions
What if I told you the life you’ve always dreamed of is just one decision away?
As the clock winds down on another year, it’s easy to feel a mix of emotions—pride for what you’ve accomplished, frustration over what you didn’t, and maybe even a quiet longing for something more. But here’s the truth: the end of the year isn’t just a time for resolutions—a new beginning has a certain magic and it’s an opportunity to reset, reflect, and rewrite your story.
This is your chance to stop living on autopilot and start creating a life that truly excites you. The secret? It starts with setting clear, intentional goals that align with the person you want to become.
Let’s dive in.
Self-reflection isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a scientifically-backed tool for personal growth. Research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology shows that self-reflection can enhance self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and even boost decision-making skills. When we take the time to examine our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, we create the space needed to make intentional choices about our future.
Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist, emphasizes the importance of rewiring our brains for resiliency. In her work, she explains how our thoughts shape our neural pathways. By reflecting on what truly matters to us, we can “clear the mental mess” and build new patterns of thinking that align with our goals.
So how do you begin?
Start by asking yourself these powerful questions:
- What made me feel happiest this year?
- What drained my energy the most?
- If I could change one thing about my life, what would it be?
- Where do I see myself in the next five years—and what steps can I take now to get there?
Why Clear Goals Matter
Without clear goals, it’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness without progress. You might spend your days checking items off a to-do list but still feel unfulfilled. That’s because goals give your life direction—they act as a compass, guiding you toward what truly matters.
Think of it like this: if you were setting out on a road trip without a destination in mind, you’d waste a lot of time driving in circles. But when you know where you’re headed, you can map out the best route to get there, anticipate roadblocks, and make intentional pit stops along the way.
Psychologist Edwin Locke’s research on goal-setting theory highlights that setting specific, challenging goals can lead to higher performance and satisfaction. The more clearly defined your goals are, the more motivated you’ll feel to achieve them. Instead of vague aspirations like “I want to be healthier,” try something specific: “I will go to the gym three times a week and prepare home-cooked meals five days a week.”
Everyday Goal-Setting in Action
Let’s make this practical. Imagine you’re Amanda, a busy marketing professional and mom of two. This year, Amanda realized she’s been neglecting her own health while juggling her kids’ activities, a big house with garden, 2 dogs, and a demanding job. She knows she needs a change but feels overwhelmed about where to start.
Here’s how Amanda could approach goal-setting:
1. Reflect on the Past Year: Amanda takes a quiet evening to journal about what’s worked and what hasn’t. She realises that she’s happiest when she has time to exercise and eat well but often skips these things because of time constraints.
2. Define Clear Goals: Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” Amanda sets specific goals:
- “I will wake up 30 minutes earlier to do a yoga session three times a week.”
- “I will meal-prep on Sundays to ensure I have balanced lunches ready for the week.”
3. Anticipate Roadblocks: Amanda knows mornings are tough, so she decides to set out her yoga mat and workout clothes the night before. She also enlists her partner’s support to manage the kids while she meal-preps.
4. Track Progress and Adjust: Amanda keeps a simple tracker on her fridge to mark her workouts and meal-prep days. If she misses a goal one week, she doesn’t beat herself up—she reassesses and gets back on track.
The Energy Behind Your Goals
Here’s something most people overlook when setting goals: energy matters. Your goals aren’t just a list of tasks—they’re an extension of your energy and the life you want to create. If your goals don’t align with what truly feels right for you, they’ll drain your energy instead of fuelling it.
Think of it this way: according to quantum physics, everything in the universe, including you, is made up of energy. When you set goals that resonate with your authentic self, you align your energy with a higher frequency—one that attracts opportunities, motivation, and clarity. But when you chase goals that aren’t aligned with your values or are rooted in other people’s expectations, you create resistance. That’s why it’s so important to ask yourself, “Does this goal feel right for me? Will it bring me joy, fulfilment, and peace?”
Setting goals isn’t just about achieving something—it’s about creating a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. When your energy and intentions align, you’ll find that the path to achieving your goals feels less forced and more natural, like the universe is working with you.
So, as you plan for the year ahead, make sure your goals reflect a life that feels right for YOU—not one dictated by society, comparison, or someone else’s version of success.
“It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress”
Goal-setting isn’t just about ticking off accomplishments—it’s about becoming the kind of person who can create the life you envision. That requires resilience, consistency, and a willingness to show up for yourself, even on the tough days.
Dr. Caroline Leaf reminds us that “it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.” You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next small step toward your vision. Over time, those small steps add up to big changes.
Start the New Year with Intention: This is your chance to make 2025 the year you take control of your life and your goals. But you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re ready to go deeper and create a life that feels intentional, balanced, and fulfilling, check out my “Less Stress, More Me” Email Course. In just 3 weeks, you’ll learn proven strategies to manage your time, reduce stress, and stay focused on what truly matters to you.
Let’s make the new year the one where you stop chasing your goals—and start achieving them. Btw, you don't need a new year, pick any day, any moment, and commit to what you love and desire to achieve.
With clarity, empowerment, and loads of love,
Nadine xxx
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