Give Your Goals (and Resolutions) Permission to Grow

This year hasn’t started the way I planned—at all. And to be honest, after how tough 2024 was, I wasn’t too surprised. Sometimes January just shows up before we’re ready for it. I’m not the biggest “new year, new me” person anyway, and this time around, my excitement was lower than ever. I was behind on laying the groundwork for 2025, and if I’m honest, my expectations weren’t sky-high. But you know what? That’s perfectly okay.

Because of how last year ended, I figured this one might kick off on a rocky note. It’s like transitioning from September to October—nothing magically changes unless we’re intentional about it. I might not have felt ready for January, but it came anyway, and despite the rough start, I’ve finally set my intentions. If you’re in the same boat—maybe you missed the resolution train, jumped off it, or never got on—now is still a great time to begin.

The truth is, we all go through seasons. Some years, we can’t wait to set massive goals. Other times, we’re just trying to make it through the day. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, there’s no reason to feel guilty or behind. Different seasons exist for a reason—there’s a time to charge forward and a time to rest, a time to dream up big plans and a time to step back and refocus.

I’m reminded of my move from California to Michigan—people often assume I miss the sun and beaches, but honestly, not really. I lived in California for 18 years and rarely went to the beach. Here in Michigan, I’m on the lakes all summer, plus I get crisp fall bonfires, winter sledding, and that hopeful burst of life in spring. Each season has its own charm, and none of them last forever—which is exactly why I appreciate them so much.

It works the same way in our personal and professional lives. When I’m in a growth phase, I savor every step forward. When I’m in a tearing-down phase—rebuilding from scratch—I gain clarity on where I want to go next. Goals are great, but they need flexibility to evolve as we evolve. Holding onto a goal that no longer aligns with your vision just because you wrote it down in January can lead to burnout or disappointment.

If you’re struggling to keep up with your goals (or never had any to begin with), ask yourself why. Are you forcing them out of obligation, or do they connect to your bigger picture? Sometimes we set goals that look good on paper but don’t match who we’re becoming. It’s okay to pivot or adjust—seriously. A goal you adapt to fit your life now can be far more rewarding than sticking to one that doesn’t make sense anymore.

Remember, changing course doesn’t mean you failed. Achieving something just to say you did it often feels hollow. But pursuing goals that truly resonate with your future? That’s where the magic happens. And hey, the lessons you pick up along the way might be the real win, regardless of whether you hit every milestone.

So if your 2025 isn’t unfolding like you imagined, pause and think about your next steps. Are you still heading toward a life you want, or do you need a fresh direction? The beauty of this (or any) season is that you can recalibrate whenever you choose—you don’t have to wait for a “perfect” moment or a new calendar year.

Here’s to letting our goals grow and shift as we do. Life’s too short to chase someone else’s idea of success or to push ourselves into goals that don’t feel right anymore. Whether you’re full of motivation or running on fumes, there’s space for you to refocus, readjust, and begin again. Embrace the season you’re in, and trust that the best goals are the ones that move with you—every step of the way.