When Goals Fail: Rethinking How We Plan for Growth

Hello 2026! Have you ever flipped the calendar to January 1st and immediately thought, “I’m not ready”?

Do you find yourself rewriting goals or resolutions—simplifying them, lowering expectations—until eventually you feel defeated and wonder, “Why bother?”

I hear you. I’ve been you.

For years, I followed the traditional goal-writing routine, only to lose motivation weeks (sometimes days) into the year.

Eventually, I stopped making goals altogether because they felt pointless.

But without a plan, I felt scattered—unsure what to focus on or where to start.

That lack of direction overwhelmed me. I lost momentum toward personal growth, business goals, and overall fulfillment—and that didn’t sit right with me. I knew I wanted more.

So, I took a step back and asked myself why writing goals and resolutions weren’t working for me. Why did my motivation fade so quickly? Why did proven goal-setting methods feel ineffective?

Like many people, I had read countless books and articles on habits, discipline, and planning ahead. The problem wasn’t the advice—it was that most of it was designed for the masses.

What I needed was a process that worked for me.

In 2018, I took on the challenge to create my own planning and accountability process—one focused on clarity, intention, and realistic progress rather than pressure.

Each year, I refine it.

As the process strengthens, so does my discipline—and my ability to follow through on meaningful goals for my business and myself personally.

The result?

Goals that make me GASP — goals that feel achievable, progress that feels motivating, and a plan that supports growth without pressure.

If you’re curious about a more realistic approach to goal setting and planning for 2026, I invite you to join my GASP - A Smart, Signature Framework for Goal Setting & Action Planning mini course that kicks off on January 23rd. Together, we will use my simple four-step planning process to create real goals for 2026—and a plan of action customized just for you and your growth.

Or, may be you want to work on your goals on your own time, feel free to check out my Work Smart Goal Strategy Planner 2026. This document will walk you through my GASP model to help you create goals with a plan, actions, timelines and accountability measures in place.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight.

Sometimes, the most powerful change starts with a plan that actually fits you.