So many of us start the new year by setting ambitious goals with a fresh sense of optimism and determination. But by mid-year, it’s easy to lose sight of those goals. Life happens, circumstances change, priorities shift, and we may find that the goals we set in January no longer feel as relevant or achievable. Revisiting and adjusting your goals mid-year can be the key to staying on track and making sure we are working towards what matters.
I look at the first half of the year as a time of experimentation. You may discover that some goals, while exciting in theory, aren’t as fulfilling as you imagined. Or perhaps you’ve made unexpected progress in certain areas, and your initial goals need to evolve. This is perfectly normal — and it’s a sign of growth. Flexibility in goal-setting is key because life rarely goes exactly as planned, and being able to pivot is what helps you stay aligned with your values and long-term vision. This is also where so many New Years Resolutions fail. Instead of adapting and adjusting, we just give up.
Revisiting your goals isn’t just about tweaking timelines or adjusting expectations. It’s about having a personal check-in and asking, “Am I still heading in the right direction?” Are you making progress in the way you were hoping, or are you feeling like you want to pivot towards something else you are interested in? I’m here to tell you it’s okay to adjust your priorities. Setting goals should be a dynamic process, not a rigid checklist. Life evolves, and so should your goals.
Another reason for a mid-year check-in? It allows you to celebrate the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. Many times, we get so caught up in what’s left to achieve that we forget to acknowledge what we’ve already accomplished. Recognizing these milestones boosts confidence and provides the motivation to keep pushing forward — especially when times get tough.
So, as you reach the mid-year point, take a moment to reflect. Are your goals still serving you? Are they pushing you to grow and thrive? Don’t be afraid to revise them — doing so might just be the key to a more successful and satisfying year.
Yours in success,
Jennifer L. Stewart, OD