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Reflect Before You Set 2026 Goals: Five Essential Questions to Ask

Update Reflect and Reassess: Are Your 2026 Goals Truly Yours? As we approach the end of yet another year, the urge to set new resolutions strikes many. However, before diving into your goals for 2026, it's worth taking a reflective pause. Annemie Burger, HR Director at Penquin, emphasizes that true goal-setting starts with reflection, not pressure. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more and achieve more, finding the time to reflect on what we value is crucial for setting goals that resonate with our authentic selves. The Power of Reflection: What Did 2025 Teach You? Before you can set meaningful goals, it's vital to look back. Ask yourself, what did this year teach me? Whether it’s personal growth or professional challenges, recognizing your past experiences sets a foundational layer for what comes next. Burger states, "Reflection gives meaning to progress." This acknowledgment of growth, regardless of whether you met all your targets, informs what you might pursue in 2026. Energy Audit: Where Did Your Time Go? Another essential question to ponder is, where did my energy go, and did it serve me? At the close of each busy year, many report feelings of exhaustion and uncertainty about where their time led them. Conducting an "energy audit" helps illuminate what activities energized you versus those that drained your spirit. Were you truly investing your precious energy in pursuits that felt alive and purposeful? Protecting your energy is a skill vital to crafting a meaningful year ahead. Defining Personal Success: Not Just Numbers In a society rife with comparisons, it becomes easy to chase goals that look appealing on the surface but lack depth. Ask yourself, what does success look like for me? This could mean slowing down to enjoy life, investing more in family time, or nurturing your health. Burger reminds us that success is personal, and definitions of achievement should stem directly from your desires, not societal standards. Choosing Your Circle: Who Do You Want to Grow With? Surrounding yourself with the right people greatly influences your personal and professional journey. Reflect on who you want to grow with. As Burger notes, consider those who uplifted you and those who challenged you positively this past year. Who enriched your experience? Moving into 2026, be intentional about your relationships—this mindful selection can be a determining factor in your growth. Embracing Change: What Will You Do Differently? Real change benefits from altering one’s approach, rather than merely re-stating goals. Ask, what will I do differently this time? If you're still grappling with recurring objectives like saving money, exercising, or resting more but have seen little success, it’s time to reevaluate your strategy. Instead of throwing in the towel, consider how a slight shift in your mindset can offer new results. A New Year, A New Approach: Start with Awareness As we approach the new year, let’s abandon the culture of perfectionism that often clouds our vision. Burger eloquently states, "You just need to start with awareness.” Aligning your goals with your values will make it easier to remain consistent as your journey unfolds. The resolutions you choose ought to feel authentic to you, nourished by possibility rather than burdened by the weight of unrealistic expectations. Making It Real: Setting Goals That Stick To turn these reflections into actionable results, consider setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Transforming vague aspirations into defined objectives creates clarity and direction. For instance, rather than just saying, "I want to be healthier," try "By March 31, I will walk five days a week and meal prep every Sunday to enhance my wellness." Concrete steps lay the groundwork for tangible progress. Final Thoughts: Moving Forward with Intention As we prepare to embrace 2026, let’s seek goals that feel grounded, kind, and above all, personal. When you set forth intending to be mindful about the goals that reflect who you truly are—not who you think society wants you to be—you’ll pave the way for a year of meaning and fulfillment. Initiate your journey with reflection, align it with your values, and you may find that the year can be remarkably rewarding.