Ah, another New Year is upon us! It’s that magical time when we’re brimming with hope, excitement, and maybe even a dash of adventure as we ponder the year ahead.
For many of us, it’s also a season of reflection and promise—a time when we set goals for ourselves, vowing that this year will be different. We’ll lose that weight, mend that relationship, save more money, or finally tackle that intimidating challenge that’s been sitting on the shelf for far too long.
But here’s the truth: while setting goals can feel empowering, achieving them is where the magic really happens. And that’s where the challenge begins.
A Personal Approach to Goals
The goals we set at the beginning of the year are deeply personal. For some, it’s about health—committing to exercise, eating better, or finding balance. For others, it’s about relationships—strengthening bonds with family or friends or stepping out of toxic dynamics. Financial goals often take center stage too, whether it’s building savings, advancing in a career, or starting a new business venture. Then there are those ambitious, out-of-the-comfort-zone challenges, like learning a new skill, traveling to a far-off destination, or finally finishing that creative project that’s been on the back burner.
Whatever your goals may be, they’re yours alone. That’s what makes them meaningful—but also tricky.
The Allure of a Fresh Start
At the start of the year, motivation is high. We’re bombarded with articles offering advice on goal-setting, productivity hacks, and how to cultivate the perfect mindset. It feels great to proclaim, this is the year I’m going to… (fill in the blank). The problem is that motivation doesn’t last.
If you’re serious about achieving your goals, you’ll need more than motivation. You’ll need what I like to call the “secret sauce.”
The Secret Sauce: Keep It Simple
A big part of that secret sauce is simplicity. Overcomplicating things is a surefire way to overwhelm yourself before you even begin. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire life in January, focus on the small, actionable steps that will move you forward.
I’m a firm believer in applying the “domino theory” to life. If your ultimate goal is five dominos down the line, don’t stress about knocking them all over at once. Start with the first domino. What’s the smallest, most manageable step you can take today? Focus on that, and the rest will follow—one domino at a time.
Expect the Unexpected
The truth is, just starting isn’t “half the battle,” as many would have you believe. Starting is important, sure, but the real challenge is staying the course when life throws its inevitable curveballs.
Unexpected events—big and small—have every potential to derail your progress. Maybe it’s a work crisis, a family emergency, or just the day-to-day distractions that pile up until you feel like you’re spinning plates instead of making progress. These moments can feel frustrating, even defeating.
But here’s the flip side: every curveball in life is also an opportunity.
When things don’t go according to plan, you’re forced to pivot, re
assess, and get creative. Maybe you need to scale back your original goal, tweak your approach, or find a new source of motivation. Whatever the case, the ability to adapt is what separates those who succeed from those who give up.
For me, the cancer diagnosis last year was a massive curveball. But it forced me to re-evaluate whether what I was doing was worth a day (or days/weeks) of my life.
A Goal Worth Pursuing
I settled on one thing I could control and truly wanted to achieve: catching my final fish—the elusive Shortbill Spearfish—to complete a Royal Grand Slam, the pinnacle of sport fishing that requires catching (and releasing) all nine species of billfish in the world. It’s a goal I’ve casually pursued for over two decades, only to let excuses hold me back.
But something shifted. I realized that to make it happen, I needed to get stronger—physically and mentally. The goal wasn’t just about the fish; it was about reclaiming my health and proving to myself that I could still rise to the challenge. Nothing in life happens in isolation. One domino falls, and surprising second and third dominos often follow. By pursuing this dream, I reignited a deeper commitment to myself and my well-being.
Turning Curveballs into Opportunities
So, how do you turn life’s inevitable interruptions into opportunities? Here are a few strategies:
- Embrace Flexibility: Goals aren’t set in stone. If circumstances change, it’s okay to adjust your approach. Flexibility isn’t failure—it’s resilience.
- Find the Lesson: Every obstacle has something to teach you. Maybe you learn patience, discover a new way to solve a problem, or uncover a deeper “why” behind your goal.
- Lean on Your Support System: Don’t go it alone. Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or accountability partner who can help you stay on track, even when the going gets tough.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Acknowledge and celebrate every domino you knock over, even if it feels minor.
- Refocus on Your “Why”: When motivation wanes or obstacles arise, reconnect with the deeper purpose behind your goal. Why did you set this goal in the first place? Let that “why” be your anchor.
The Beauty of Progress
At the end of the day, achieving your goals isn’t just about reaching the finish line. It’s about the journey—about who you become in the process. Every step you take, every curveball you overcome, and every domino you knock over adds to your story.
So, as you step into this new year, remember: it’s not about being perfect or never getting derailed. It’s about showing up, taking small steps, and staying open to the lessons life has to offer.
Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and meaningful progress—one domino at a time.
