This is one of my favorite times of year.

Not because of resolutions or big declarations, but because things finally slow down enough to think clearly. There’s enough distance from the year behind me to see it honestly, and just enough space ahead to be intentional about what comes next.

Before I set goals for the year ahead, I slow down first.

I look at what worked.
I name what didn’t.
And I pay attention to the growth that happened quietly—without announcements, milestones, or checklists.

I’ve learned that when goals are set too quickly, they’re usually driven by urgency instead of clarity. And urgency can create movement, but it rarely creates momentum that lasts.

For me, this season isn’t about rushing into what’s next.
It’s about choosing it on purpose.

Courage to Elevate

Each year, I choose a word or phrase to guide how I move forward. Not as a resolution—but as a filter. Something I can come back to when decisions feel uncomfortable or growth feels uncertain.

This year, that phrase was Courage to Elevate.

To me, Courage to Elevate is a reminder that meaningful growth requires bravery. It asks you to step outside familiar patterns, to say yes before you feel fully ready, and to release what no longer fits the version of yourself you’re becoming.

And that mindset shaped how I approached my goals this year.

Less about doing more.
More about doing what actually matters—and doing it well.

A Moment to Reflect

Before I continue, I want to invite you to slow down for a moment.

Create a little space to notice what this year gave you—and what you’re ready to leave behind.

Here are a few questions to sit with before setting any goals:

What am I most proud of this year?
Where did I grow in ways I didn’t expect?
What gave me energy?
What drained it?
What am I ready to leave behind?

There are no right answers here. The point isn’t perfection—it’s awareness.

Because intentional goals don’t start with ambition.
They start with honesty.

How I Set Goals With Intention

Once I’ve reflected, then I look ahead.

But instead of starting with a list of outcomes, I start with how I want to grow. How I want my time to feel. How I want to show up while I’m building.

From there, I layer in the practices that help turn intention into action.

Active gratitude
Gratitude keeps my goals rooted in abundance. I’m not chasing what’s missing—I’m building on what’s already working.

Writing goals as if they’ve already happened
This forces clarity and belief. I took this straight out of the Rachel Hollis playbook—and yes, I manifest the hell out of my life. If a goal doesn’t feel aligned when written this way, it usually needs to be refined—or released.

Calendar audits and time blocking
Your calendar tells the truth. If something isn’t reflected in how I spend my time, it’s not really a goal—it’s just an idea.

The Big 3
Each week, I identify the three things that matter most. This keeps me focused and ensures that long-term goals are supported by day-to-day action.

Designing Goals That Support Elevation

One practice I’m intentionally carrying forward is how I design my weeks—something inspired by 10x Is Greater Than 2x, which really shifted how I think about time, energy, and capacity.

I’ve already started implementing Focus Blocks and Buffer Blocks, and the difference has been noticeable.

Focus Days for deep, strategic work
Buffer Days for meetings, admin, and transition
Free Days for rest, creativity, and being fully present

This framework allows growth without burnout. Because elevation isn’t just about rising—it’s about sustaining the level you’ve worked hard to reach.

Moving Forward, Intentionally

As I look ahead, I’m less interested in doing more for the sake of it—and more committed to doing what truly matters.

Intentional goal setting isn’t loud.
It doesn’t demand urgency or perfection.

It asks for clarity.
It asks for courage.
And it asks you to trust yourself enough to grow thoughtfully.

If you’re entering a season of planning, my hope is that you give yourself permission to slow down, reflect honestly, and choose goals that support the life you’re actually building.

That’s the quiet power of intentional goal setting.

Looking Ahead

As I close out this season of reflection, I can feel the excitement starting to build around planning for 2026.

Not in a “map everything out right now” way—but in a grounded, curious way.

I’m looking forward to sitting with what this year taught me, choosing the word or phrase that will anchor me next, and letting that guide how I move forward.

I don’t need it to be flashy. I want it to be something I can come back to on the hard days—the days when things feel stretched or uncertain—and be reminded of how I want to show up.

Because for me, goal setting isn’t about control.
It’s about intention.
It’s about choosing—again and again—how I want to live and lead.

And honestly? I’m really excited for what’s next.

I’m rooting for you,
With love and encouragement,
Beth