Starting or Finishing STRONG!

As the year draws to a close, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you look back and realize that those grand resolutions you set at the start of the year remain unchecked. The goals you were so excited about in January now feel like distant dreams. And here we are, with less than 100 days left, and you’re asking yourself, “What now?”

First things first, take a deep breath…

Yes, breathe. Because not meeting all your resolutions isn’t a failure. In fact, it’s part of the process. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and you’ve likely been juggling more than you anticipated when you made those ambitious goals. So, let go of the guilt and let’s focus on what you can do now.

After taking a breather it’s time to pause and reflect.

Instead of beating yourself up, take some time to reflect. Ask yourself:

– What were my original goals?

– What progress, if any, have I made?

– What obstacles got in my way?

Reflection helps you see things clearly. Maybe your priorities shifted throughout the year, or unexpected events took over. Or maybe you just didn’t allocate time for them. That’s okay. Look at what you’ve learned from the past months rather than focusing on the unmet expectations.

After reflection, it’s time to reassess and adjust and come up with practical resolutions…

Sometimes the goals we had previously set are still worth pursuing, while others no longer fit where you’re at in life. It is okay to modify your goals as you evolve let your goals also evolve as well. Ask yourself:

– Are these goals still relevant to me?

– Can I adjust or simplify them to make them more achievable in the time left?

 Next up, focus on what’s still possible

Now that you’ve reassessed your goals, focus on what you can realistically achieve in the time remaining. Break down the goals that still matter into smaller, bite-sized actions. You might not lose 30 pounds or save an entire year’s worth of emergency funds, but can you start hitting the gym twice a week or set aside a small amount regularly?

Small wins add up, and focusing on attainable actions gives you momentum rather than leaving you feeling defeated.

Always remember to keep going, no matter how small, is still progress.

It’s easy to focus on what didn’t happen and forget what *did*. Maybe you didn’t cross off every goal, but what did you manage to do this year? Take a moment to celebrate those achievements, no matter how big or small. Whether it was overcoming a personal challenge, making new connections, or simply surviving a tough period, there’s always something worth acknowledging. Recognizing your successes helps you shift your mindset from one of defeat to one of gratitude and progress.

Remember to be intentional about what you hope to achieve in the future…

Instead of dwelling on unmet resolutions, use this time to set new intentions for the rest of the year and beyond. Think of them as “pre-resolutions” for the coming year. By starting now, you’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more intentional start to the next year. These don’t have to be massive changes; they can be simple shifts in habits or mindset that you carry into the new year.

As you work towards finishing the year strong remember resolutions aren’t a one-year ticket to a perfect life. They are part of your continuous journey towards self-improvement. So, even if you haven’t checked every box, know that the story doesn’t end here. It’s just another chapter. And you still have time to write a powerful ending to this year, even if it’s not the one you originally envisioned.

You’ve got this! Keep going.