February Reset: Turning Big Goals into Real Progress
It’s February now. How are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? Did you start the year feeling motivated, only to notice that excitement fading a bit?
If so, you’re not alone—and it’s worth pausing to ask why. Was the goal truly meaningful to you? Did you choose it because it felt like the “right thing to do,” even if it wasn’t something you genuinely wanted? Or was the goal simply too big or too difficult to tackle all at once?
This is a great time for a reset.
One question I often ask my patients is:
“At the end of 2026, what do you want to be able to say—confidently—about yourself?”
For example:
· “I am a 5K runner.”
· “I have a happy marriage.”
· “I rarely eat processed foods.”
· “I am debt-free.”
These statements describe a destination. But if we treat them as a single resolution and expect perfection right out of the gate, we set ourselves up for frustration. Instead, the key is breaking that destination down into smaller, workable steps.
That’s where SMART goals come in. A SMART goal is:
· Specific
· Measurable
· Achievable
· Relevant (or realistic)
· Time-bound
Let’s say your goal is to be debt-free by the end of 2026. A realistic starting point might be:
· “I will use the EveryDollar app to create an accurate budget by the end of March,” or
· “I will search for and apply to two part-time jobs before the end of February.”
Once those goals are accomplished, you move on to the next phase. Progress builds momentum.
Or maybe your goal is to become a 5K runner. You might start with:
· “Three times a week, I will complete a 20-minute alternating run–jog workout on my treadmill.”
If accountability is important for you, another great option could be:
· “By the end of the month, I will reach out to three friends to find a running partner with similar availability.”
Personally, I love setting goals. One of my own 2026 visions is to stand on a first-place podium at a ballroom dance competition. That goal has multiple layers—I need physical conditioning, technical skill development, and the financial ability to compete.
So instead of focusing only on the end result, I start with manageable steps:
· “I will complete a HIIT-inspired workout three days a week.”
· “I will finish the fundamental series for becoming a strong spinner on my training app by the end of February.”
· “I will reduce my grocery budget by $250 per month by using ChatGPT to help plan family dinners.”
So far, so good.
Improving our well-being is a journey, not a quick fix. You deserve to experience the satisfaction that comes from becoming the best version of yourself—one realistic step at a time.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to sit down with a cup of tea, put pencil to paper, and sketch out a roadmap for the year ahead. Focus on goals that are specific, realistic, and meaningful to you. Those are the ones that tend to last.