Your Goals Should Lift You, Not Weigh You Down

As we step into a fresh new year, it’s easy to get swept up in the momentum of ambition. For many, the new year starts not with reflection, but with a daunting to-do list of new goals handed down from work, life, or even self-imposed expectations. But here’s a question worth asking: are your necessary goals creating unnecessary stress?  

Last year, you likely hit significant milestones, tackled challenges head-on, and checked boxes that once seemed insurmountable. Did you pause to celebrate those wins? Or, did you jump right, and right now, you find yourself staring down at a fresh list of objectives that are already chipping away at your energy and enthusiasm.  

It’s a cycle I’ve seen repeatedly as I work with high-performing teams and individuals: the pursuit of excellence can lead to exhaustion. The drive to achieve, while powerful, can turn into a source of constant stress when goals pile on stress faster than we can process or make a plan to achieve them.  

Breaking the Cycle  

Here’s the truth: goals are necessary for progress, but stress is not a requirement for success. To thrive in the pursuit of what’s next, we need to approach our goals with intention and strategy, not just sheer willpower.  

Here are three ways to reframe how you approach goals in 2025:

1. Pause Before You Push

   Take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished. Recognizing past wins isn’t just about celebration. It is more than raising a glass and patting yourself on the back. It’s about understanding what worked, what didn’t, and how you can leverage those insights moving forward.  

2. Prioritize with Purpose 

   Not every goal is created equal. Some move the needle; others just create noise. Ask yourself: ‘Which goals truly align with my values and vision? Which ones are worth my energy?’ When you focus on fewer, high-impact goals, you’ll make room for more meaningful progress.  

3. Redefine Excellence

   Excellence isn’t about doing ‘everything’, it’s about doing the ‘right things’ well. Sometimes that means saying no, setting boundaries, or adjusting timelines. Remember, excellence should energize you, not drain you. You should be excited about working toward it. I love the phrase "Stop Turning Your Finish Lines Into Deadlines".

 The Big Picture  

Burnout doesn’t happen because people are lazy or incapable. It happens because driven, capable individuals push themselves too hard without stepping back to reassess. If your goals feel more like a burden than a beacon, it’s time to ask whether they’re serving you. They could simply be adding unnecessary stress to your life.  

So, as you take on 2025, I challenge you to rethink your relationship with goals. Pursue them with clarity, not chaos. Achieving excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of your mental wellness.  

Because the real goal? Living your best Big, Messy, Marvelous Life. You can be thriving while you are striving. You got this!

*Visit my website for more insights on thriving through challenges, reframing burnout, and embracing sustainable success.