Hey friends, happy new year! I’ve got some good news and some bad news to share. Let’s start with the good news: we’ve made it past Quitters Day! January 10th—also known as the second Friday of the year—is when most people give up on their goals. If you’ve still got momentum, you’re ahead of the curve.
Now, the bad news: many people struggle to turn that early energy into lasting transformation. They set goals, feel excited for a few days, and then lose steam because they don’t know how to translate dreams into action. Sound familiar?
If you’re feeling stuck—or even if you’ve already let a goal slip—it’s never too late to reset. Here are three steps to help you adjust your direction, clarify your focus, and build rhythms that stick.
Step 1: Be Honest About Your Direction
Before you set another goal or make another plan, ask yourself this critical question:
Is the direction I’m going the one I truly want to be heading?
This question applies to every area of life—your leadership, health, finances, and relationships. It’s not about beating yourself up; it’s about taking an honest look at your trajectory.
When I started my health journey last year, I realized I wasn’t on track to reach the results I wanted. The frustration was real, but the moment I acknowledged it, I could make a change. That shift allowed me to enter this year with momentum instead of starting from scratch.
Take some time to reflect. In some areas, the answer might be “yes.” In others, it might be a hard “no.” Either way, the goal is to adjust your direction now so you’re not investing energy in the wrong path.
Is the direction I’m going the one I truly want to be heading? Honest reflection now can save you from investing energy in the wrong path later.
Step 2: Determine the Season You’re In
Not every season looks the same, and your goals should reflect the realities of your current season. Are you in a season of pruning—cutting back to focus on what matters most? Or a season of acceleration—leaning into growth and moving quickly on opportunities?
Once you’ve identified your season, use it as a filter for decisions. Before jumping into the next big idea, ask yourself:
- Does this align with my season?
- Will it help me grow in the areas I’m prioritizing right now?
For example, I’m in a season of both pruning and acceleration. That means I’m saying “no” to distractions while staying open to collaborative opportunities that fit my goals. Knowing my season keeps me focused and prevents me from making rash decisions.
Not every season looks the same. Identify whether you’re in a season of pruning or acceleration, and let that guide your decisions.
Step 3: Turn Intentions Into Commitments
Dreams are powerful, but they don’t become reality without action. To see real change, your goals need to turn into clear, actionable commitments.
Here’s the key: if it’s not on your calendar, it’s not going to happen. Whether it’s hitting the gym, prioritizing rest, or scheduling time for deep work, your commitments need space in your schedule.
Start small. Identify 3-5 key commitments that align with your priorities and make them non-negotiable. You can always add more later, but overcommitting is a surefire way to burn out.
Remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things consistently.
From Direction to Transformation
Friends, if the direction you’re heading isn’t leading you to the life and impact you want, it’s time to turn around. Adjust your trajectory, align your goals with your season, and make clear commitments that move you forward.
We don’t need more busyness. What we need is clarity, focus, and intentional action.
Dreams are powerful, but without clear commitments, they remain just that—dreams. If it’s not on your calendar, it’s not going to happen.
Your Next Right Step
At Stay Forth, we’re here to help you turn energy into transformation. Whether you’re looking to reset your direction, simplify your goals, or build rhythms that last, we have tools and resources to support you:
- Explore Coaching Opportunities: Ready to clarify your goals and take action? Schedule a free breakthrough coaching session.
- Listen to the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast: Practical insights and tools to help you lead with purpose and impact.
- Dive Deeper: Visit Stay Forth for articles, tools, and inspiration to thrive in 2025.
Let’s make this the year you live with clarity and confidence. I can’t wait to celebrate with you as you look back and say, “What an incredible year this has been!”
Looking for more ways to lead with clarity and purpose? Check out these practical resources:
- How Do I Get Out of the Weeds?: Discover actionable strategies to regain focus and tackle the chaos of daily leadership challenges.
- Strategic Quitting for Leaders in 2025: Learn how to quit the right things to make space for what truly matters this year.
These articles are packed with insights to help you lead with intention and achieve sustainable impact.
Alan Briggs
Alan is a mountain guide for the leadership journey. Alan helps catalytic leaders leverage catalytic moments for systemic change.
He does this through Leadership Coaching, Sabbatical Coaching, Working Genius training and consulting at Stay Forth. He also connects leaders in meaningful ways through a hub and ecosystem in Colorado Springs called Gather.
He has one incredible wife and four incredible kids and loves finding adventures in the Rockies. His newest book, AntiBurnout, helps leaders find lightness and longevity.