Tips for the Artists in Limbo: Entry Six
Setting Meaningful Goals for The New Year
If you’ve decided to read this post then I think it’s safe to assume that you are currently planning your 2026 rebrand. Same! We both enjoy dreaming about the future and what can, should, and will happen. But…with this being a safe space, you have to admit that, at times, thinking of structure can feel sort of boring. You may find yourself throwing caution to the wind and telling everyone that you are “going with the flow”. When in reality - we both need a little bit of structure if we are looking to gain a little bit of control over what does come.
So, let’s go ahead and make sure that this year’s upgrade is one for the books.
Let’s just get the hard part out of the way. I’m not saying we need to wallow in our shortcomings or come down on ourselves, but in reality, every elite athlete studies their game film—not to relive their mistakes, but to ensure that they make better plays the next time.
That’s where the TOUGH LOVE really comes in.
In order to level up, you need to reflect on this last year in detail. What did you achieve and get to celebrate? What got forgotten or neglected on your list? Is there an achievement that wasn’t part of the original plan, but - SURPRISE! - you can now write in and then promptly cross out?
Trust me, it feels pretty good to be honest and admit that you didn’t complete XYZ simply because you were too overwhelmed - or whatever the reason is. It’s not a weakness, it’s almost like a weight lifted off your shoulders. And then on the flip side, don’t forget to celebrate your wins!
Time to create your fresh list! Go ahead and crease the spine of your new journal on a fresh page and let your thoughts roll. This step you don’t have to overthink at all. These should be thoughts coming straight from the heart onto the page, with no regard for reason…yet. Think big!
I know that felt pretty good and you are probably feeling anxious about getting started as soon as possible. But, taking small steps towards your big, long term goals are the most helpful, so now is the time to comb through your list and consider how exactly you are going to work towards everything becoming a reality.
Do you remember learning about S.M.A.R.T. goals in grade school? Yeah I know, I didn’t think I’d ever really revert back to this either, but you do have to admit it is a pretty fool proof way of structuring your thoughts as an adult, without overcomplicating things. It helps the process feel more real and attainable and basically removes all of the guesswork.
(S)PECIFIC
(M)EASURABLE
(A)TTAINABLE
(R)ELEVANT
(T)IMELY
Fill in the blanks for every goal on your list, and remember: tough love. Be honest, it won’t work if you beat around the bush. If you find that you aren’t able to fill in a blank, it’s possible that what you are imagining isn’t clear or trackable.
This is my favorite part of setting a new goal - actually conceptualizing it into my real day to day life.
Think of these new habits as the stepping stones to the ultimate objective. The long term cannot happen without current cumulative actions.
Again, you are looking to make a change but within reason. Don’t give yourself the goal of going to the gym 7 days a week if you don’t have access to a gym all 7 days. It may be more effective to broaden the end goal to staying active seven days a week—spending four days in the gym and two days outdoors walking or running.
Some examples include:
I want to apply to 20 new roles by April —> I will submit 2 applications every Monday.
I want to post 48 short-form videos on my social media by the end of 2026 — I will post one video every Monday.
I want to complete one professional certification by November — I will study 45 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday evening.
I often hear people associate goal setting with stress, but it’s important to remember that this is not meant to cause worry. I feel like it’s very easy to slip into a pattern of immense pressure, a fear of failure, or potential burnout from ill-conceived targets.
Planning is only the first step, but in reality there’s going to be ups and downs and unexpected events, whether positive or negative. So begin the process without tying completion to perfection.
Consistency does matter, but an honest reassessment can be just as powerful. If along the way you feel that you’ve given something an honest try and are still somehow missing the mark, don’t give up on the work altogether. Repeat the first few steps using what you’ve learned so far and create a plan that better fits you.
The most rewarding part comes when you allow yourself to put yourself and your aspirations first. Make sure to celebrate all wins along the way, big or small, and don’t hold yourself back from evolving - possibly even beyond what you envisioned on New Year’s Eve.
