How Get Clear on Goals That Actually Stick in Midlife (Without the Guilt or Burnout)

Let’s be real—goal-setting in midlife needs a serious upgrade.

Remember when you used to set a goal, attack it with all your energy, and actually stick with it? Yeah, those days feel like a lifetime ago. Now?

✅ You set a goal with the best intentions, then completely forget about it two weeks later.

✅ You start a new habit and immediately resent it (Why did I think 5 AM workouts were a good idea?!).

✅ You feel guilty for not achieving things you’re not even sure you want anymore.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not the problem—the method is. Because what worked in your 20s and 30s? Probably isn’t working now. And you know what? That’s okay.

Let’s talk about a new way to set goals—one that fits who you are NOW, instead of who you used to be.

Here’s the thing—pushing harder is NOT the answer.

Midlife is different. Your priorities have shifted, your energy levels (and patience) aren’t the same, and honestly? You don’t have time for things that don’t actually improve your life.

But so many of us are still setting goals the old way—forcing, hustling, pushing. And when it doesn’t work? We blame ourselves.

🚨 Newsflash: The problem isn’t you. It’s that your goals are based on who you were, not who you are right now.

So instead of setting goals that feel like punishment, let’s create goals that actually fit your life, excite you, and work long-term.

How to Set Goals That Actually Stick

💡 Step 1: Align Your Goals With Your Current Life & Values

Before you set another goal, pause and ask yourself:

✔️ What ACTUALLY matters to me at this stage of life? (Not what I think I “should” want.)

✔️ What do I want more of in my life? (More peace? Strength? Joy? Flexibility?)

✔️ Will this goal bring me energy, happiness, or a sense of ease?

If the answer is NO—it’s the wrong goal.

Example: Health Goals

❌ Old goal: “Lose 20 pounds.” (Because diet culture drilled it into us.)

✅ New goal: “Nourish my body with protein and strength training so I feel strong and energized.” (Because feeling good matters more than a number on a scale.)

Example: Work Goals

❌ Old goal: “Hustle harder to make more money.”

✅ New goal: “Structure my work schedule so I have time for self-care and family.”

🚨 If a goal doesn’t energize you, IT’S NOT THE RIGHT GOAL. Period.

💡 Step 2: Focus on Small, Sustainable Changes

One of the biggest reasons goals fail? We go too big, too fast.

You don’t need to flip your life upside down overnight. In fact, you shouldn’t—because that’s a guaranteed way to burn out.

Instead, start ridiculously small.

✔️ Instead of "I’ll work out 5 days a week," try: "I’ll move my body for 10 minutes a day."

✔️ Instead of "I’ll meditate every morning," try: "I’ll take 3 deep breaths before responding to stress."

✔️ Instead of "I’ll meal prep every Sunday," try: "I’ll plan 3 simple dinners ahead of time."

🎯 The key? Momentum over perfection. Small changes add up to big transformations—without the burnout.

💡 Step 3: Give Yourself Permission to Adjust

Here’s the part no one talks about: Your goals should fit your life—not the other way around.

🚨 If a goal starts to feel draining, that’s a sign to reassess.

✔️ Not loving a habit? Tweak it. (Maybe 5 AM workouts aren’t your vibe, but an afternoon walk feels good.)

✔️ Feeling stuck? Adjust the approach. (Maybe daily journaling feels overwhelming, but a weekly check-in works better.)

✔️ Life got busy? Scale back instead of quitting. (It’s better to do something small than to stop altogether.)

Progress > Perfection. Every step forward counts.

If goal-setting has felt exhausting, frustrating, or just not working, it’s time to shift your approach.

💡 Align your goals with what ACTUALLY matters to you.

💡 Start small—because small steps create momentum.

💡 Give yourself permission to adjust—because life is messy, and flexibility is key.

And if you need help setting sustainable goals, my 28-Day Strategy program walks you through it step by step.

📌 Join here →HERE

📌 Want daily motivation? Join my Facebook group → Click Here

Because midlife isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about moving forward in a way that actually feels good. 💛