Don’t Stress If Your Goals Aren’t Set By January First

Photo by Danielle Jarkowsky

​In U.S. culture it is popular for people to start implementing new goals on January first.
 
The plan is set, and they are ready to go with their resolutions. It makes sense. It’s the beginning of a new calendar year, so why not start on day one?
 
I wonder how many people are more like me. I set my goals January first through approximately January 15th. I use this time to reflect upon the last year, refine old goals, and dream up new possibilities.
 
December’s many holiday distractions prevent me from deep goal setting. It isn’t until January when I can get a fresh look at my goals. Winter is hitting its stride by then, making it a great time to turn inward.
 
January is like a pie baking in the oven. The aromas fill the kitchen. The crust turns golden brown. Time to get out the cooling rack and set the table.
 
It is not time to eat yet. The pie will be undercooked if taken out too soon. It will burn your mouth if eaten before it cools.
 
Goal setting is the same. New information will be overlooked if you set them using the old energy of the waning year. Details may be missed, deadlines may need to shift, and the goal’s importance may fall away.
 
It is not to say that you can’t revise things later in the year. In fact, it is wise to revisit your goals quarterly. But don’t rush to set them in December.
 
Baking is for January.

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Author

Danielle Joy Jarkowsky is a Pacific Northwest blogger, copywriter and photographer. Follow her blog at SeriouslyCarefree.com Instagram @SeriouslyCarefree and Twitter @seriouslycaref2