Let's Talk Wellness: Goals

Welcome to this edition Let’s Talk Wellness! This time, I’m switching things up a bit and interviewing myself by answering the top questions I get about goal setting.

I’ve set goals for as long as I can remember, and along the way I’ve learned a lot about what works…and what doesn’t. What doesn’t work? Making a list of wishes, tucking it away, and never looking at it again.

January can feel heavy and scary…but it doesn’t need to! In this Q&A, we’re talking about how to set goals, feel good about them, and actually make progress.

So without further ado, let's dive in: Let’s Talk Wellness: Goals!

What’s the biggest mistake you see people make with January goals?

Shaina: Honestly, setting too many goals at once! To go even deeper, too many big goals at once. It’s totally fine to want to change various different areas of your life, but when you think about making big lifestyle changes (developing a fitness routine, eating healthy, going to sleep on time, etc.), it’s better to slow down and focus on one at a time. 

How do you personally approach goal-setting without going all-or-nothing?

Shaina: Not going to lie, I’m a big goals person. I love thinking of different goals that I want to accomplish. Goals give me direction, and then the small habits help me move forward.

Me after completing my first ever half-marathon in November 2025!

One thing I like to think about is that these goals are to help me with the WHOLE year…not just one month. I’ve started thinking of my year as a long race…and one thing I’ve learned is you don’t start off the race going as fast as you can.

It’s your warm-up, start with one intention/goal, and start small. The key to this? You have to check in with yourself, each month provides an opportunity to collect data, adjust if needed, and add one small thing.

If someone feels behind already, where should they start?

Shaina: By celebrating! I know that sounds weird, but the first thing you need to do is celebrate what you have already accomplished. Why? Because you can’t accurately know where you want to go before you know where you’ve been.

Ask yourself these two questions: 

• What celebrations/achievements have brought me to where I am today? 

• What challenges have I overcome? 

  
  

Then with those answers (written down preferably!), I want you to ask yourself:

• What one achievement do I want to celebrate this time next year?

• What would it feel like to have that one thing accomplished?

After that, it’s time to break down the small steps you need to take to get there. 

What does a “successful” January actually look like to you?

Shaina: A successful January to me looks like trying something new and, honestly, hopefully failing! Why? Because then I can see what needs to be adjusted!

For example, last year I set a goal of reading 12 “adulting” books, but I didn’t read any in January! This gave me the chance to figure out what was missing. I had the goal, but I needed some steps. So I adjusted by actually getting the book (duh) and setting time aside to read it.

January is a time for experimenting, seeing what’s working and what isn’t. Then, in February, you can have a check-in time with yourself and adjust as needed!

That’s also why I’ll be hosting a mid-February goal check-in workshop, not to set new goals, but to create space to reflect and adjust. If that kind of check-in would feel supportive, I’ll link the waitlist here.

Final Takeaway

Remember, goal setting starts with reflection, involves collecting data along the way, and ends with celebrating progress. January is for experimenting, and February is your first check-in.

Stay tuned for February, I’ve got some fun things coming: a short self-love challenge and a goal check-in workshop where you can take the data you’ve collected and make informed decisions.

You got this!