When goal setting doesn’t seem to be working, it’s usually not because you’re doing something wrong—it’s because something about the goal, the timing, or the approach needs adjusting. Let’s talk about what to do when you feel like you’ve hit a wall.

Goals, when done well, give your desires a shape. They create a sense of focus. They help you notice progress, even when it’s incremental. And—maybe most importantly—they help you make choices about how to spend your time, rather than letting the demands of the day make those choices for you.

As you close out this year, remember: every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the beautiful mosaic of your life. Take a moment to honor it—you deserve it.