Episode 104: Reclaiming Your New Year’s Goals: Building Lasting Habits for Well-being

Reclaiming Your New Year's Goals: Building Lasting Habits for Well-being

In episode 104 of 'Wellness In Every Season,' host Autumn Carter, a certified life and wellness coach, delves into reclaiming New Year's goals and forming lasting habits for overall well-being. This episode provides an insightful guide on why resolutions often fail, the challenges that derail us, and how to develop sustainable habits. Autumn emphasizes reconnecting with your core values, breaking goals into manageable steps, and honoring your personal seasons of life. The episode includes practical tools, a detailed mindfulness practice, life hacks, and reflection questions to help listeners realign with their purpose and thrive in every dimension of wellness.

00:00 Introduction to Episode 104
01:54 Why New Year's Resolutions Fail
07:06 Building Healthy Habits for Success
13:23 Mindfulness Practice to Reconnect with Goals
19:38 Resetting Intentions with the Eight Dimensions of Wellness
22:10 Transitioning Back to the Podcast
22:19 Understanding Personal Seasons
23:46 Resetting Your Goals
24:46 Steps to Realign Your Goals
28:12 Life Hacks for Goal Setting
31:26 Final Reflections and Journaling
38:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

One last thing to cover the show legally. I am a certified life coach giving general advice. So think of this more like a self-help book. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed therapist. So this podcast shouldn't be taken as a replacement for professional guidance from my doctor therapist. Or any other qualified expert? If you want personal one-on-one coaching for my certified coach. Go to my website, wellness and every season.com. 

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Episode 104
• 1:54 Why New Year's Resolutions Fail
• 7:06 Building Healthy Habits for Success
• 13:23 Mindfulness Practice to Reconnect with Goals
• 19:38 Resetting Intentions with the Eight Dimensions of Wellness
• 22:10 Transitioning Back to the Podcast
• 22:19 Understanding Personal Seasons
• 23:46 Resetting Your Goals
• 24:46 Steps to Realign Your Goals
• 28:12 Life Hacks for Goal Setting
• 31:26 Final Reflections and Journaling
• 38:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

Transcript

Episode 104: Reclaiming Your New Year’s Goals: Building Lasting Habits for Well-being

Intro: 

This is Episode 104

Welcome to Wellness in Every Season, the podcast where we explore the rich tapestry of wellness in all its forms. I’m your host, Autumn Carter, a certified life coach turned wellness coach as well as a certified parenting coach dedicated to empowering others to rediscover their identity in their current season of life.

My goal is to help you thrive both as an individual and as a parent.

[Music]

EPISODE INTRO

Welcome to Episode 104 of Wellness in Every Season titled, “Reclaiming Your New Year’s Goals: Building Lasting Habits for Well-being.”

Welcome back to the podcast! If you’re new here, welcome. This podcast is your wellness haven, a space where we explore the tools, mindsets, and habits that help you thrive in every area of your life.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that feels especially relevant as we move further into the new year: What happens when your New Year’s goals don’t go as planned? Maybe you’ve let them slip, feel stuck, or never really got started. Wherever you are, this episode is for you.

Most people abandon their resolutions by February, so if you’re feeling that way, you’re not alone. But this isn’t about feeling guilt. Instead, it’s about staying curious and taking the time to realign yourself with who you feel called to become. It’s about reconnecting with the best version of yourself, the one you know is possible when you tune in to what really matters.

This episode will explore why resolutions often fail, the challenges that derail us, and how to develop healthy habits and routines that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. You’ll leave with practical tools and encouragement to let go of guilt and create a life that feels meaningful and aligned with your values.

Let’s dive in together and reclaim your goals, one intentional step at a time.

Key point #1: Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail

Let’s start by acknowledging something important: most New Year’s resolutions fail. Research shows that nearly 80% of people abandon their resolutions by mid-February. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re incapable or lack discipline. It’s often the way we approach resolutions that sets us up for frustration and, eventually, giving up.

Resolutions tend to fail for several reasons, but one of the biggest is that they’re often vague. Goals like “get healthy” or “save money” sound great on the surface but lack the clarity needed to take action. Without a clear plan, these broad intentions feel overwhelming and unattainable, especially when life inevitably gets in the way.

Another common pitfall is setting goals that are overly ambitious or rooted in external expectations rather than personal values. For example, maybe you’ve decided to lose a certain amount of weight or earn a specific amount of money because you feel like you should. But if that goal doesn’t reflect what truly matters to you—like improving your overall well-being or building financial security—it’s hard to stay motivated, and the goal quickly loses its meaning.

Then there’s the perfection trap. We often start the year with high expectations, determined to make sweeping changes. But when we inevitably slip up—and we will slip up—it’s easy to feel like we’ve failed. That sense of failure can lead to guilt, frustration, and, ultimately, giving up entirely. Instead of seeing a missed workout or an overspent budget as a normal part of the process, we internalize it as a lack of willpower.

But here’s the truth: goals aren’t about perfection. They’re about progress. They’re about moving the needle forward, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. The problem isn’t you—it’s the way resolutions are often framed. They’re treated as rigid, all-or-nothing commitments, rather than flexible, evolving guides that adapt to the realities of life.

Another reason resolutions often fail is the lack of a supportive foundation. Building healthy, sustainable habits takes time, and if we dive into a goal without establishing the routines that support it, we can feel overwhelmed. For instance, wanting to “exercise daily” is a fantastic goal, but if your current schedule doesn’t allow for it or if you don’t yet have a routine in place, it becomes a source of stress rather than a step forward.

Life will always throw curveballs. Unexpected events, busy schedules, and even mental or emotional hurdles can make sticking to a resolution feel impossible. Without a plan to adjust when things get tough, goals can easily fall to the wayside.

In this episode, we’re going to reframe the way we think about goals and habits. I’ll help you let go of guilt and frustration, and instead, stay curious about what’s not working and realign yourself with what truly matters. Together, we’ll explore how to create flexible goals and build healthy habits that allow you to make meaningful, lasting progress toward the best version of yourself. Let’s get started.

Key point #2: Building Healthy Habits to Support Your Goals

Let’s shift gears and talk about how you can create a foundation for lasting success by building healthy habits. Goals are like the destination on a map, but habits are the vehicle that gets you there. Without the right habits in place, even the best intentions can fall apart.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to overhaul their lives all at once. You’ve probably experienced it—deciding on January 1st, the start of the school year, your birthday, the start of a new job, or any big milestone that feels like a fresh start. You tell yourself this is the year you’re going to exercise daily, meditate every morning, eat perfectly clean meals, and finally read all those books gathering dust on your shelf. While these are all amazing intentions, they can quickly become overwhelming because you’re asking yourself to do too much too soon.

The key is to start small. Instead of trying to change everything at once, focus on one or two habits that align with your goals. For example, if your goal is to improve your physical health, you could start by committing to a 10-minute walk each day. If your goal is to reduce stress, you could start with a simple breathing exercise or journaling for five minutes in the morning. These small habits might not seem like much at first, but over time, they create a ripple effect that can lead to big changes.

Consistency is more important than intensity. Doing something small every day is far more effective than doing something big sporadically. This approach helps build momentum and creates a sense of accomplishment, which keeps you motivated to keep going.

Another important part of habit-building is identifying and removing obstacles. Sometimes, what holds us back isn’t a lack of willpower but rather a lack of preparation or a plan. For instance, if you want to start exercising in the morning but struggle to get out of bed, setting out your workout clothes the night before can remove that barrier. If healthy eating is your goal, meal prepping on Sundays might be the habit that supports that.

As you work on building habits, give yourself grace. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress. If you miss a day or stumble, don’t let it derail you. Get curious about what happened and adjust your approach. This flexibility is what allows you to keep moving forward, even when life throws challenges your way.

Most of my wellness coaching is deeply rooted in this process of building sustainable habits. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, working with me can give you the guidance and support you need to create a plan that works for you. Together, we’ll explore your goals, identify what’s holding you back, and design habits that align with the person you want to become. If this resonates with you, I’d love to help.

Next, we’re going to dive into a mindfulness practice that will help you reconnect with your goals and realign with your purpose. Stay tuned!

[Music]

Segment: Mindfulness Practice: Mindfulness Practice: Resetting Intentions and Visualizing Your Ideal Self

Now let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and reset. This mindfulness practice will help you gently examine past roadblocks, reset your intentions, and deeply connect with your ideal self. Remember, this isn’t about guilt or judgment—it’s about staying curious and creating space to realign with the person you are becoming.

Grounding Exercise with Movement and Breathwork

Close your eyes, or if you’re journaling, place your pen down for a moment and take a deep breath. Feel your body settle into the chair or the ground beneath you. Let your shoulders drop, unclench your jaw, and notice any tension you might be holding.

Let’s begin by shaking out the tension. Lift your hands and shake them gently, imagining any stress or frustration leaving your body with each movement. Shake your hands as if you’re letting go of the mental clutter and roadblocks that have been holding you back. Let your arms move freely, releasing any lingering heaviness in your shoulders, neck, and chest.

Next, let’s practice lion’s breath to release built-up tension and create space for fresh energy. Inhale deeply through your nose, letting your chest expand fully. Then, open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and exhale forcefully while making a loud “HA” sound. Feel the release as you let go of any doubts, frustration, or resistance.

Let’s do this together three more times. Inhale deeply through your nose. Now exhale with a powerful “HA” as you stick out your tongue. Feel your body growing lighter and freer with each exhale.

Now, return to a natural, steady breath. Place your hands gently on your lap or knees, and allow your body to relax completely.

Reflecting on Past Roadblocks

Now that you’re grounded, let’s reflect. Think back to a time when you set a goal but didn’t see it through. Gently ask yourself these questions:

• Did I try to take on too many goals at once, overwhelming myself before I had the chance to build momentum?

• Did I fail to ease into new habits, expecting myself to change everything overnight?

• Was I in a personal winter season, feeling low energy, overwhelmed, or in need of rest rather than ready to take on new challenges?

• Were my goals aligned with my values and what I truly wanted, or were they based on what I thought I “should” do?

Without judgment, simply notice what comes up for you. These reflections are valuable insights, helping you uncover patterns that you can approach differently moving forward.

Visualization: Walking Up the Stairs to Meet Your Ideal Self

Now, in your mind’s eye, imagine yourself standing at the base of a beautiful staircase. Each step represents a small, meaningful action you’ve taken toward becoming your ideal self.

With your first step, feel yourself moving closer to your goals. Notice how the weight of doubt begins to lift as you take another step. With each movement upward, feel yourself growing lighter, more connected to your purpose, and more aligned with your intentions.

As you reach the top, you see your ideal self waiting for you. This version of you feels grounded, confident, and fulfilled. Imagine this person in vivid detail.

What do they look like? What kind of energy do they carry? Picture them moving through a day in their life. Notice how they care for their physical wellness—do they start their day with gentle stretches, nourishing meals, or refreshing movement?

See how they nurture their emotional wellness, staying calm and resilient even in challenging moments. Observe their social wellness, surrounding themselves with uplifting relationships.

Picture how they embrace intellectual wellness, engaging in curiosity and lifelong learning. Feel the peace that comes from being grounded in spiritual wellness, connected to their values and purpose.

Notice their environment. How does their space support their environmental wellness? Imagine the ease they feel in managing their financial wellness, and the meaning they find in their occupational wellness, whether through work, caregiving, or creative pursuits.

Hold onto this vision of your ideal self. This person is within you, waiting to be realized, one small step at a time.

Returning to the Present: Walking Down the Stairs

Now, imagine turning around and walking back down the staircase. With each step, you bring the lessons, energy, and wisdom of your ideal self with you.

Feel yourself grounding into the present as you descend. Notice how the vision of your ideal self integrates into your current life. By the time you reach the bottom, you are carrying everything you’ve learned, ready to take intentional, meaningful action.

Resetting Intentions with the 8 Dimensions of Wellness

Now that you’re grounded and connected to your vision, let’s reset your intentions through the 8 dimensions of wellness:

1. Physical Wellness: What small steps can you take to care for your body today?

2. Emotional Wellness: How can you create space to process your emotions and reduce stress?

3. Intellectual Wellness: What new skill, hobby, or idea could you explore to keep your mind engaged?

4. Social Wellness: Who in your life could you connect with to feel more supported and uplifted?

5. Spiritual Wellness: What practices help you feel grounded and aligned with your purpose?

6. Environmental Wellness: How can you create or enhance a space that supports your well-being?

7. Financial Wellness: What’s one step you can take today to manage your resources with intention?

8. Occupational Wellness: How can you find meaning and balance in the work you do?

Choose one or two dimensions that resonate with where you are right now. Focus on small, achievable steps that feel aligned with your values and the vision of your ideal self.

Final Questions to Anchor Your Intentions

To ground this experience, ask yourself:

1. What roadblocks have I faced before, and how can I approach them differently this time?

2. Which dimensions of wellness need the most attention in my life right now, and what is one small habit I can start today?

3. How can I carry the energy and lessons of my future self into my current life?

Closing Thoughts

As you open your eyes or finish journaling, take a deep breath and acknowledge the progress you’ve already made simply by showing up for yourself in this moment. This practice isn’t about perfection—it’s about reconnecting with your purpose and creating a foundation for growth.

If this practice resonated with you and you’re looking for more guidance, my wellness coaching is rooted in helping you explore your goals, overcome roadblocks, and build habits that align with your vision for your best life. I’d love to help you on this journey.

In the next solo episode, we’ll dive into the idea of personal seasons—what they are, how to identify the season you’re in, and how it influences your energy, goals, and priorities. I can’t wait to share it with you!

[Music]

Key point #3: Teaser for Upcoming Podcast Episode: Aligning Your Goals with Your Personal Seasons

As we’ve talked about today, one of the biggest challenges in setting and sticking to goals is misalignment with your current energy and priorities. Just like nature moves through seasons, we all experience personal seasons in life—times of growth, productivity, reflection, or rest. When we try to push ourselves to achieve summer-level results during a personal winter, it’s no wonder we run out of energy or feel stuck.

In an upcoming episode, we’ll dive deeper into this concept of personal seasons—what they are, how to identify the season you’re currently in, and how to adjust your goals to work with your season, not against it. We’ll explore how the 8 dimensions of wellness shift during different seasons of life and how to use this understanding to create goals that feel natural, fulfilling, and achievable.

If you’ve ever felt like you were forcing yourself to push through exhaustion or guilted yourself for not achieving enough, this episode will help you embrace where you are and make progress in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.

Stay tuned—I can’t wait to share this powerful topic with you!

Key point #4 How to Reset Your Goals

Let’s talk about how to reset your goals and approach them with fresh energy and intention. Maybe the goals you set at the start of the year have lost their momentum, or maybe they no longer resonate with the person you are right now. That’s okay—goals are meant to evolve. Resetting your goals isn’t about giving up; it’s about realigning with what matters most and creating a plan that feels doable and inspiring.

Step 1: Revisit Your “Why”

The first step in resetting your goals is to reconnect with your why. Ask yourself:

• Why did I set this goal in the first place?

• Is this goal still meaningful to me, or has my focus shifted?

• Does this goal align with the person I want to become?

Your “why” is the fuel behind your goals. If you’ve lost sight of it—or if your “why” has changed—it’s time to redefine it or shift your focus to something that feels more aligned with your current values and priorities.

Step 2: Break Goals into Bite-Sized Steps

One of the most common reasons goals feel overwhelming is that they’re too big or vague. For example, a goal like “get healthier” or “save money” can feel like a massive mountain to climb. Instead, break your goal into small, manageable steps that you can focus on one at a time.

If your goal is to improve your physical wellness, start with something simple like committing to a 10-minute walk each day or drinking an extra glass of water. If your goal is financial wellness, focus on tracking your spending for one week or setting up a small automatic savings transfer. These small actions build momentum and make progress feel achievable.

Step 3: Adjust the Timeline

Another important step in resetting your goals is to adjust the timeline. Maybe your original deadline was too ambitious, or life threw you a curveball that made it difficult to stay on track. That’s okay—progress doesn’t have to fit into a rigid timeline.

Be honest with yourself about what’s realistic given your current season of life and energy levels. Extend your deadline if needed, and give yourself permission to move at a pace that feels sustainable.

Step 4: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

As you reset your goals, shift your focus from perfection to progress. Celebrate the small wins along the way—whether it’s completing a single workout, choosing a nourishing meal, or setting aside $10 in savings. These small victories add up and help you stay motivated, even when the bigger goal still feels far away.

If you slip up or miss a day, don’t let it derail you. Use it as an opportunity to reflect, adjust, and keep moving forward. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Step 5: Build Accountability

Accountability can be a powerful tool for staying on track. Share your reset goals with a friend, family member, or coach who can offer support and encouragement. If you’re struggling to stay consistent, consider working with me as your wellness coach. Together, we can create a personalized plan that aligns with your values, builds healthy habits, and helps you overcome roadblocks.

Questions to Reset Your Goals

To help you reset your intentions, ask yourself these questions:

1. What goal feels most aligned with the person I want to become?

2. What small, manageable step can I take this week to move closer to that goal?

3. How can I celebrate progress, even if it’s not perfect?

Next, we’ll wrap up with some final reflections and a journaling exercise to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Stay tuned!

Lifehack: Simple Strategies to Reset and Stick to Your Goals

Welcome to the lifehack section, where we focus on quick, actionable strategies to help you reset and stick to your goals with more ease and less overwhelm. These lifehacks are designed to fit into your busy life while making a big impact over time.

1. Habit Stacking

If you’re struggling to build a new habit, try habit stacking—a method where you attach a new habit to an existing one. For example:

• If you want to start journaling, place your journal next to your coffee maker and write one sentence while your coffee brews.

• If you want to practice gratitude, name three things you’re grateful for while brushing your teeth.

By pairing new habits with routines you already do, you create natural reminders and make the new habit easier to stick to.

2. The Two-Minute Rule

Sometimes starting is the hardest part. Use the two-minute rule to lower the barrier. Commit to doing your new habit for just two minutes:

• If your goal is to exercise, do two minutes of stretching.

• If your goal is to read more, open a book and read one page.

Starting small builds momentum, and you’ll often find yourself naturally continuing beyond the two-minute mark.

3. The “Done for You” Prep Method

Set yourself up for success by prepping ahead of time:

• Lay out your workout clothes the night before.

• Pre-chop veggies for quick, healthy meals during the week.

• Keep a water bottle filled and ready in your workspace to stay hydrated.

When you remove decision-making from the equation, it becomes easier to follow through.

4. Visual Reminders

Keep your goals front and center by using visual reminders. For example:

• Create a vision board and place it where you’ll see it daily.

• Write your top goal on a sticky note and stick it to your bathroom mirror.

• Use your phone wallpaper to display a motivational phrase or image tied to your goal.

These reminders help you stay focused and connected to your “why.”

5. The Weekly Reset

Every week, take five minutes to check in with yourself. Ask:

• What went well this week?

• What could I improve?

• What’s one small step I can focus on next week?

This weekly reset allows you to reflect, adjust, and stay on track without getting overwhelmed.

Bonus Lifehack: Work with a Coach

If you’re feeling stuck or need personalized support, working with a wellness coach can be a game-changer. As your coach, I can help you clarify your goals, identify what’s holding you back, and create a step-by-step plan that works for you. If this sounds like what you need, let’s connect—I’d love to help!

Up next, we’ll dive into some final reflections and a journaling exercise to help you bring everything we’ve covered today into focus. Stay with me!

Key Point #5: Tying It All Together – Moving Forward with Clarity and Purpose

As we come to the end of today’s episode, it’s time to bring everything we’ve discussed together into a clear path forward. Let’s review the insights, tools, and strategies we’ve explored and touch on a few final thoughts that will help you move forward with confidence and purpose.

Reconnecting with Your Why

Throughout this episode, we’ve talked about the importance of reconnecting with your why. This is the foundation of all meaningful goals. If you don’t feel inspired by the deeper purpose behind your goals, they will feel like chores instead of opportunities for growth.

Take a moment to ask yourself again: Why do I want to achieve this goal? How will it help me become the person I feel called to be?

This “why” is what keeps you going when things get tough. Write it down, revisit it often, and let it guide your decisions.

Honoring Your Season of Life

Another key takeaway is recognizing the season of life you’re in and how it influences your energy, mindset, and priorities. Are you in a season of growth and ready to dive into action, or are you in a season of rest, where you need to move slower and focus on nurturing yourself?

Goals aligned with your season feel more natural and achievable, so honor where you are. Remember, there is no shame in adjusting your goals to fit your current reality.

The 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Your Holistic Roadmap

If there’s one thing to take away, it’s that true well-being requires balance across the 8 dimensions of wellness. Physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, financial, and occupational wellness are all interconnected. Neglecting one can create imbalance in others.

Use these dimensions as a guide to reset your goals and make sure you’re addressing the areas of life that need the most attention. Maybe you’ve been so focused on work (occupational wellness) that you’ve neglected your relationships (social wellness) or self-care (physical wellness).

Ask yourself: Which dimension of wellness needs more care and attention, and how can I take one small step to nurture it today?

Getting Specific: SMART Goals and Habit Stacking

We touched on the importance of breaking your goals into smaller, actionable steps. Let’s take that a step further by making your goals SMART:

• Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?

• Measurable: How will you track your progress?

• Achievable: Is this goal realistic given your current resources and season of life?

• Relevant: Does this goal align with your why?

• Time-bound: What’s your timeline or deadline?

Pair these SMART goals with habit stacking—linking new habits to existing ones—to make them feel seamless and easy to implement.

Final Reflection: Visualizing Your Ideal Self

Let’s return to the vision of your ideal self. Imagine this version of you standing before you, offering wisdom and encouragement. What would they say?

They might remind you that:

• Progress matters more than perfection.

• You don’t need to do it all at once. Small steps lead to big changes.

• You are capable of evolving into the best version of yourself, one decision at a time.

Hold onto this image of your ideal self as you take the next step forward.

What We Haven’t Touched On: The Power of Support

One thing we didn’t mention enough is the importance of support. Achieving goals is easier when you’re surrounded by people who believe in you, hold you accountable, and encourage you through challenges. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coach, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

As a wellness coach, this is the heart of what I do. If today’s conversation resonated with you and you’re ready to dive deeper into your goals, habits, and personal growth, I’d love to work with you. Together, we can create a roadmap that aligns with your vision for your best life.

Moving Forward: The Journey Begins Now

This isn’t about waiting for a perfect moment to start—it’s about starting where you are. Take what you’ve learned today and apply it in small, meaningful ways.

Here’s one final journaling prompt to carry with you:

What is one small, intentional step I can take this week to move closer to the life I want to create?

Write it down, commit to it, and celebrate when you take that step. Each small win brings you closer to the person you’re becoming.

[Music]

Coaching Questions 

10 Coaching Questions to Help You Reflect and Move Forward

1. What is one goal I’ve set in the past that still feels meaningful to me, and why?

2. What has been my biggest roadblock when it comes to achieving my goals, and how can I approach it differently this time?

3. Which season of life am I currently in, and how does this influence the types of goals I set and the pace I move at?

4. What small, actionable step can I take today to build momentum toward my goal?

5. How does my goal align with my personal values and the vision I have for my life?

6. What support do I need to stay consistent with my goals, and how can I seek it out?

7. Which of the 8 dimensions of wellness feels most out of balance in my life right now, and what can I do to nurture that area?

8. What limiting belief might be holding me back from fully committing to my goals, and how can I reframe it into an empowering truth?

9. How can I celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated and inspired?

10. If I were living as my ideal self right now, what would they tell me to focus on and prioritize?

3 Affirmations to Support Your Journey

1. I am capable of making small, meaningful changes that align with my vision for my life.

2. I honor the season of life I’m in and set goals that nurture my well-being.

3. Each step I take brings me closer to the best version of myself, and I celebrate my progress along the way.

Take these questions and affirmations with you as tools for reflection and empowerment. They can help you reconnect with your purpose and take aligned steps toward the life you’re working to create.

You can find these questions written out in the transcripts on my website at https://www.wellnessineveryseason.com/podcast-transcripts for easy reference. Take your time with them, and don’t feel pressured to answer all at once—this is your journey. These questions are here to guide you, spark reflection, and help you take those first small steps toward uncovering your unique life purpose.

CLOSING REMARKS & EPISODE SUMMARY

Today, we explored what happens when your New Year’s goals lose momentum and how to reset them with intention and purpose. We started by reflecting on common roadblocks—like setting too many goals at once or starting during a personal winter season when energy is low—and why understanding these patterns is key to moving forward.

We then grounded ourselves with a mindfulness practice to reconnect with your vision for the best version of yourself. By focusing on the 8 dimensions of wellness, we looked at how to create balanced, holistic goals that align with your values and the season of life you’re in.

From there, we discussed practical tools, like breaking goals into smaller steps, using habit stacking, and celebrating progress rather than striving for perfection. We also touched on how to realign with your “why” and the power of revisiting your goals regularly to keep them meaningful and achievable.

Finally, we wrapped up with powerful coaching questions and affirmations to help you reflect, reset, and move forward with confidence and clarity.

If you loved this episode or know someone who might need it, please share it. Your recommendation could be the encouragement someone needs to start their own journey.

And if you’re ready to work with me one-on-one or explore my programs, visit https://www.wellnessineveryseason.com. I’d love to help you find clarity and purpose in your life.

In the next solo episode, we’ll explore personal seasons in depth—how to recognize what season you’re in, how it impacts your energy and priorities, and how to align your life accordingly. It’s a powerful way to embrace the rhythms of your life with grace and intention. Stay tuned—I can’t wait to share it with you!

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me. Here’s to embracing your purpose, living intentionally, and finding wellness in every season of life. Until next time, take care of yourself and keep moving toward the life you’re meant to live.

[Music]

Outro: 

Thank you for joining me on Wellness in Every Season. Take time to relax, heal, and be present. Next week, we will be talking about the Link Between Neuropathy, Weight Loss, and Gut Health with Dr. Singleton.

 Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode. I am your host, Autumn Carter, a certified life coach dedicated to empowering individuals to rediscover their identity, find balance amidst chaos, strengthen relationships, and pursue their dreams. My goal is to help people thrive in every aspect of their lives. I hope today’s discussion inspired you and offered valuable insights.

Stay engaged with our wellness community by signing up for my newsletter at wellnessineveryseason.com/free-resources. When you join, you’ll have the option to receive a five-day guide called Awaken and Unwind: Five Days to Mastering Your Mornings and Evenings, along with free guides, special offers on my programs, practical tips, personal stories, and much more.

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Thank you for being a part of our podcast community. I look forward to continuing our conversation, sharing stories, and exploring wellness in all its aspects. Take care until our next episode. You can also work with me one-on-one or on-demand through one of my programs by visiting wellnessineveryseason.com/programs.

One last thing to cover the show legally: I am a certified life coach giving general advice. So think of this more like a self-help book. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed therapist, so this podcast shouldn’t be taken as a replacement for professional guidance from a doctor or therapist. If you want personal one-on-one coaching from a certified life and parenting coach, go to my website, wellnessineveryseason.com. That’s where you can get personalized coaching from me.

See you in next week’s episode!

Realigning Your Goals: Embrace Progress Over Perfection

This episode addresses the common challenge of abandoning resolutions and emphasizes the importance of staying curious and realigning with one's goals. It highlights that failure is a part of the process and stresses the value of small, consistent habits over drastic changes. By reconnecting with your deeper purpose and celebrating small victories, you can maintain motivation and progress toward your goals. Techniques such as habit stacking and adjusting goals in alignment with current life seasons are discussed to aid in sustainable personal growth.

00:00 Why Resolutions Fail

00:35 Embracing Imperfection

01:10 The Power of Small Habits

01:52 Mindfulness and Realignment

02:56 Personal Seasons and Realigning Goals

03:53 Habit Stacking and Small Wins

04:16 Reconnecting with Your Why

04:34 Conclusion: Small Steps to Big Changes