Revisit Your Resolutions, with Kindness
The first step is to look back at the goals you set at the beginning of the year. The key is to do this without judgment. Life happens, and priorities can shift dramatically in six months. A goal that seemed perfect in January might no longer be relevant
in July, and that's okay. Ask yourself: Is this goal still important to me? If not, it's liberating to cross it off the list. If it is still relevant, why has progress stalled? Perhaps the goal was too vague or ambitious. Instead of feeling defeated, see this as a chance to refine it. Breaking a large goal into smaller, manageable steps can make it feel much more achievable for the remainder of the year.
Conduct a Holistic Life Audit
A reality check goes beyond just goals; it's about assessing your overall well-being. Take a moment to evaluate different areas of your life: career, finances, health, relationships, and personal growth. You can try a 'Wheel of Life' exercise, where you rate your satisfaction in each area on a scale of one to ten. This isn't about scoring yourself, but about identifying which parts of your life feel fulfilling and which might need more attention. Are your daily habits and routines supporting the person you want to be? Are your relationships a source of energy? A life audit provides clarity on where to direct your focus for the rest of the year.
Acknowledge Your Wins, Big and Small
It's easy to focus on what you haven't done, but it's crucial to celebrate your progress. Look back through your calendar, photos, or journal from the first half of the year. You might be surprised by how much you've actually accomplished, even if they weren't part of your official goals. Maybe you handled a difficult work project, supported a friend through a tough time, or simply found a new hobby you love. Recognizing these achievements, no matter their size, builds confidence and provides motivation. Acknowledging effort is just as important as acknowledging outcomes, as it fosters a mindset of continuous growth rather than just success or failure.
Check In on Your Financial Health
Money is a significant part of our lives, and a mid-year check-in can prevent stress down the line. This doesn't have to be a daunting task. Start by reviewing your budget and spending habits from the last six months. Are you on track with any financial goals you set, like saving for a big purchase or paying down debt? Have any of your financial priorities changed? This is also a good time to check your credit score and review your investment or retirement accounts. A quick financial review now can help you make any necessary adjustments to end the year on a strong financial footing.
Set New, Exciting Intentions
Armed with the insights from your reality check, it’s time to look forward. But instead of just setting more goals, think about setting intentions. What feeling or theme do you want to define the rest of your year? Words like 'connection,' 'growth,' or 'balance' can serve as a compass for your decisions. Based on your intention, you can then create a few specific, realistic, and exciting goals. The advantage of a mid-year reset is that you have six months of experience to draw from, allowing you to set goals that are grounded in reality, not just New Year’s optimism. This isn't a 'do-over'; it's a chance to move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
