Feeling like your goals are slipping away this January? Don’t worry, it’s all part of the process. Learn how to identify bottlenecks, revisit your ‘why’, and adjust your goals without giving up. Tune in to my latest podcast episode for insights and a motivational boost!
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on Youtube, or scroll down for the summary!
Are your Goals Slipping Away?
Feeling like your goals are slipping away this January? Don’t worry, it’s all part of the process. Learn how to identify bottlenecks, revisit your ‘why’, and adjust your goals without giving up. Tune in to my latest podcast episode for insights and a motivational boost!
Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
Hello lovely freelancers! January can be a tricky beast, can’t it? At the start of the month, we’re all fired up to smash our goals, achieve greatness, and make this “the best year ever.” But somewhere between the cold, grey mornings and the lack of vitamin D, those ambitious goals can start to feel a bit… well, overwhelming.
If you’ve found yourself struggling to keep up with your goals, I want to reassure you: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. Let’s break down some practical steps to help you get back on track, keep that momentum alive, and, most importantly, show yourself some kindness along the way.
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Why January Feels So Hard
First things first, let’s acknowledge why this time of year can feel a bit sluggish:
- Energy Levels Are Low: It’s winter! Short days and cold nights mean less energy and motivation.
- Unrealistic Expectations: We start January thinking we need to sprint, but sometimes a gentle stroll is what’s really needed.
- Seasonal Blues: With little sunshine, we often find ourselves craving warmth and rest rather than action and progress.
The truth is, January isn’t always the time for massive leaps. It’s okay to ease into your goals like a hibernating hedgehog slowly waking up in spring.
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3 Steps to Get Back on Track
- Identify the Bottleneck
If your goals feel out of reach, take a moment to identify what’s holding you back.
- Is it a practical issue, like finding the time or energy?
- Is it emotional, like imposter syndrome or a lack of motivation?
For example:
- If you’re struggling to go to the gym, maybe the problem isn’t the workout itself but the effort it takes to get there. Can you lay out your gym kit the night before or reward yourself with a favourite podcast while exercising?
- If posting consistently on LinkedIn feels daunting, is it a lack of content ideas? Perhaps scheduling a brainstorming session with a friend or using a tool like ChatGPT could help.
Breaking down the problem into smaller pieces makes it easier to solve.
- Revisit Your ‘Why’
Sometimes, when motivation wavers, it helps to reconnect with the reason you set your goal in the first place. Ask yourself:
- Why do I want this?
- How will I feel when I achieve it?
- Is this goal really for me, or is it something I feel I should want?
Visualising success can be a powerful motivator. Picture yourself with three new clients, hitting your income goals, or simply feeling proud of your progress. If the goal doesn’t excite you, perhaps it’s time to tweak it or choose something that resonates more deeply with your current priorities.
- Adjust Your Goals
Here’s your official permission slip to change your goals. Goals aren’t written in stone—they’re a guide, not a prison sentence.
Consider adopting a “Meet, Stretch, Smash” framework:
- Meet Goal: Your baseline, the minimum you need to achieve (e.g., three new clients).
- Stretch Goal: A challenging but achievable target (e.g., four new clients).
- Smash Goal: Your big win, if everything goes perfectly (e.g., six new clients).
This approach gives you flexibility and allows you to celebrate progress without feeling like you’ve failed.
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Progress Over Perfection
Let’s remember: goals are destinations, but the journey is where the magic happens. Along the way, you might discover shortcuts, encounter detours, or even decide that a different path suits you better. And that’s okay.
So, if you’re feeling stuck:
- Identify what’s holding you back.
- Revisit your motivation and make sure the goal aligns with your values.
- Adjust your goals to fit your current energy levels, time, and priorities.
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If finding clients is one of your bottlenecks, I’ve got you covered! Download my free resources:
- Five Ways to Find Your Next Client: A short and sweet training video packed with actionable tips.
- 30+ Ways to Find Freelance Clients: A handy guide with all the strategies you need to attract new clients.
Both are linked in the podcast notes, so grab them and give your business a boost!
Remember, progress over perfection, always. January might feel like wading through treacle, but spring is on its way. Until then, ease into your goals, make adjustments as needed, and celebrate every small win along the way.
Wishing you a fabulous freelance week—let’s make 2025 a year of growth, kindness, and success (with plenty of tea along the way).
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Freebies:
5 Ways to Find Your Next Client: https://freelancelifestyle.co.uk/5-ways-to-find-your-next-client/
30+ Ways to Find Freelance Clients: https://freelancelifestyle.co.uk/newsletter/
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Email: hello@emmacossey.com
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Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
