Over the last decade, I’ve built a system that helps me reset every year.

Not in a resolution kind of way.

But in a way that keeps me honest—with myself, my direction, my capacity.

It started back when I was still in school, living in Canada.

I used to write goals like:

• Move to San Francisco
• Get a job in product management
• Build a community that feels like home

And I did those things.

I got the job, moved countries, and built a life that looked exactly like the dream on paper.

But somewhere in the middle of all that, I lost track of who I was building it for.

That’s why I come back to this process every year.

Because it’s not just about productivity.

It’s about alignment.

We outgrow our dreams. And that’s okay.

I used to say I was in tech for the mission. But really, I was in tech for the money.

I used to think I wanted to run startups forever. But honestly? Some days I just want to teach high school history.

That tension—that feeling of “I built this, but it’s not quite me anymore”—is one of the clearest signs it’s time to reflect.

So if you’re here right now, wondering whether your goals still fit the person you’ve become…

Here’s the system I use every December to check in, reset, and redesign my life in a way that actually fits.

Session 1: Look Back & Brainstorm

Before you set any goals—pause. Look back.

Step 1: Reflect on 2023

• What worked?
• What memories felt alive?
• What felt slightly off or disconnected?

Do this across the areas that matter most to you.

My categories look like this:

• Health (mind, body, spirit)
• Finances
• Purpose / Work
• Growth (education, spirituality, learning)
• Relationships (friends, partners, community, family)
• Environment / Home
• Creativity
• Fun & Adventure
• Giving Back

2–4 sentences per category are enough.

This isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about naming what’s real.

Step 2: Rapid-Fire Clarity

Take 10 minutes. Answer without overthinking.

• If I had all the money in the world, how would I spend my time?
• What will I regret not doing at the end of my life?
• What does my ideal day look like? Week? Month?
• Where do I want to be in 5 years?

Write it all down. Let it be messy. You’re not building a plan yet. You’re remembering who you are.

Session 2: Your Ideal Life

Now we shift into visioning. Not for your whole future. Just the next 2 years.

Step 1: “My life is ideal when…”

For each category, finish the sentence:

“My life is ideal when…”

Keep it short. Keep it real.

Examples:

• Health: I eat at regular times, move my body, and sleep deeply. I listen to my energy instead of pushing through.
• Work: I’m creating things I believe in. I feel challenged, but not drained. I’m surrounded by people who care about impact more than ego.
• Environment: I live in a peaceful home with sunlight, nature, and space to be fully myself.

This is the foundation. Your compass.

And you can come back to it when you feel off.

Session 3: Identify the Gap

Once you’ve defined your ideal life—it’s time to map the gap.

Step 1: How close are you right now?

For each category, rate from 1–5:

How much am I living this version of my life right now?

No shame. Just awareness.

Step 2: What would help close the gap?

Write one to three ideas per category. Not goals—just things that would move you closer.

Examples:

• Therapy
• Living alone for a while
• Taking time off work
• Signing up for a class
• Ending something you’ve been tolerating

This is where the truth starts to surface.

Session 4: Decide What Really Matters

You can’t do everything at once. And you shouldn’t try.

Step 1: Pick your top 3–5 priorities for the next 6 months

Ask yourself:

• What areas would change everything if they shifted, even a little?
• What’s non-negotiable for me right now?
• What’s a distracting noise I can let go of?

My example from one year:

1. Health – My nervous system is the foundation for everything.
2. Financial Stability – I want to feel safe enough to explore creativity.
3. Creativity – I want to bring my ideas to life again. Without pressure. Without performance.

These aren’t resolutions. They’re your root system.

Session 5: Options and Tangible Goals

Now we bring it into action. Gently.

Step 1: Explore your options

If you’re in a career pivot, list a few paths:

• Consulting
• Teaching
• Starting your own thing
• Doing part-time client work while building something on the side

Gut check each one against your ideal life vision.

What are the trade-offs? The benefits? What would it unlock?

Step 2: Set small, doable goals

Start with 1–2 per priority area.

Examples:

• Health: Move 3x/week. Reduce screens after 9 pm.
• Finances: Take on one consulting project per month.
• Creativity: Publish one blog post per month. Return to painting.

Keep it light. Keep it aligned.

This is the beginning—not the final draft.

Why This System Works

It’s flexible.

It meets you where you are.

And it’s honest enough to catch you when you’re performing goals you don’t actually want anymore.

You don’t have to hustle your way into clarity.

You just have to pause long enough to listen to what’s really true for you.

I started using this framework because I wanted to build something intentional.

But I keep using it because it helps me return to myself—year after year, version after version.

So if you’re feeling unclear about what you want in 2026…

or if you know what you want but you’re scared to name it out loud…

Use this.

Write it all down.

Don’t wait to feel ready.

You don’t need to plan the perfect year.

You just need to build the one that fits you now.