Letting Go of Goals
November 6, 2025
I have had a set of written goals since 1991 and I go over them once a month, religiously. I have been doing this for almost 35 years, and I used to look forward to it every month, but then something changed. I realized I was just going through the motions every month, without any real benefit. So, I stopped reviewing my goals and last month was the last time.
Here is why I decided to let go of my goals.
Mission Accomplished
- I reached the last three major goals in the past two years, since I retired.
- The things left on my list are minor and relatively unimportant to me.
- I still have a Bucket List, but I am finished with the goals for now.
Letting Go is Hard
- Old habits are hard to break, especially after 34 years.
- A lot of my identity was wrapped into my goals, but I’m not that same person.
- Finally, sometimes goals change and you have to change with it.
Letting Go Feels Good
- It has been a huge relief not having any goals hanging over me.
- It is like a big weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
- I have switched from accomplishment mode to relax mode.
- Letting go of the small goals has allowed me to enjoy a small victory.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that my Goals have served me incredibly well and I highly recommend having goals to everyone. But it is time to move on from my past and to think about my future instead. So, I am on to new adventures and new aspirations.
