The end of July has come and gone. Less than five months remain in 2025. While many of us have written down goals, just as many are contemplating ways to ignore them—if we even remember that we had any.
Too often, goals are drafted, printed, and filed—never to be seen again until shredding day.
On a network call last week, I heard something familiar—yet still striking: the quiet detour people take from their goals. Several spoke of changing or setting them aside. While this isn’t new, it prompted deeper questions: Do we abandon the effort too quickly, missing what the process of working toward a goal could unlock? Or is it simply unfeasible this year due to shifts in life or business, like caregiving responsibilities, job changes, new company mandates, or health setbacks?
A goal isn’t just an endpoint. It’s a stretch. It asks us to reach beyond habit and into growth—where inner strength, clarity, and confidence can be revealed.
No doctrine says you can’t change a goal. No rulebook says you should. The difference? It’s personal. It depends on what your commitment to shift, create, or move forward—and how urgent it feels. (Example: If a boss asks you to join a team, you comply asap; if a doctor advises weight loss and exercise, you act with urgency—or face the consequences.)
Throughout the remainder of the year, opportunities will arise to abandon, postpone, or fully commit to your goals. The question that must be answered is: Are these goals designed to satisfy my boss, client, or family? Or, are they serving my deepest intentions: financial freedom, improved health, and stronger relationships? Then, what is the cost of waiting?
Every goal requires an evolving process to be fulfilled—you won’t be able to predict every twist, relationship shift, or unexpected circumstance. Yet the goal itself often remains the gateway to growth, and the confidence that emerges along the way is invaluable.
The key? It’s up to you.
🧭 Definitions to Anchor Your Focus
Review your goals and ensure these three keys are included. If not, consider rewriting and pursuing.
- Goal: A desired result requiring purpose and action. Keep it under 10 words and assign a timeframe. → Achieve $10,000 pay increase by 12/31/2025 → Lose 10 pounds walking 3x daily by 9/30/2025
- Intention: A clear commitment fueled by personal meaning and direction. It’s the “why” behind your goal—the energy that drives it. Again, 10 words or less.
- Milestones: Measurable checkpoints that track progress (10 words or less). These build your confidence and remind you that success is unfolding, even when it’s not immediately visible.
My advice? Keep going. Only change your goal if it no longer aligns with your life’s direction. For example, if a job offer falls through, staying in your current role might be the best choice for now—but that doesn’t mean you stop exploring new opportunities. Choosing to stay isn’t a failure; it’s a moment of clarity and focus. It may also be the perfect time to set a new goal—one that genuinely excites and inspires you.
What will you proudly say you achieved in 2025? The next five months will fly by—and before you know it, it’ll be 2026. Make sure you can look back and say, “I did that.” The most meaningful wins often come from the goals that required you to stretch. (Congrats—early!) And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Lean on your coach, your team, and your circle of support. Trust yourself—and trust others to help you stretch.
© Jeannette Seibly 2025 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, has guided thousands of executives and business leaders to achieve remarkable success over the past 32 years. Her specialty is delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges—with excellence and accountability at the core.
For those navigating the 55+ transition, goals aren’t just about productivity—they’re about rediscovery. This stage invites a deeper alignment between values, lifestyle, and legacy. Whether you’re refining your career path, relocating, or reimagining what fulfillment looks like, the right goal can act as a compass—guiding you toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful impact. Contact Jeannette now.