Slow Down to Move Forward: Discovering Your Core Values Instead of Chasing Goals This January
January has arrived—the season of “New Year, New You” mantras, packed gym memberships, and endless lists of resolutions. Everywhere you look, the pressure to set ambitious goals and hit the ground running is in full force.
But what if this year, you did things differently?
What if, instead of sprinting into the new year, you honored the natural rhythm of winter—a season of rest, reflection, and quiet growth? What if, rather than setting resolutions that may leave you feeling inadequate or behind by February, you started by looking inward and aligning your life with what truly matters to you?
This is not about doing more—it’s about being more aligned with who you’ve become.
The Problem with Goal-Setting in January
Let’s be honest—how many times have you set January goals only to feel overwhelmed, uninspired, or off-track within weeks? You’re not alone.
Women in midlife, especially, are often juggling so many responsibilities—careers, family, relationships, and caregiving—that adding more “to-dos” to the list can feel exhausting before you even begin.
Yet, we keep doing it. Why?
Because we’re conditioned to believe that more goals = more success. That our worth is measured by how much we accomplish, how busy we are, and how quickly we can check things off the list.
But here’s the truth—goals without meaning will never feel fulfilling.
And in midlife, where change is already unfolding—whether it’s hormonal, emotional, or spiritual—it’s easy to feel disconnected from the goals we set because they’re often based on who we used to be, not who we’re becoming.
What If January Was for Rest and Reflection?
Winter is nature’s built-in pause button.
The earth slows down. Trees shed their leaves and focus on nourishing their roots. Animals hibernate, conserving energy for the seasons ahead.
What if we allowed ourselves to do the same?
January is an invitation to rest, reflect, and realign—to honor the natural rhythm of the season instead of fighting against it. It’s a time to go inward, listen to your intuition, and reconnect with your core values—those deeply held beliefs that guide your decisions, shape your priorities, and bring meaning to your life.
The Power of Core Values Over Resolutions
While resolutions often focus on what you want to do—lose weight, exercise more, or save money—core values focus on who you want to be and how you want to feel in your life.
When you make decisions based on your values, you naturally create habits and actions that feel aligned, fulfilling, and sustainable.
For example:
- If connection is a core value, instead of setting a goal to “network more,” you might decide to schedule regular coffee dates with close friends to deepen your relationships.
- If growth is important to you, rather than forcing yourself to read 50 books this year, you might choose to take one class or join a group that inspires you.
- If freedom matters most, you might explore ways to simplify your commitments and create more breathing room in your schedule.
See the difference? Core values bring clarity—not just to your goals, but to your entire life.
How to Discover Your Core Values This January
Step 1: Reflect
Spend some time journaling with these prompts:
- What moments in the past year felt the most fulfilling or meaningful?
- When did I feel most at peace with myself and my choices?
- What qualities do I admire most in others?
Step 2: Identify Patterns
Look for recurring themes in your answers—these are clues to your core values. Words like freedom, connection, growth, balance, or creativity may emerge.
Step 3: Choose Your Top 3-5 Values
Focus on a few values that feel most true to who you are right now—not who you were 10 years ago.
Step 4: Align Your Life
Use these values as a compass. Before making decisions or taking action, ask yourself:
- Does this align with my values?
- Will this move me closer to who I want to be?
Allow Yourself to Move with the Seasons
Nature doesn’t bloom in January—it rests, gathers energy, and prepares for what’s next.
You’re allowed to do the same.
This is not the season to force yourself into rigid goals or overwhelm your schedule. It’s the season to plant seeds—intentions, not demands—and trust that when spring arrives, you’ll be ready to grow.
When you align with the natural rhythm of winter, you give yourself permission to listen deeply to your intuition, slow down, and trust the process. From this place of alignment, clarity and confidence flow naturally—and your goals will feel inspired, not forced.
Ready to Align Your Life with What Truly Matters?
If you’re tired of setting resolutions that don’t stick and are ready to create a life that feels joyful, balanced, and authentic, join me for Align & Thrive—an empowering workshop to rediscover your core values, realign your life, and step into the year with clarity and confidence. Learn More Here. Let’s make this your year to thrive—without the burnout.
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I help women create thriving lives by identifying their core desires, restoring work/life balance and focusing on overall wellbeing.
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Hi I'm Yvonne
I work with women just like you who feel a deeper calling to explore the meaning in their lives.