Set Goals That Inspire: Move Toward What You Want This New Year
How to Set New Year Goals That Truly Move You Forward
As the New Year approaches, many of us start to reflect on what we want to change or achieve in the months ahead. Yet often, we unknowingly set goals rooted in avoidance, focusing on what we don’t want. “I don’t want to feel overwhelmed,” “I don’t want to argue with my partner,” or “I don’t want to be unfit anymore.”
While these goals might sound reasonable, they’re limited. They keep us looking backward, focusing on problems rather than possibilities.
Instead, what if you set goals that pulled you toward something exciting, inspiring, and positive? Goals that light you up rather than drain you?
In this blog, I’ll show you why this mindset shift is so powerful, give you practical steps to set “toward” goals for the New Year, and share a simple exercise to kickstart your transformation.
Why “Away From” Goals Keep You Stuck
Many of us default to “away from” goals, focusing on things we want to stop or escape. It’s natural; we’re hardwired to avoid discomfort. But these goals, while understandable, often leave us stuck.
In a recent coaching session, my client L began by reflecting on her struggles at work. Her initial goals were rooted in avoidance:
“I need to stop being so hard on myself.”
“I don’t want to let people think I’m not managing things well.”
The energy behind these goals felt heavy and limiting. Avoidance keeps you focused on what’s wrong and what’s missing, reinforcing the negative patterns you want to escape.
Here’s why this approach rarely moves us forward:
It reinforces what you don’t want. Your focus stays on stress, failure, or frustration.
It feels heavy. Avoidance drains your energy and motivation.
It lacks clarity. Moving away from something gives you no direction on what to actually do.
Imagine trying to drive somewhere by saying, “I don’t want to end up at the wrong place.” You’ve successfully avoided what you don’t want, but where are you going?
This lack of clarity is why “away from” goals often leave us circling the same old patterns. To truly move forward, we need to shift our focus to what we do want, goals that inspire, energise, and provide clear direction.
Shifting to “Toward” Goals: One Woman’s Transformation
Through coaching, my client L learned to reframe her goals, turning them from avoidance into aspirations. Instead of focusing on what she wanted to escape from, she began setting “toward” goals that inspired her and gave her a clear direction.
For example, rather than fixating on avoiding tension at work, L set a new goal: to show up confidently and take ownership of her success. This small mindset shift had a profound impact on how she handled challenges, particularly with a difficult colleague.
“I realised I don’t need to trust her to have my back. I just need to trust myself. I thought, ‘She can do her, and I’ve got me.’ That felt so much better.”
By shifting her focus, L was able to approach situations with clarity and confidence, rather than stress and reactivity.
This transformation extended into her personal life as well. Instead of dwelling on avoiding arguments with her partner, she decided to focus on creating positive, loving communication. She explained how a small change in mindset made a big difference:
“We’re doing things differently now. We focus on what’s good. Every night before bed, we share three things we’re grateful for. It’s changed everything.”
By prioritising gratitude and connection, she and her partner experienced tangible improvements in their relationship.
“We haven’t had one cross word this week, and it’s been lovely. It’s because I’ve been focusing on positive thoughts.”
This is the power of “toward” goals. They shift your focus to growth, solutions, and the life you want to create. Instead of getting stuck in negative patterns, you start to see possibilities, take inspired actions, and build a future that energises and excites you.
Set inspiring goals for the New Year and move toward your best life
How to Set “Toward” Goals for the New Year
You can start shifting your focus just like my client did. Follow these steps to set positive, inspiring goals for the New Year.
1 - Identify Your “Away From” Goals.
Take a moment to reflect. Are there any goals you’ve been thinking about that focus on what you don’t want? Write them down. For example:
“I don’t want to feel unfit.”
“I don’t want to argue with my partner.”
“I don’t want to feel stressed at work.”
2 - Flip Them to “Toward” Goals.
Now, turn each goal into a positive, actionable statement. Focus on what you do want instead. For example:
“I want to feel strong and energised in my body.”
“I want to build loving, open communication with my partner.”
“I want to show up confidently and manage my work calmly.”
This simple shift in language helps you move from avoidance to action.
3 - Get Specific.
Once you’ve flipped your goals, add details to make them clear and motivating:
How will achieving this goal feel?
What small steps can you take to get started?
For my client, this looked like choosing small, consistent actions to support her new mindset. With her health goals, she focused on a simple improvement:
“If I drink just one bottle of water a day, I’m already making huge progress.”
4 - Visualise Your Success.
Spend a few moments each day visualising yourself achieving your goals. What does it look like? How does it feel? Laura’s ability to imagine herself calm, confident, and successful was a key part of her progress.
5 - Track Your Wins.
Reflect daily or weekly on what’s going well. My client noticed that focusing on positive changes reinforced her confidence and momentum:
“By being positive with others, I’ve been getting a much better response back. People mirror your energy.”
Start your New Year with positive, clear goals
Make This Year Your Turning Point
This clients transformation is proof of what happens when you focus on moving toward what you want: greater clarity, calm, and confidence. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, your health, or your work, shifting your mindset will help you take action that feels inspiring and sustainable.
Here’s your challenge for the New Year:
Pick one area of your life where you’ve been stuck in “away from” thinking.
Flip it into a positive, clear “toward” goal.
Take one small step this week to start moving forward.
Take This Step Toward Your Best Year Yet
This New Year, choose goals that light you up. Focus on moving toward the life you want, and watch as opportunities, solutions, and joy begin to unfold.
If you’re ready to start the year with confidence and clarity, book a free Discovery Call. Together, we’ll explore powerful strategies to create lasting, positive change.
Make this the year you move toward you.
