I Used to Feel Behind by February - Here's What Changed. My 2026 Planning Process.
I used to be really good at setting goals. Like, really good. I'd hit my revenue targets, close the deals, check every box.But I wasn't happy. I felt overwhelmed. Something felt off, and I couldn't figure out why.It wasn't until I slowed down that I realized: I was crushing goals I never stopped to ask if I actually wanted.I had set these massive business goals - high revenue, high volume - but my actual focus was my kids. And I was trying to do both at the highest level, which meant I was either going to sacrifice something I didn't want to sacrifice, or burn out trying not to.I was living out of alignment with my own values because I never paused to ask myself the real questions: What do I actually want my life to look like? What do I want it to feel like? Not just "make this much money," but what kind of days do I want to live? What kind of mother, wife, and woman do I want to be?So I changed my approach. Now, I take the whole month of January, not to set a bunch of goals, but to ask a few honest questions first. To choose a theme that becomes my filter for the year. To set intention before I set goals.Last year, my theme was a question: "What fruit am I producing?" I didn't have a detailed plan. I just had one question I kept asking myself: What kind of fruit is this producing in my life, my marriage, my home, my heart?That filter changed everything. My marriage grew stronger. Our home became calmer. I chose therapy over hustle. I learned to live with nuance instead of judgment.This year, I'm doing it again. And in this episode, I'm walking you through the exact process:Why January is for sowing, not sprinting. The questions that actually matter (gratitude, release, direction). How to choose a theme that becomes your decision-making filter. What to do with your theme throughout the year (without turning it into another to-do list).You don't need a perfect plan. You don't need to have it all figured out by February 1st. You just need to ask the right questions first, choose a theme, and let it guide you.You're not behind. You're becoming.Resources mentioned: 📄 Download the free Golden Life 2026 Planning Guide: https://stan.store/alyssamariehidalgoConnect with me: Instagram: @alyssamariehidalgo Podcast: Golden Life Podcast (available everywhere you listen)0:00 Welcome to Golden Life Podcast0:52 Why I Changed My Planning Approach1:38 What Research Says About Goal Setting2:49 The Questions I Ask Every January3:18 Question 1: What Made My Heart Feel Alive Last Year?5:30 Question 2: What Drained Me?6:26 Question 3: What Do I Want to Say Yes to More?8:18 Question 4: What's My Theme?9:08 Question 5: What Does a Good Day Look Like?10:06 How to Use Your Theme All Year Long11:56 This Isn't About Perfection12:46 You're Not Behind, You're Sowing13:05 Download the Free Golden Life 2026 Planning Guide#intentionalliving #goalsettingforwomen #christianmotherhood #purposefulliving #momlife #faithandmotherhood #overwhelmedmom #lifeplanning #newyearplanning #themeplanning #goalsthatmatter #alignedgoals #motherhoodunfiltered #faithbasedplanning #slowliving #presentoverperfect #christianwomen #momstruggles #lifeonpurpose #goldenliving
