2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. What does that mean? Well, for those tuned in to Chinese Astrology, this is a year of clarity, conviction, action and freedom from things that don’t serve us well, which could be everything from systems and habits to relationships and priorities. With so much static circulating around us, this is also a time to slow down and connect with our goals and dreams authentically, viewing goal setting from the lens of who we are, what motivates and inspires us and how we want to share that with others. There is no other “us” – and that is such a gift. I wrote this below piece with the year in mind.

Enjoy! Erin

Purpose Over Pressure: Setting Intentional Goals That Truly Matter

January often tempts us to chase change. We feel the push to create new routines, new ambitions, a new version of ourselves, the ever-present “resolutions”. But this year, what if we slowed down, turned inward and started with purpose and intention instead of pressure?

Intentional goal setting isn’t about doing more; it’s about aligning your goals with what truly matters to you, in all areas of your. When our intentions rise from purpose, they feel lighter, steadier, and more sustainable. And the energy is palpable!

Here are five ways to create meaningful goals that grow with you through the year and beyond.

Start With “Why”

Before deciding what you want to achieve, get clear on why it matters. What do you truly want, rather than what you think you should want? Take time to journal or reflect on what energizes you, what you miss, and what feels fulfilling. Clarity of purpose is the difference between a list of resolutions and a vision that actually inspires and motivates you.

Align Your Goals With Your Values

Your values are your internal compass. Goals that don’t align with them create friction and fatigue. For each goal, ask: Does this move me closer to the life I want to live? If it doesn’t, reshape or release it. The most powerful goals are those that express who you are, not who you’re trying to be or think you should be.

Make Goals Manageable and Buildable

Ambitious goals without structure often collapse under their own weight. Start small. Choose one to three focus areas that can build over time. Think in layers: each year adds a piece to the broader canvas. For example: If your dream is to write a book, start a blog and commit to one post a month. Sustainable progress is progress that lasts.

Create Systems of Support

Purpose needs structure and community. Whether through a friend, mentor, or accountability group, share your goals with someone who can help you stay connected to them. Set monthly reflection dates. Celebrate small wins. When you lose momentum, revisit your why before your what. There’s a saying that “discipline is remembering what you want” (David Campbell). Having people in your sphere who help you remember will keep you uplifted and on track. Community is vital!

Reflect and Recalibrate

Revisit your goals midway through the year. Ask: What still feels alive? What needs to shift? Growth isn’t linear. Sometimes we need to pivot, shift and evolve with our goals as we move ahead. Celebrate progress and insights as much as your achievement. These point to movement in alignment with your deeper direction.

Closing Thought

Before setting new goals, pause and ask: What do I most want to feel by year’s end? Feeling outcomes or success is a powerful tool shared with me by a dear coach. Let that feeling guide your plans. When your goals are rooted in your values and built with care, you create a life that expands with authenticity and meaning, not just momentum.

About

Based in Healdsburg, Erin Hunt Moore is a passionate communicator, community builder and champion of women entrepreneurs, changemakers and impact leaders. Through her consultancy, Verdant she guides women founders in connecting with their purpose, vision and voice. Passionate about elevating women in business, she founded The Launch Collective in 2019, a community offering resources, support and connection for women entrepreneurs in Sonoma County. An avid storyteller, Erin is also a freelance writer and Features Editor for Healdsburg Living Magazine.