New Year, New Goals: Why Quarterly Planning is a Game-Changer

Happy New Year! 🎉 I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that your new year is off to a terrific start. I’m just getting back into the swing of things with those last couple of weird workweeks (was I the only one who barely knew what day of the week it was the last two weeks?) and my two college-age daughters home from school. Phew! 

And, of course, I’m trying to do all of the “new year” reflecting, journaling, planning, etc. that feels so appropriate this time of year. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had years where I set huge annual goals in January - only to feel overwhelmed by February, disconnected by April, and downright guilty by December when life and work didn’t go as planned. Sound familiar?

This year, I’m trying something different. I’m ditching the big, looming annual goals and instead focusing on quarterly goals, sprints, and focus areas. It’s a game-changer, and I think it might be an approach that could work for you, too, especially in our fast-paced, high-pressure legal world.

At the heart of any successful goal-setting approach is a simple, powerful formula: 

Goal → Plan → Action. 

It’s not enough to set a goal; you need a clear plan to make it achievable and actionable steps to bring it to life. Without a plan, goals remain vague aspirations, and without action, even the best plans stay stuck on paper. Quarterly goals naturally fit into this framework - they’re specific enough to create a focused plan and manageable enough to inspire daily or weekly action. This intentional structure helps us avoid overwhelm and sets us up for real progress, one step at a time.

Why Quarterly Goals Make Sense

Think of quarterly goals as the "bite-sized snacks" of goal setting - doable, satisfying, and easier to digest than a giant annual feast. Here’s why they work:

1. They feel manageable. Instead of setting a goal that stretches endlessly into the future, quarterly goals let you focus on what’s right in front of you. For example:

• Annual goal: “Get healthier this year.” (“outcome goal”)
• Quarterly goal: “Take a 20-minute walk three times a week for the next three months.” and “Switch from sugary soda to sparkling water.” (“process goal” that likely leads to the same place but increases your likelihood of success!)

2. They’re less overwhelming. Breaking goals down like this makes them less intimidating and easier to tackle in your already-busy life.

3. They help you focus. Three months is just long enough to make progress but short enough to avoid distractions. Plus, you can adjust as life changes. If Q1 doesn’t go as planned, you’re not stuck for the whole year - you just regroup for Q2.

4. They build momentum. By focusing on shorter sprints, you create a cycle of small wins. Those wins build confidence and help you stay motivated, which is especially important when juggling the demands of the legal profession.

5. They’re better for well-being. Quarterly goals encourage regular reflection, giving you the chance to check in with yourself and adjust as needed. This naturally supports your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Quarterly Goals for Different Aspects of Well-Being

Well-being is multifaceted, so why not let your quarterly goals reflect that? Here are some examples:

1. Emotional Well-Being

• Quarterly goal: Start each day with 5 minutes of journaling and gratitude to process your thoughts and emotions.
• Why it works: Research shows that regular reflection and gratitude helps you stay grounded and reduces stress, which is crucial when you’re navigating the ups and downs of the legal world.

2. Physical Well-Being

• Quarterly goal: Drink 8 glasses of water a day and stretch for 5 minutes before bed each night.
• Why it works: These simple habits add up, improving your energy and focus - both essential for thriving in your career. (Of course, hydration and flexibility are also critically important to your well-being and these are easy ways to do both!)

3. Occupational Well-Being

• Quarterly goal: Build one new professional relationship (internally or externally) by scheduling three networking coffees this quarter.
• Why it works: Emotional intelligence plays a key role here. By actively listening and fostering connections, you’ll not only grow your network but also enhance your reputation as a thoughtful, engaged colleague (and build some business along the way if that’s a goal of yours.)

4. Financial Well-Being

• Quarterly goal: Spend 15 minutes each week reviewing your finances and create a plan to pay down one credit card balance.
• Why it works: Regular attention to your finances creates a sense of control, reducing money-related stress and allowing you to focus on your bigger goals.

5. Social Well-Being

• Quarterly goal: Reconnect with three old friends by scheduling a lunch, phone call, or happy hour by the end of the quarter.
• Why it works: Emotional intelligence shines here alongside social well-being. Maintaining strong social bonds boosts your happiness and resilience, especially during demanding times.

Why This Approach Supports Well-Being

Lawyers and legal professionals often push ourselves to excel at everything - client demands, organizational goals, personal aspirations - all at once. But spreading ourselves too thin can lead to burnout. Quarterly goals help us work toward what matters most without the crushing weight of perfectionism.

Instead of thinking, “I need to figure out my entire year,” we can say, “I’m going to focus on these few, meaningful things for the next three months.” That shift is freeing and powerful.

My Focus for Q1

This year, I’m focusing on quarterly goals too. In Q1, I’m prioritizing:

• Physical Well-Being: Taking a daily walk with our dog, Sadie, and getting in at least 10,000 steps each day without fail (I’ll be upping that step goal in Q2, but starting here for Q1.)
• Occupational Well-Being: Build solid systems and processes in my business to support our increasing number of fabulous clients. (“Admin-type” tasks aren’t my favorite, but - just like I teach my clients - it’s important to “sharpen the saw” by taking time to build thoughtful practices that save time in the future. Investments in building healthy habits and routines pay dividends later!)
• Social Well-Being: Spending more intentional time with my family and close friends by having at least one date night with my husband each week and one workout/coffee/walk with a friend each week.

These aren’t just goals - they’re commitments to live in alignment with what matters most.

Ready to Try Quarterly Goals?

Start with one area of well-being that resonates with you. Choose a specific, actionable goal for Q1. Break it into small daily or weekly steps. By March, you’ll have created meaningful progress, and you’ll feel ready to set your focus for Q2.

Here’s to a year of small, intentional steps that add up to big, meaningful progress. Let’s make 2025 the year we thrive - one quarter at a time.

Recommended Resources

[Article] Set Up Quarterly Goals to Optimize Business Success | Business.com

[Article] Goal Setting: A Scientific Guide to Setting and Achieving Goals | James Clear

[Video] John Doerr: Why the secret to success is setting the right goals | TED Talk