Annemie Burger | Director | Human Resources | Penquin | mail me |
As the year winds down, many of us start thinking about what’s next. We consider what we want to change, achieve or let go of in the new year. However, before rushing into resolutions or writing down your 2026 goals, it’s worth pausing.
Ask yourself why these goals matter and whether they truly align with the life you want to live. Practising intentional goal setting ensures your plans reflect your priorities.
The essence of intentional goal setting
Setting meaningful goals starts with reflection, not pressure. Intentional goal setting begins by understanding yourself, your values and what you want to achieve. We live in a culture that constantly pushes us to do more, earn more and achieve more. However, lasting change doesn’t come from ticking off boxes.
It comes from being intentional about who we are and what we value. If you take the time to ask the right questions, you’ll set goals that inspire you instead of overwhelm you. That’s the essence of intentional goal setting. Intentional goal setting starts with reflection, then moves toward actionable steps.
Here are five simple questions I recommend asking before setting new personal or professional goals for 2026:
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What did this year teach me?
Before looking ahead, take a moment to look back. Consider what you’ve overcome, what you’ve learned about yourself and what you’d like to leave behind.
Reflection gives meaning to progress. Even if you didn’t hit every goal, you’ve grown in ways that matter. Recognise that. It’s the foundation for everything that comes next. This reflection is a key part of intentional goal setting.
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Where did my energy go, and did it serve me?
At the end of a busy year, many people feel exhausted without knowing why. I suggest performing an “energy audit”. Look at what filled you up and what drained you.
Ask yourself where your time and energy really went. Were you investing in things that made you feel alive and purposeful, or just getting through the days? Your energy is your most valuable resource. Protect it. Intentional goal setting ensures you allocate energy to what matters most.
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What does success look like for me?
It’s easy to compare yourself to others or chase goals that look good on paper. However, true success is personal.
Maybe success for you this year means slowing down, spending more time with family, or prioritising your health. It doesn’t have to involve promotions or big milestones. The only definition that matters is yours. Intentional goal setting helps define success on your own terms.
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Who do I want to grow with?
The people around us influence how we think, feel and act. Think about who lifted you up this year. Who challenged you in a good way? Who made you feel supported and seen? As you move into the new year, choose your circle intentionally. It’s one of the most powerful things you can do for your wellbeing and success. Good intentional goal setting considers your support network.
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What will I do differently this time?
Real growth happens when you change your approach, not just the goal. Maybe you’ve set the same goal for years – to save more, exercise or rest – but it never sticks. Instead of giving up, ask yourself what small change you can make to get a different result.
Sometimes a shift in mindset is all it takes. Intentional goal setting means learning from past attempts and adjusting.
Intentional goal setting turns awareness into action
Setting goals isn’t about pressure. It’s about possibility. You don’t need to have your whole life figured out by January. You just need to start with awareness. When your goals reflect your values, it becomes easier to stay consistent because you’re working toward something that feels authentic. That’s the heart of intentional goal setting.
As we prepare to welcome a new year, South Africans are encouraged to trade perfection for progress. Set goals that feel grounded, kind and personal. The most powerful thing you can do for yourself in 2026 is to be intentional. When you set goals that reflect who you are, not who you think you should be, you’ll create a year that feels both meaningful and fulfilling.
