Less than six weeks left of the year and this is the moment most people either switch off or get intentional. If you listen/watch this podcast, I can guess which camp do you want to be in.

"Goals without alignment become chores, but goals built on intention pull you forward."

You know that feeling when the year suddenly catches up with you? That's exactly where we are right now. I am talking about setting goals that actually stick, not the fluffy, vague "new year, new me" type goals, but thoughtful, aligned, intentional goals.

This episode will walk you through the essential steps of goal-setting that work: pausing before you plan, choosing how you want 2026 to feel, setting fewer but better goals, and breaking them down into micro projects that make progress feel achievable.

This isn't about waiting for January to reset, your 2026 starts now, in the decisions you make, the clarity you create, and the vision you choose to step into.

Key takeaways

• Before you plan, you must pause. Take a moment to reflect on 2025 e.g. what worked well, what surprised you, what felt heavy, and what you're proud of.

• Set fewer, better goals. Choose one primary business goal that genuinely moves the needle, one systems or structure goal that makes everything else easier, and one personal or wellbeing goal, because burnt-out VAs don't lead thriving businesses.

• Identify the obstacles before they derail you. Look at your goals and ask what could get in the way e.g. confidence, client workload, lack of boundaries, or old self-sabotage. When you expect obstacles, you're ready for them instead of shocked by them.

Finish this sentence: "In 2026, I want to become a business owner who..." This is your real starting point, not the diary, not the planner, not the colour-coded goals. Your identity shapes your year. Start simple: one feeling, one focus, one goal, one first step.

Check out episode 9 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2tv-Qmfc94

Join The Visionary VA Circle Facebook community 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/visionaryvacircle/

Resources 👇

Get our Free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations: https://pages.visionaryvacircle.co.uk/scale-with-success

Hiring Associates free guide: ⁠https://pages.visionaryvacircle.co.uk/hiring-associates

Free Monthly Metrics Tracker download: https://pages.visionaryvacircle.co.uk/monthly-metrics-tracker

Find us at: ⁠https://visionaryvacircle.co.uk/