Your Q1 Reset—How to Revive Goals That Got Derailed
Last week, I had one of those sobering moments we all dread: I opened my January goals document and realized I'd completely forgotten about two significant projects I was "definitely going to complete" this quarter.
Sound familiar?
The data shows you're not alone. According to a study by the University of Scranton, 80% of people abandon their yearly goals by mid-February. But here's what's fascinating: the 20% who succeed aren't necessarily more disciplined or talented—they simply have a different approach to handling derailment.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially as someone with ADHD who needs clarity, novelty, and challenge to maintain motivation. And I've realized something I call the "Pivot-Point Principle":
Q1-Q2 transitions are like those pivotal scenes in great movies—the moment where the hero faces setbacks, gains critical insights, and makes the adjustments that ultimately lead to success. They're not failures; they're the exact inflection points that separate average outcomes from exceptional ones.
Instead of seeing a stalled goal as evidence of failure, successful people see it as essential data. They ask, "What's this teaching me about my process?" rather than "Why can't I stick to anything?"
This mindset shift doesn't just feel better—it actually works better. Research from the University of Chicago found that people who view setbacks as information rather than indictments are 71% more likely to ultimately achieve their goals.
The Q1 Reset Framework
Think of Q1 as your testing ground, not your proving ground. The first three months of the year reveal valuable insights about what's working, what isn't, and what needs adjustment. Here's how to use that information:
Your 15-Minute Q1 Reset
Take 15 minutes today to reset one important goal that's stalled:
1. Reality Check (5 mins) Pull out your January goals. Circle one that matters but has stalled. Write down exactly when progress stopped and what was happening that week.
2. Pattern Recognition (5 mins) Was it a clarity issue? Interest issue? Time issue? Energy issue? Support issue? Be brutally honest—if you're not excited about the goal, can you reframe it to be novel or challenging in a way that sparks interest? Ask yourself: "If I were advising a friend with this exact situation, what would I suggest?"
3. Redesign (5 mins) Create a restart plan that addresses the specific pattern:
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Define the tiniest first step in absurdly clear terms (what exactly will you do?)
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Add a novelty element to make it interesting for your brain
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Adjust your timeline to match reality
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Schedule the work during your actual high-energy time
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Identify one source of accountability or support
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Break it down into smaller milestone celebrations
Take 2 minutes right now to schedule a 30-minute "Q1 Review" session with yourself for this weekend. Block it on your calendar, and treat it like an important meeting—because it is. This simple act creates the space for reflection that busy schedules often squeeze out.
Weekly Picks
📚 Reading Corner: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
This book completely changed how I think about goal achievement. It reveals how we often live in "The Gap"—measuring ourselves against ideals we haven't reached yet—rather than "The Gain" of what we've actually accomplished. Their concept of measuring backward (progress made) instead of forward (distance from the ideal) is perfect for your Q1 reset and will transform how you view "derailed" goals. It's been a game-changer for my own perfectionist tendencies!
🎧 Podcast: How to break out of a rut
Psychologist Adam Alter discusses fascinating research about why we get stuck in the middle of projects and shares science-backed strategies for getting unstuck. His insights on the "goal gradient effect" and why our brains need novelty to stay engaged align perfectly with our Q1 Reset framework. Perfect for listening during your next walk or commute!
A Special Offer for Q2 Success
As we move into the second quarter, many of you have shared that you need more structure to stay on track with your goals. That's why I'm excited to share our "Goal Getter Bundle" which includes:
- Self Journal (1 of each: Forest, Lilac, Gray Mist, Sand): Plan and reflect on your goals every quarter with our premium 13-week journals.
- Weekly Action Pad: Streamline your weekly priorities with this task-focused planning tool.
- Project Action Pad: Break down large goals into actionable steps and stay on track from start to finish.
- Pomodoro Timer: Maximize focus and efficiency with timed work sessions that keep distractions at bay.
- Highlighter Set: Organize your notes and plans with vibrant, easy-to-use highlighters.
- 52 List Journaling Prompts (Digital Download): Explore self-reflection and creativity with weekly prompts that inspire deeper insights.
- Eisenhower Matrix (Digital Download): Prioritize like a pro with this proven framework for managing tasks effectively.
For the next 72 hours, use code Q2MOMENTUM to get 25% off this bundle—perfect timing to implement your reset plan!
Here's to turning Q1 insights into Q2 momentum. You've got this 💪
Cheers, Cathryn
P.S. What's one goal you're recommitting to this month? Reply and let me know—I love hearing about your journey, and sometimes sharing your intention is the first step to making it happen
