Community Conversations: Goal Setting
Wednesday, January 7th
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom (link provided upon registration) Who Can Attend: All abilities welcome; open to adults 18+
Join the Northeast Recovery Learning Community and Lexington Human Services for our next Community Conversation: “Goal Setting for the New Year” on Wednesday, January 7th, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Zoom.
This event is part of our monthly virtual Community Conversation series focused on mental health and wellness. Each month, we gather to learn, share, and strengthen community connections through open dialogue and mutual support.
Each month, join us to connect, learn, and support one another in building stronger, healthier communities. Have any questions or need some support?
Contact the Lexington Human Services Department and make an appointment with one of our social workers. 781-698-4840.
Setting goals for the new year is a great way to reset and refocus, but resolutions often fade because they aren’t clear or meaningful. The key to creating goals that last is to begin with reflection.
This virtual discussion will explore ideas for setting goals and intentions in the new year as well as a chance to share strategies that may or may not have been helpful in the past.
Take a moment to think about what worked well this past year, what didn’t, and what truly mattered to you. This helps ensure your goals are aligned with your values rather than what you feel you “should” want. Once you know what’s important, make your goals specific instead of vague.
A goal like “get in shape” becomes much more achievable when framed as “exercise three times a week.” From there, break bigger goals into smaller steps so they feel less overwhelming and you can build momentum through small, consistent wins.
Focus on creating habits rather than relying on motivation alone. Simple daily actions like reading for ten minutes, automating savings, or scheduling workouts can make a significant long-term difference. Expect that setbacks will happen, and plan for the moments when life gets busy or motivation dips, so you don’t feel discouraged.
Finally, check in with yourself regularly, celebrate your progress, and adjust your goals as needed. Flexibility helps your goals evolve with your life. With intention, clarity, and consistency, the new year becomes an opportunity for real, sustainable growth.
Family Matters columns are presented to the Lexington community through a collaboration with the Lexington Human Services Department/Youth Services and the Lexington Times Magazine. Information provided in these columns is general in nature and not intended to substitute for individualized professional advice. See a professional for any concerns you may have about this topic or any others in a Family Matters column.