Why January Goal-Setting Doesn’t Work (and What to Do Instead)
Tue Feb 03 2026
Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/ep092
If January left you feeling tired, unmotivated, or quietly resistant to goal-setting, this episode offers a deeply relieving reframe. What if nothing is wrong with you and the issue is the calendar you’ve been trying to force yourself into?
This episode explores why the traditional January-based planning model often creates burnout, resistance, and misalignment and what to do instead.
Before we dive in, let me be clear. The perspective I’m sharing challenges a widely accepted way of planning and leading. I’m not rejecting structure or ambition. I’ve built my business inside that model. But I’ve come to believe it’s incomplete. So if you’re willing to hear me out, this conversation may put language to something you’ve already been feeling.
In this solo episode, I share a compassionate, grounded approach to leadership that honors natural energy cycles instead of hustle-culture timelines. I invite you to rethink the January-to-December model and explore Seasonal Capacity Planning as a more sustainable, human way to lead, plan, and grow.
This episode is especially for high-achieving, Type A leaders who feel deeply connected to nature but want structure, strategy, and logic. This isn’t about doing less or playing small. It’s about applying discipline and effort at the right time.
📝 Top 3 Takeaways from the Episode:
January Fatigue Isn’t a Personal Failure, It’s a Seasonal Mismatch: Winter is biologically designed for rest, integration, and vision, not aggressive execution. Forcing productivity during a low-energy season drains capacity instead of building it.
Seasonal Capacity Planning Creates Better Results, Not Less Ambition: By aligning planning, visibility, experimentation, and growth with the seasons, you increase creativity, focus, and sustainable output.
Compassionate Leadership Means Honoring Timing Without Avoiding Responsibility: This approach isn’t passive or indulgent. It’s intentional, strategic leadership that balances accountability with humanity, allowing you to grow without being violent toward yourself.
🎧 Podcast Episodes Related to This One That Might Interest You:
Ep 89: Disordered Growth vs. Growing Pains (Monthly Money Talk with Zen Jenn)
Ep 86: Relational Capacity – Boundaries That Build Trust & Compassionate Leadership
Ep 85: Time Capacity – Reclaim Your Time & Focus on What Truly Matters
Learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur:
A year-long coaching experience for women entrepreneurs who want a business that feels meaningful and sustainable—one that supports fulfillment, presence, and the life they’re building. This work blends science-based coaching, soul-purpose alignment, and practical business strategy to support clear communication, guilt-free boundaries, and compassionate accountability.
The result is meaningful financial growth, steadier emotions, and protected energy. It also gives you more time for what matters most: your children and loved ones, travel and adventure, rest, and true personal restoration.
Connect with Us:
To explore The Exponential Entrepreneur or learn more about working together, DM me on Instagram→ @aleciastg
Disclaimer:
The Conscious Edge and all content published by Alecia St. Germain and Jonathan Dugger is for general information, education, and entertainment only. We are not liable or responsible for outcomes resulting from the use of information shared on this podcast or on our websites. This content is not personal, medical, or mental health advice. Please consult qualified medical and mental health professionals as needed. All investing and entrepreneurial endeavors involve risk, and use of this information is at the listener’s discretion.
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Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/ep092 If January left you feeling tired, unmotivated, or quietly resistant to goal-setting, this episode offers a deeply relieving reframe. What if nothing is wrong with you and the issue is the calendar you’ve been trying to force yourself into? This episode explores why the traditional January-based planning model often creates burnout, resistance, and misalignment and what to do instead. Before we dive in, let me be clear. The perspective I’m sharing challenges a widely accepted way of planning and leading. I’m not rejecting structure or ambition. I’ve built my business inside that model. But I’ve come to believe it’s incomplete. So if you’re willing to hear me out, this conversation may put language to something you’ve already been feeling. In this solo episode, I share a compassionate, grounded approach to leadership that honors natural energy cycles instead of hustle-culture timelines. I invite you to rethink the January-to-December model and explore Seasonal Capacity Planning as a more sustainable, human way to lead, plan, and grow. This episode is especially for high-achieving, Type A leaders who feel deeply connected to nature but want structure, strategy, and logic. This isn’t about doing less or playing small. It’s about applying discipline and effort at the right time. 📝 Top 3 Takeaways from the Episode: January Fatigue Isn’t a Personal Failure, It’s a Seasonal Mismatch: Winter is biologically designed for rest, integration, and vision, not aggressive execution. Forcing productivity during a low-energy season drains capacity instead of building it. Seasonal Capacity Planning Creates Better Results, Not Less Ambition: By aligning planning, visibility, experimentation, and growth with the seasons, you increase creativity, focus, and sustainable output. Compassionate Leadership Means Honoring Timing Without Avoiding Responsibility: This approach isn’t passive or indulgent. It’s intentional, strategic leadership that balances accountability with humanity, allowing you to grow without being violent toward yourself. 🎧 Podcast Episodes Related to This One That Might Interest You: Ep 89: Disordered Growth vs. Growing Pains (Monthly Money Talk with Zen Jenn) Ep 86: Relational Capacity – Boundaries That Build Trust & Compassionate Leadership Ep 85: Time Capacity – Reclaim Your Time & Focus on What Truly Matters Learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: A year-long coaching experience for women entrepreneurs who want a business that feels meaningful and sustainable—one that supports fulfillment, presence, and the life they’re building. This work blends science-based coaching, soul-purpose alignment, and practical business strategy to support clear communication, guilt-free boundaries, and compassionate accountability. The result is meaningful financial growth, steadier emotions, and protected energy. It also gives you more time for what matters most: your children and loved ones, travel and adventure, rest, and true personal restoration. Connect with Us: To explore The Exponential Entrepreneur or learn more about working together, DM me on Instagram→ @aleciastg Disclaimer: The Conscious Edge and all content published by Alecia St. Germain and Jonathan Dugger is for general information, education, and entertainment only. We are not liable or responsible for outcomes resulting from the use of information shared on this podcast or on our websites. This content is not personal, medical, or mental health advice. Please consult qualified medical and mental health professionals as needed. All investing and entrepreneurial endeavors involve risk, and use of this information is at the listener’s discretion.