My 2025 Plans Are Ruined! How to Adjust and Reframe When Plans Change

Why Your 2025 Plans Don’t Have to Be Perfect

It’s the second week in January, and today is the first day of 2025 that my morning routine happened. I’ve also crossed off two goals that I wrote two weeks ago because they no longer resonate with me. And that’s part of the process of goal-setting—it’s not about doing it perfectly or accomplishing every goal we write.

One thing I’ve learned is that a new year brings energy and excitement. As I sat down to write my goals, I was energized by all the possibilities and the vision of who I want to be at the end of the year. It was easy to get caught up in that excitement and leave reality in the backseat—or better yet, the trunk!

So, I’m stepping into the rest of the month with a reminder: nothing is wrong with me because I’ve "already" changed my goals or haven’t consistently completed my morning routine. These moments are part of my story and the process that will help me reach the vision I mapped out for myself at the beginning of 2025.

The start of a new year often feels like a blank slate—full of promise, possibilities, and fresh goals. But what happens when life ends up life-ing? Maybe you’ve faced unexpected challenges, like illness or personal setbacks, and your carefully crafted plans suddenly feel out of reach or misaligned.

If your year has started off-track, filled with unexpected twists, take a deep breath—you’re not alone. It’s never too late to reset, adjust, and reframe your approach. Here’s how:

1. Pause and Reflect

When things don’t go as planned, it’s natural to feel frustrated or discouraged. Give yourself permission to pause and reflect.

Ask yourself:

• What’s been unexpected about this season?

• How am I feeling about the changes?

• What do I need right now to feel supported?

Reflection helps you process your emotions and gain clarity on how to move forward. Journaling or talking with a trusted friend can also provide valuable perspective.

2. Give Yourself Permission

Life rarely unfolds exactly as planned, and that’s part of its beauty. Allow yourself to adapt and start fresh anytime. There’s no deadline for personal growth, and every step you take—no matter how small—is a step in the right direction.

3. Embrace Flexibility

Goals are meant to guide you, not confine you. If your goal was to exercise five times a week but something unexpected happens, leaving you feeling drained, consider adjusting your routine. Try shorter, more manageable workouts twice a week instead (or even once a week!). Flexibility allows you to stay aligned with your priorities without adding unnecessary stress.

Consider:

• Revising timelines: Can you extend your deadline or break your goal into smaller steps?

• Adjusting expectations: Is there a simpler version of your goal that feels achievable right now?

• Reassessing priorities: Which goals still resonate, and which ones can wait?

Flexibility is a strength, not a setback. It shows you’re honoring your current reality while staying committed to what matters most.

4. Lean on Tools and Community

When life feels overwhelming, having the right tools can make all the difference. Makselife’s Goal-Setting Planner is designed to help you navigate unexpected changes with resilience.

Use it to:

• Revisit your goals and adjust as needed.

• Track small wins that build momentum.

• Reflect on what’s working and what needs to shift.

Feeling stuck and looking for more support? Join ClubMakse for exclusive resources, accountability, and a supportive community that will help you identify and remove what stands in the way of your vision.

5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay. Celebrate every step you take, no matter how small. Did you manage to get back on track with one goal? That’s worth celebrating. Did you prioritize rest during a tough week? Pop some confetti, cause that’s a win my friend!

Recognizing your efforts—even when they don’t look perfect—helps you stay motivated and resilient. Growth often happens in the messy, unplanned moments.

Moving Forward

If 2025 hasn’t started as you planned, remember: it’s not about how you begin, but how you continue. Take this moment as an opportunity to realign with what truly matters and move forward with intention.

No matter where you are in your goal-setting process, you’re perfectly on time. If you haven’t finished (or even started) your goal-setting, that’s okay! There’s no “behind.” Our hope is that this process becomes a lifelong journey, one that evolves with you.

Take your time to honor yourself and your process. Remember: “I’m taking my time to honor myself and my process. I deserve it, and I’m perfectly on time.”