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Align Your Life: 25 Years of Lessons in Goal Setting and Achievement

Writer's picture: Patty BeachPatty Beach




Back in 1999 when my coach, Marge Fajardo, first introduced me to this practice, I couldn’t have imagined how impactful it would be. For the last 25 years, this yearly ritual has given me clarity and focus, helping me align my actions with my aspirations. It’s not just about setting goals—it’s about creating a life that feels purposeful and balanced. With 25 completed Life Goal Alignment forms, I can now look back and see how far I’ve come, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of this process. 


Why Bother With Life Goals?


You might be wondering, why even bother with life goals? Here’s why: life goals provide clarity and purpose. 


Without them, it’s easy to drift through life, reacting to what happens instead of creating the future you want. Taking the time to set and align your goals is like plotting a course for your journey—it might not always go exactly as planned, but you’ll be heading in the right direction.


When I first started this practice, I didn’t realize how much clarity I lacked. Pausing to think about where I was and where I wanted to go was a game-changer. It forced me to see both the wins and the roadblocks. Some years, I made big strides; other years, I felt stuck or even slid backward. But the act of resetting gave me the perspective and tools I needed to move forward.


This process has helped me hit most of my life goals. One of the biggest wins? In 2021, I finally published my first book after setting it as an annual goal for over a decade. That was a breakthrough moment that not only fulfilled a dream but pushed me to aim even higher.


Facing Hard Truths


Goal setting isn’t just about celebrating wins—it’s also about confronting what’s not working. I’ll admit, there were tough years when my annual inventory made me face hard realities. For example, my first marriage wasn’t working. My ex and I were both good people but never really good for each other and despite all our efforts things never really improved. Deciding to part ways was very painful and it took years to recover. But it was the right move for both of us.


Fast forward to today, and I’m in a marriage that fits me so much better. My husband and I use this annual goal alignment process to stay on the same page about what we want out of life and how to get there together. It’s been a cornerstone of our relationship, helping us grow individually and as a team.


A Tool to Help You Start


To make this process easier for others, I’ve created a simple Word doc to fill out that guides you through the Life Goals Alignment process. Here’s how it works:

  1. Think Big: Reflect on what you want in key areas like your mind, body, relationships, and career.

  2. Be Real: Honestly assess where you are right now and how satisfied you feel.

  3. Set a Plan: Choose clear, actionable goals for the year that will bring you closer to your big-picture vision.

  4. Stay Focused: Pick 1-3 goals each quarter to work on, and get someone to hold you accountable.


Don’t Let Overwhelm Stop You


Sometimes setting goals for every domain in life can feel overwhelming. Instead of one New Year’s resolution, you end up with twenty, and it becomes glaringly clear how far you are from realizing your life goals. But that’s where life goal alignment comes in. It’s not about tackling everything all at once—it’s about prioritizing and creating harmony between your reality and your aspirations.


Pick one to three goals and focus on them for a month or a quarter. Remember, lifetime goals can take years to achieve. Consistency is your friend here. Each setback is not a failure but a life lesson. By aligning your goals and learning along the way, you’ll achieve far more with your sights on the horizon than you ever could with your head in the sand.


Real Stories, Real Impact


As a coach, I’ve watched this process spark amazing changes for my clients:

  • One client used the form to clarify their priorities and make a career pivot that doubled their income and improved their work-life balance.

  • Another finally had knee surgery they’d been putting off. Within a year, they lost weight and gained the confidence to start dating again.

  • Then there’s the client who let go of a poor performer on their team, which completely shifted their work dynamics for the better.


Ready to Align Your Life?


The best part about this process is that it’s simple and effective. You don’t need fancy tools or lofty resolutions—just a willingness to reflect, reset, and take action.


Make 2025 Your Breakout Year


2025 is your year to make big things happen. Imagine setting goals with clarity, staying accountable, and finally achieving the breakthroughs you’ve been working toward. Work with a LeadershipSmarts coach to help you align your actions to make your dreams a reality, or sign up for our Alignment Fundamentals course to master the tools you need for success. Don’t just dream about change—make it happen. Start now and transform your life.


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