Everything you need is inside you.
This quote resonated with me when I saw it at burning man a few years ago. You don’t need the next best thing, all the power is within you. It is why I love the art of studying dance so much. Of course we need to pay for training, shoes and all of that money isn’t inside of you unfortunately. But… the power to work and earn money is, so it is still true that everything you need is right there within you. Remember this as you set goals, celebrate the wins, plateau, or get frustrated. Setting specific, actionable goals is far more effective than vague intentions. It’s easy to say, “I want to be healthier” or “I want to be more organized,” but without clear steps, those goals often don’t translate into real change.Breaking down a larger goal into small, manageable actions makes it more achievable. Instead of “eating more protein,” specifying how you’ll do it—like making a smoothie with protein powder x number of times a week—gives you a clear plan. Similarly, “getting organized” can start with cleaning out one closet or setting up a nightly routine.
When you allocate time we can create space—whether it’s physical or mental, you allow yourself to function better, think clearly, be more creative, prepare healthy food, make memories with friends and family, and stay consistent with your good habits. And once you have this structure, the broader areas of life tend to improve naturally.
As a Pilates instructor and studio owner for decades, I am often a sounding board for new year “resolutions.” Personally, I am more in favor of constant goal assessment and I like to work in seasons rather than just the start of the year. I honestly always feel like January is just the middle of winter and post holiday season. I emphasize setting realistic and sustainable goals by focusing on actionable steps rather than wishes. I highlight the importance of enjoying the process, allocating time, and identifying small, manageable tasks to achieve these goals. Additionally, this mindset encourages individuals to reflect on their true motivations for pursuing specific goals.
1.Four Questions for Goal Setting:
- Will I enjoy the steps it takes to achieve my goal?
- Can I schedule the time to implement these steps?
- What are two small, sustainable tasks I can do to work toward this goal?
- Why is this goal meaningful to me?
2. Example, Improving Physical Fitness:
- Time Allocation: Schedule non-negotiable time for workouts or physical activity.
- Options for Exercise:
- Self-guided practice at home (e.g., on a mat).
- Online classes.
- In-person classes at a gym or studio.
- Private sessions with a trainer or instructor.
- Personalization: Experiment with various types of exercise (strength training, Pilates, cardio, yoga) to find what works best and aligns with personal preferences.
- Reflection: Discuss with a trainer or observe how different activities make you feel to refine your approach.
3. Sustainability: Focus on creating a routine that is enjoyable and adaptable. Regular reflection can help maintain motivation and ensure progress.
Common Mistakes:
- Overcommitting to unrealistic or goals that are too broad.
- Failing to allocate sufficient time or resources.
- Ignoring the importance of finding joy in the process.
By grounding goals in these principles, individuals can set a strong foundation for success in 2025 and beyond.
Here is a less than 7 minute routine requiring nothing except you. It can be performed with different intentions and intensities. Try repeating it 4-5 times with each time a separate focus or accumulating the following intentions.
- Focus on breath moving the spine
- Focus on moving the arms from you back
- Focus on a strong center line from head to toe
- Focus on being strong in your movements without tension
- Focus on feeling free
Try this as a mini workout, warmup, cool down or tech break during your work day and let us know how it goes!
Xo Lynda