By Tokiso TKay Nthebe
As we move toward the end of the year, many of us quietly revisit the financial goals we set in January. For some, it’s a moment of celebration. For many, it’s a moment filled with guilt, disappointment, or even shame.
During my Financial Wellness radio segment on Mohale FM, a listener asked me a question that so many people relate to:
“I didn’t achieve the financial goals I set in January, and I feel like a failure. How do I navigate this feeling and prepare differently for 2026?”
This is a powerful and deeply human question — and the truth is, most people struggle with their money goals more than they admit.
And here’s my honest reflection:
I’ve achieved around 60% of the goals I set for 2025.
Instead of spiralling into negative self-talk, I chose to pause, reflect, and realign. And that’s exactly what I encouraged the listener to do.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or behind, this guide will help you reset with clarity and confidence.
1. Start With a Holistic Review (Not a Goal-by-Goal Critique)
One of the biggest mistakes we make is reviewing each goal in isolation. This approach often leads to harsh self-judgment:
- “I wasn’t disciplined.”
- “I didn’t try hard enough.”
- “I should be further.”
A holistic overview is more empowering because it gives you a helicopter view of your year — your habits, your priorities, your circumstances, and your progress.
You may have achieved goals that weren’t even on your list. That counts.
You may have survived unexpected challenges. That counts too.
A holistic view helps you see your year with honesty, not judgment.
2. Be Honest About What Worked and What Didn’t
This part requires courage — but it’s transformative.
What went well?
Identify:
- Habits that supported your success
- Systems that helped you stay on track
- Unexpected wins
- Financial behaviours you want to continue
What didn’t go well?
Avoid excuses and dig deeper into:
- Bottlenecks
- Emotional triggers
- Unexpected life events
- Time constraints
- Lack of systems or structure
- Financial behaviours that drained your progress
This isn’t about blame — it’s about clarity.
What needs to change?
Let your financial data guide you:
- Review your bank statements from the past 12 months
- Assess your savings and emergency fund
- Check your debt — did it go up or down?
- Compare your financial position now to January
Numbers don’t lie — but they also don’t judge you.
They simply show you where you are and help you decide where to go next.
3. Is It Too Early to Plan for 2026? Absolutely Not.
My answer to the listener was simple:
It is never too early to plan and position yourself to win.
I personally use November and December to:
- Reflect
- Review
- Realign
- Set intentional, actionable goals
- Build my 2026 financial roadmap
That way, when January 1st arrives, I’m not scrambling — I’m already moving.
If this approach resonates with you, try it. And if you already have your own planning rhythm, own it.
4. Celebrate Your Wins — Big and Small
It’s easy to overlook your progress because you’re focused on what didn’t happen.
But here’s the truth:
If you paid your bills, showed up for your responsibilities, supported your loved ones, and tried your best — that is worth celebrating.
Surviving a financial year full of life’s ups and downs is an achievement.
Remember:
You are doing better than you think.
Ready to Start Your Reflection?
A great starting point is revisiting one of our most popular articles:
How to Set Your Intentions for the New Year
This foundational guide will help you refocus and set goals with clarity and purpose.
Wayne Dyer said it beautifully:
“Our intention creates our reality.”
But intention alone is not enough — action is what brings your goals to life.
Start today. Even one small step moves you forward.
Final Thoughts
Whether this year was your breakthrough or your battle, your journey matters.
Your progress matters.
Your resilience matters.
And 2026 offers a fresh opportunity to build the financial future you want.
Here’s to reflection, clarity, and the courage to rise again.
Stay trailblazing.
