The following article is a guest post for Emsee by our long-time community member and contributor Gina Mitchell. Gina is the the founder and CEO of Midlife Coaching for Women and best-selling author who helps women thrive through menopause and midlife, drawing on her 35+ years of experience as a scientist and educator.

The champagne’s been popped, the confetti’s been swept up, and January has almost come and gone. How’s that New Year’s resolution going? If you’re like most people, it might already feel like it’s gone out the window. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a calendar to decide when to start fresh or set goals. Midlife is the perfect time to reflect, refocus, and reignite your passions—New Year or not.

As women transition through midlife and menopause, life can feel like it’s shaking things up—physically, emotionally, and socially. Maybe the kids have left home (hello, empty nest syndrome), your career feels like it’s in need of a reboot, or you’re reevaluating your relationships. It’s a lot to handle, and let’s be honest, nobody asks for these changes. But here’s the secret: you can turn this chaos into your greatest comeback.

Out with the Old, In with the Bold

Instead of looking at midlife changes as obstacles, think of them as opportunities—your chance to craft the life you’ve always wanted. You’re not starting over; you’re leveling up.

The trick? Start setting goals that actually excite you, ones that you can’t wait to chase. And if that sounds daunting, don’t worry—I’m here to introduce you to a tool that will make the process as fun and inspiring as possible. Enter the I’M SMART goals framework.

The I’M SMART Goals Framework

Forget vague resolutions like “I want to be happier” or “I’ll eat healthier.” It’s time to get specific, measurable, and totally fired up about your goals. Here’s how the framework works:

• I – Inspiring: What lights you up? Whether it’s starting a new hobby, traveling somewhere fabulous, or learning something new, choose goals that make you feel excited.
• M – Motivating: Why does this matter to you? Picture how your life will improve when you achieve this goal. That “why” will keep you going when motivation starts to waver.
• S – Specific: Vague goals are boring. Instead of “I want to exercise more,” try “I’ll do yoga three times a week.” Clear goals are more fun to chase.
• M – Measurable: Numbers are your friend! For example, “I’ll save $5,000 by June” or “I’ll read 12 books this year.” Tracking progress keeps you motivated.
• A – Achievable: Set goals that stretch you but aren’t totally out of reach. Winning the lottery isn’t a plan, but saving up for a dream vacation? That’s doable!
• R – Relevant and Realistic, but Risky: Goals should align with what you want most while nudging you out of your comfort zone. Growth comes from challenges.
• T – Tangible and Time-Bound: Imagine what success looks and feels like. When will it happen? What will you see, hear, and feel when you get there?

Midlife Goals, Full of Possibilities

Here’s the thing about midlife: you’re in the driver’s seat. So why not set audacious, exciting goals that make you want to leap out of bed every morning? And don’t stress if January wasn’t your month—any day is a great day to start.

Tips to Keep You on Track

1. Write in the present tense: Act like it’s already happened. For example, “Today is February 1, 2026, and I’ve just returned from my dream trip to Italy!”
2. Use first-person language: This is your dream, not anyone else’s.
3. Keep it positive: Instead of “I won’t eat junk food,” say, “I nourish my body with delicious, wholesome meals.”

Your Midlife Adventure Awaits : Book Time with Gina

So, who says resolutions are only for January? Whether it’s February, March, or midsummer, now is the perfect time to dream big and set goals that inspire and motivate you.

Need some guidance? I’d love to help. Book a complimentary 45-minute Soulful Connection session with me to kickstart your midlife transformation. Here’s the calendar link to book in at a time that suits you

References

1. Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives. Management Review, 70.
2. Haughey, D. (2014). A Brief History of SMART Goals. Project Smart. Retrieved September 24, 2018, from https://www.projectsmart.co.uk.
3. Nieuwland, M. S. (2008). True or False? How Our Brain Processes Negative Statements. Association for Psychological Science. Retrieved September 24, 2018, from https://www.psychologicalscience.org.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes or if you have specific health concerns.