At 23, I’ve come to realize that navigating through this decade of life can feel like wandering through a maze without a map. We’re constantly bombarded with choices, opportunities, and challenges, all while trying to figure out who we are and where we’re headed. It’s exhilarating, terrifying, and utterly confusing, all at the same time.

One thing that’s been keeping me grounded amidst this whirlwind of uncertainty is the practice of revisiting my yearly goals on a quarterly basis. Now, I know what you’re thinking – setting goals can feel daunting, and sticking to them even more so. Believe me, I’ve been there. But hear me out – breaking down those lofty, long-term aspirations into bite-sized, manageable chunks has been a game-changer for me, and it might just work for you too.

Here’s why revisiting your yearly goals on a quarterly basis could be the secret sauce to navigating your 20s:

Firstly, it’s all about course correction. Life is unpredictable, and our priorities can shift in an instant. What we thought was important at the beginning of the year might not hold the same weight a few months down the line. By checking in on our goals every quarter, we give ourselves the opportunity to reassess, readjust, and realign with our evolving aspirations.

And let’s talk about momentum. Big dreams can feel overwhelming when they’re looming over us like Mount Everest. But when we break them down into smaller, achievable tasks, suddenly that summit doesn’t seem so far away. Revisiting our goals every quarter helps us maintain that sense of progress and momentum, keeping us motivated and focused on the prize.

But it’s not just about the destination – it’s about the journey too. Quarterly reflection allows us to celebrate our wins, no matter how small. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to pat ourselves on the back for how far we’ve come. But trust me, taking the time to acknowledge our accomplishments is a powerful motivator that fuels us to keep pushing forward.

And let’s not forget accountability. It’s easy to let our goals fall by the wayside when we’re the only ones holding ourselves accountable. But by revisiting our goals every quarter, we create a system of checks and balances that keeps us honest and on track. Knowing that I have to report back on my progress every three months lights a fire under me like nothing else.

So, fellow 20-somethings, I encourage you to give quarterly reflection a try. Sit down with your goals, break them down into quarterly milestones, and check in with yourself every few months. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how much clarity, direction, and purpose it brings to your life. Here’s to navigating our 20s with intentionality, resilience, and a whole lot of grit. We’ve got this.