Not Too Late, Not Too Early: Why July Is Perfect For Goals
It’s July!
The financial year has just rolled over. We’re halfway through the calendar year. It’s a natural pause point and a moment to look at what’s working, what’s fallen away, and what you want to step into next.
But let’s be real. Goal setting can feel heavy. For some people, it’s exciting and energising. For others, it’s a reminder of the goals that were set in January and quietly forgotten by March. For many, it’s somewhere in between. Basically, hopeful but a little hesitant.
So, let’s strip it back. Let’s talk about goal setting in a way that feels lighter, more human, and more aligned with how you actually live and work.
Why Set Goals in July?
July is the sweet spot for a reset. It’s far enough away from the hype of New Year’s resolutions, but close enough to December to still make meaningful progress. It’s a chance to:
Recalibrate: What still matters? What can you let go of without guilt?
Recommit: What’s worth leaning back into with fresh focus?
Start fresh: What’s been sitting quietly on your mind that you’re finally ready to bring to life?
I had a client recently who said July felt like a “mid-year honesty checkpoint.” It was the month they stopped running on autopilot and really asked: What do I want the next six months to mean?
What is a Goal, Really?
A goal is more than a task. It’s more than a KPI. A meaningful goal is an intention that shapes how you live and lead. It’s a small decision that builds towards a bigger story about who you’re becoming.
I’ll share an example. Earlier this year I set a goal to complete further study in coaching. On the surface, it was about gaining a qualification. But in reality, it was about the kind of coach I want to be for my clients. That single goal reshaped how I spent my time, how I prioritised learning, and even how I showed up in conversations.
So, when you think about goals, don’t just ask what you’re achieving. Ask who you’re becoming in the process.
Better Practice Frameworks That Work
You’ve heard of SMART goals. They’re still useful. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. But they’re not the whole story.
There are other frameworks worth trying:
WOOP: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. It helps you anticipate what might get in the way and make a plan around it.
Identity-based goals: Start with who you want to become, not just what you want to do. For example, I want to become someone who prioritises my health rather than I want to lose 5kg.
I often talk about micro-goals in my coaching and mentoring practices. When clients feel overwhelmed, the smallest consistent actions build trust with yourself. It’s not about overhauling your life in one giant leap. It’s about one small step that actually sticks.
What If You Miss a Goal?
Here’s the truth: sometimes you won’t hit your goals. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It might mean your priorities shifted. Or the season of life you’re in simply changed. The key is not to turn on yourself. Instead:
Ask what can I learn from this?
Decide if the goal still matters. If it does, reset and go again.
If it doesn’t, let it go. Release it without guilt.
I worked with a client who set a goal to step into a leadership program by mid-year. Life threw curveballs. Instead of forcing it, she reframed the goal and the timing shifted, but the intention stayed. By December, she will get there. And she will do it without the burnout she would have created if she forced it too soon.
And here is another example.
Shhhhh…….please don’t tell anyone but I missed my 30 June goal!!!!! I committed to further study in coaching; it wasn’t just about the qualification. It was about aligning my time, energy, and growth with the kind of advisor, coach and mentor I wanted to become. The outcome was important, but the deeper shift was about identity – choosing who I wanted to be next.
In all honesty, I was ok. I had achieved so much in other areas that I sat with the discomfort, accepted it and then I reset. It built resilence. I am working towards December 21 now.
Celebrating Progress
When was the last time you celebrated a goal you achieved? Not just the big, loud ones but the quiet, consistent wins that built momentum? Celebration reinforces progress. It keeps you moving. It turns discipline into something meaningful. So, celebrate:
The small goals that felt “too easy” but changed your day.
The goals you let go of because they no longer fit.
The resilience it took to show up again after missing one.
I always ask clients to name three achievements when they feel like they’re falling behind. It flips the focus. It turns self-doubt into proof of progress.
Key Takeaways for Goals That Stick
Here’s what I want you to remember:
Goals without identity are just tasks. Align them to who you’re becoming.
You’re allowed to be in a different season. Match your goals to your reality.
Not all goals deserve to come with you. Letting go is growth, not failure.
There’s emotional risk in setting goals. Acknowledge it. Move forward anyway.
Progress isn’t always an outcome. Sometimes it’s consistency, asking for help, or simply starting again.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.
Motivation fades. Alignment lasts. Build goals that still feel worth doing even on hard days.
A Client Story
“One of my clients set a goal earlier this year to build confidence in their new leadership role. On paper, it was vague. But we unpacked it into small, meaningful steps: presenting in one more meeting than usual, having one bold conversation each week, seeking feedback they’d previously avoided.”
Three months later, the transformation wasn’t just visible it was felt by their entire team. They didn’t just “hit” their goal. They became the leader they wanted to be. That’s the power of a goal that’s tied to your identity.
Your Next Step
That’s why July matters. It’s the halfway point of the year. It’s also the start of the new financial year. It’s a natural moment to pause, recalibrate, and choose what truly matters for the months ahead.
This isn’t about chasing more. It’s about choosing with intention. It’s about aligning goals with your values, your energy, and the season of life you’re in.
So, here’s the question:
What goal feels worth holding right now not just for the outcome, but for the person you’ll become in the process?
Write it down. Start small. Take one intentional step, and remember: the point of setting a goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.