It feels like everybody's setting goals right now.

And if you're not, you might be wondering what's wrong with you.

I see this with the nonprofit leaders I coach. January rolls around, and there's this quiet pressure to have it all mapped out:

• The goals
• The vision boards
• The word of the year

And if you're not doing it, or if you tried and it didn't stick, you start thinking maybe you're behind. Maybe you're doing leadership wrong.

Here's what I've noticed though: resistance isn't laziness or lack of discipline. Sometimes it's because you don't actually believe in goal setting. Or... because you're already juggling so much that sitting down to do one more thing feels impossible.

The nonprofit sector runs in crisis mode: back-to-back meetings, whack-a-mole with emails, putting out fires. The thoughtful work, the reflective work, gets pushed to the side.

And goal setting? That feels like something you're supposed to do on a weekend retreat you don't have time to take.

I've sat with clients who struggle to write an actual goal. We'll often start the conversation trying to set something concrete, but what comes out instead is more like a direction.

"I want to get better at setting boundaries."

We talk about what that might look like, what it might feel like, then work toward that vision. It's less of a specific goal and more about moving in a direction that matters.

And honestly? It works.

Sometimes what you need isn't another goal.

Sometimes what you need is:

• A habit
• A practice
• A way of showing up that doesn't require you to have it all figured out in advance

Most of us believe that leadership is about getting things done and that personal development is something you do on your own time, outside of work.
But I see it differently.

Personal development isn't separate from leadership. It IS leadership! Self-reflection isn't a luxury. It's the key to your growth.

So, if you didn't set goals this year, or if you set them and they already feel heavy, you're not doing it wrong.

But I do think it's worth pausing to think about your growth and development as part of your leadership journey. Not because you should. But because you matter. And the way you lead matters.

Leadership Development Coach Kathy Archer helps women develop confidence, maintain their composure and lead with integrity! She is the author of two books, Mastering Confidence and Character-Driven Leadership and is the host of the Surviving to Thriving podcast. Kathy blogs for women leading in nonprofits at www.kathyarcher.com/blog