How To Set Seasonal Goals To Get More Done

In 2021 I started taking goal setting much more seriously. I finally had a vision of what I wanted my life to look like so I spent some time in January setting goals and making plans. By the time I got to the end of the year, I realized that many of those goals were not even close to being achieved. Bummer! 

In 2022 I took a slightly different approach to my goals. The vision was still there and I was still super motivated to get to work. So when I set my goals this time I focused on different aspects of my life (work, relationships, personal, etc.). That helped me stay a bit more focused and also made sure I was taking care of myself holistically! I liked this way of goal setting, it definitely worked for me. 

However, in 2023 I’ve been playing around with seasonal goals! In January I set my major goals like always but then when I made my plan, I focused on the seasons. So far it’s been working and honestly, it feels more aligned with how I am. 

Interested to learn more about seasonal goals? Keep reading! 

What are seasonal goals? 

Seasonal goals can be two things: goals that you set specifically for each season or your major goals broken down into smaller goals that you focus on seasonally. 

Seasonally specific goals 

Let’s talk about the first one which is seasonally specific goals. These goals might be considered to be more fun. 

People also call these types of goals “seasonal bucket lists” sometimes. 

These may look like: 

Fall

• Go to the pumpkin patch
• Make a DIY Halloween craft
• Host a dinner party

Winter 

• Spend under $500 on Christmas gifts 
• Plan a holiday party 
• Try a winter sport 

I love setting seasonal goals like this because it keeps life interesting. There is usually an aspect of fun to these types of goals and it’s just something to look forward to. 

If you are a person that likes the changing seasons this could be a great way to appreciate the seasons while also keeping track of the things you want or need to do.

Breaking down large goals  

This is how I’m dealing with my goals right now! 

Take your big goal for the year and break it down into smaller goals that you can work on seasonally.

I like this because however you break the year up it allows you to fully focus on 3 months at a time! 12 weeks! 

It can be overwhelming looking at 12 months ahead and also looking at giant goals that you aren’t even close to reaching.

But 12 weeks ahead with 3 or 4 goals to work on? Totally doable. 

For example, if your goal is to make enough money to buy a car and you currently have no money… That could be overwhelming.

Instead, you could break that down and say you want to save X amount of money in the spring because you work more. Then you can focus on your spending habits in the summer while you keep on saving. And then keep going all year long. Whatever works for you! 

Related reads:

• How To Make Time For Your Goals
• How To Do A Helpful Mid-Year Goal Check-In
• 11 Useful Tips To Help You Work On Your Goals Daily

Tips for setting seasonal goals 

Whether you decide to do fun seasonal goals or to break down your larger goals, here are some tips to make the whole process easier.

1 – Focus on energy 

I like to account for my energy levels during each season. 

Your energy will determine how much you can realistically get done.

For example, I know summer is a busy time and I’ll have less mental capacity so I don’t plan big business things during that time. However, I feel the most energized and motivated during fall so I can take on more projects then! 

2 – Start with the big goal in mind 

Typically it’s easier to plan your goals when you know the big end goal. 

Work backward from the end goal and then figure out what needs to happen each season (or 3 months). 

3 – Think of your goals holistically 

You are so much more than the money you make, the job you have, or the relationship you’re in.

Goals don’t have to be career-related or money-related. You can (and should) set goals in all areas of your life. 

• Personal goals
• Financial goals
• Relationship goals
• Health goals
• Emotional goals
• Spiritual goals
• Mental health goals 
• Learning goals 

Pick a few (or all) of these types of goals and try to incorporate them into your seasonal goals. 

The “fun seasonal goals” might fill some of these!

4 – Write them down 

It can be hard to remember all the different goals you have (especially if you’re breaking down larger goals). 

Spend the first day or so of the new season by mapping out your goals and writing them down. 

I’ve recently started using Notion and I made a simple “to-do” style list for each season with my top 5 fun seasonal goals and my smaller milestone goals. 

I like that because I can still see the whole year ahead but it helps me focus on one step at a time.

5 – Keep all the goals measurable 

The number one thing you need to do with all your goals is make them measurable.

If you can’t measure your progress in some way then I promise you, your goals won’t work. 

Even with those fun seasonal goals you need to know if you’ve completed it. 

Saying “enjoy the holiday season” is WAY too vague. What does that even mean? Instead, break that feeling down into 5 actionable items.

Goal ideas for all the seasons 

Need a little seasonal goal inspo? Steal some ideas from this list! 

Spring seasonal goals:

• Redecorate a room
• Set up an Easter egg hunt for your friends 
• Go for 5 walks 
• Take photos of Cherry blossom trees
• Make a new recipe 
• Practice yoga 
• Try a new skincare routine 
• Learn how to garden 
• Start birdwatching 
• Donate some clothes 

Summer seasonal goals:

• Do an outdoor workout class
• Try a new smoothie place 
• Plan a weekend away
• Go on 5 friend dates 
• Learn how to make pretty flower arrangements 
• Save all your spare change 
• Learn how to golf 
• Get a library card 
• Meditate in the morning
• Go swimming 

Related read: The Greatest Summer Bucket List To Seize The Summertime

Fall seasonal goals:

• Pick apples 
• Decorate for Halloween 
• Make a homemade PSL 
• Try a new makeup look 
• Carve pumpkins with friends 
• Read a spooky book 
• Learn about tarot card reading 
• Dress up for Halloween 
• Volunteer for an outdoor clean up
• Start bullet journaling 

Related read: 22 Scary Books That Will Keep You Up At Night

Winter seasonal goals:

• Try some YouTube at home workouts
• Declutter the house 
• Host a “friendmas” dinner 
• Head to the top of a mountain 
• Make DIY Christmas cards 
• Bake cookies
• Donate gifts to a local charity 
• Go to a Christmas market 
• Try a winter sport 
• Go for a long walk in the snow 

In conclusion

It can be really helpful to set seasonal goals whether they help a larger goal or are just fun for the season.

There is something nice about focusing on shorter periods of time. I also like that seasonal goals can take into account more aspects of your life (health, relationships, career, etc.). It can be overwhelming setting goals for all aspects of your life at the beginning of the year.

And lets be real, we are in different places mentally and physically at different times. We go through our own seasons. So its nice to have some flexibility and allows you to roll with what is happening for you at the time.

I’m interested to know what you think of seasonal goals.

Do you like the fun goals? Are you interested in planning your other goals in 3 month intervals? Let me know!