It’s New Year’s resolution time — set your 2026 goals with tips from four highly effective Torontonians. As we usher in January, it’s a perfect moment for many of us to reflect, reset, and plan for the year ahead. While the turn of the calendar might be arbitrary, the start of a new year always presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth. In this article, we’ll be learning from some of Toronto’s most inspiring individuals about their goal-setting strategies and how they achieve them.
Jennifer Whalen: Embrace Gentle Goal-Setting
Comedian and co-creator of “Small Achievable Goals”, Jennifer Whalen, believes in setting small, manageable targets. She encourages us to be kind, flexible, and to keep goals simple. Whalen says, “Things change, you change.” She advises treating goals as guidelines for making life more enjoyable, rather than rigid markers of success.
Practical Achievement
Whalen shares her experience of setting a goal to create a TV show when she was 30. Although the journey was fraught with challenges and disappointments, she persisted and eventually achieved her goal through her involvement in the Baroness Von Sketch Show and Small Achievable Goals. Her story underscores the importance of resilience, learning, and enjoying the process.
Cheyenne Catchpole: Believe in Your Goals
Content creator and former Toronto Raptors dancer, Cheyenne Catchpole, advocates for the power of intentionality. She credits her success to positive self-talk and self-confidence. Catchpole shares, “having a dedicated place for all my goals and ambitions really helps declutter my mind.”
Rest and Reflection
Contrary to the go-go-go mentality often associated with goal setting, Catchpole stresses the importance of rest. She believes that it’s crucial to slow down and recover in order to move forward effectively. This includes screen-free time, spending time in nature, and engaging in restorative practices.
Amil Niazi: Focus on What Matters
Amil Niazi, author of “Life After Ambition”, approaches goal setting with a focus on how she wants to move through the world. Niazi encourages others to question why they want to achieve their goals, emphasizing the importance of understanding the motivation behind them.
Realistic Expectations
Niazi’s advice is to build on what you’re already doing rather than setting unrealistic goals. She highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability, suggesting that sometimes you need to adjust your expectations and strategies as circumstances change.
Vicky Milner: Prioritize and Plan
Vicky Milner, president and co-founder of the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards, is a master of goal setting. She recommends distinguishing between personal and work goals, and setting short-term and long-term targets. This approach helps her manage her tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
Achievement Through Ritual
One of Milner’s achieved goals is setting up a morning ritual. She dedicates 10 to 15 minutes every morning to herself, which helps her start the day positively. This short practice contributes significantly to her productivity and mental wellbeing.
As we step into 2026, let’s take inspiration from these Torontonians and approach goal-setting with kindness, intentionality, realism, and planning. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Here’s to a year of growth and achievement!
