By Terri Schmitt, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FNP-BC
Executive Director, NPACE
As we step into 2026, clinicians face unprecedented challenges in a strained U.S. healthcare system. Amid these pressures, one simple yet powerful act can help make a difference, not only for ourselves but for our patients and the system as a whole: setting intentional goals.
The process of thinking through and writing down goals isn’t just motivational; it’s evidence-based and linked to better outcomes. When we take time to define what matters most, we create clarity, focus, and resilience; qualities that ripple outward into patient care and organizational impact, while helping us find center and sanity amid chaos and demands.
Decades of research confirm goal setting is one of the most effective strategies for improving performance and well-being. Locke and Latham’s (2019) retrospective on goal-setting theory highlights that specific and challenging goals consistently lead to higher achievement than vague or easy goals. This effect occurs because thinking about and writing down goals focuses our attention, mobilizes our effort, increases our chance of persistence, and encourage strategy development mechanisms. All are critical for healthcare professionals navigating complex systems, but also for navigating chronic stress and boosting our own wellbeing. For healthcare professionals, goal setting is associated with improved resilience, reduced burnout, and enhanced patient care outcomes (Shanafelt et al., 2017).
Beyond performance, goal setting provides profound implications for professional identity and resilience. When clinicians set goals aligned with their values, they experience greater autonomy, motivation, and job satisfaction, which can buffer against burnout (Holland et al., 2021). In fact, aligning goals with personal meaning is essential in high-stress environments like healthcare.
Pines (1996) offers an existential perspective on burnout, emphasizing that exhaustion often stems from a loss of purpose. Setting meaningful goals restores that sense of purpose, helping clinicians reconnect with why they entered the profession. In a system that often feels overwhelming, goal setting is more than a productivity tool but a way to reclaim meaning and thrive.
For me, 2026 will be about balance and growth. After spending some time prior to the winter solstice reflecting, I narrowed my plan to include:
These goals are not just personal; they are commitments to better care for myself and professional commitments to ultimately improve care.
Looking for a quick way to set meaningful goals for the year ahead? You don’t need a full-day retreat—just 30 to 60 minutes can help you clarify priorities and create an actionable plan. Here’s a simple, structured approach you can use on your own or with a team to make goal-setting practical and powerful.
Set the Stage (5 min)
Find a quiet space and clarify your purpose: “We’re here to identify meaningful goals for the next year.”
Gather tools: pen and paper or a digital note app.
Brainstorm Freely (10–15 min)
Ask: “What matters most to me this year—personally and professionally?”
Write down everything—no filtering yet.
Prompts:
Prioritize (10 min)
Review your list and circle 3–5 top goals.
Make them specific and meaningful (e.g., “Update practice knowledge monthly” vs. “Learn more”).
Make It Actionable (10–15 min)
For each goal, write:
Commit & Reflect (5 min)
Put your goals somewhere visible (planner, app, sticky note).
Optional: Share with a colleague or accountability partner.
End with: “What’s one thing I can do today to move toward these goals?”
Pro Tip: Keep it simple—clarity beats complexity. Even one well-defined goal can make a big impact.
One hour today can set the tone for your entire year.
What about you? What goals will you set this year?
✨ If one of your aspirations is to become NP faculty or move into teaching NPs, explore our NONPF New Faculty Bundle.
🩺 If you want to refresh clinical skills like suturing or radiology interpretation, join us in Nashville or at our March virtual conference.
🌍 And if travel with friends is on your list, make it meaningful—join NPACE in Delray Beach or Napa for education and adventure.
Let’s make 2026 a year of intentional growth for ourselves, our patients, and the healthcare system we serve.
Here’s to setting goals that change lives—starting with our own!
References
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2019). The development of goal setting theory: A half century retrospective. Motivation Science, 5(2), 93–105. https://doi.org/10.1037/mot0000127
Holland, M. L., Brock, S. E., Oren, T., & van Eckhardt, M. (2021). Goal setting in professional contexts. In Handbook of Human Motivation and Professional Development (pp. [insert page range]). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83492-0_5
Pines, A. M. (1996). Burnout: An existential perspective. In Stress and burnout in the human services (pp. [insert page range]). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203741825
Shanafelt, T. D., Gorringe, G., Menaker, R., Storz, K. A., Reeves, D., Buskirk, S. J., ... & Swensen, S. J. (2017). Impact of organizational leadership on physician burnout and satisfaction. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 92(1), 129–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.10.004