January brings a sense of renewal, offering a chance to set meaningful goals and recalibrate our focus. Yet, many of us find that the enthusiasm of New Year resolutions fades by February. The Positive Intelligence (PQ) framework can provide tools to sustain your momentum and make this year’s goals a source of lasting fulfillment.
Why Goals Lose Momentum
PQ defines specific Saboteurs that impact each of us on different levels. Some people may experience a Hyper-achiever with a particularly loud voice; others may be most affected by the Avoider. Often, our goals falter because they are driven by these Saboteurs—inner critics that thrive on fear, comparison, or perfectionism. When your goals are shaped by Saboteurs, they can feel heavy and draining. For example, striving for a promotion might feel more like an escape from inadequacy than a genuine aspiration for growth.
Engaging Your Sage
Using your ‘Sage’ is the best way to combat these critical Saboteurs. The Sage mindset is grounded in wisdom, empathy, and creativity, and is essential for setting and pursuing goals aligned with your core values. Sage-led goals feel energising and meaningful because they emerge from curiosity and a deep sense of purpose, rather than Saboteur-led feelings of inadequacy. Instead of being reactive, Sage-inspired goals invite you to embrace opportunities and challenges with confidence and clarity.
The ‘Sage Powers’
In the PQ framework, the term ‘Sage Powers’ refers to five key concepts—Empathy, Explore, Innovate, Navigate, and Activate. To put it simply, these powers are a way to guide your thinking using an intentional, positive mindset and each power has its own practical applications. For example, using the Navigate power means considering how a goal aligns with your long-term vision and purpose. It’s about choosing a path that feels true to your values and leads to meaningful outcomes.

Practical Steps to Set Sage-Led Goals
- Pause and Reflect: Before committing to new goals, engage in PQ reps to quiet your Saboteurs. A calmer mind will help you identify what truly matters.
- Connect with Your Values: Reflect on how your Sage powers can guide your goals. If health and fitness are important to you, Navigate might help you focus on movement that supports your overall well-being in the long-run, rather than short-term results or external pressures.
- Start Small: Sage wisdom reminds us that incremental steps lead to sustainable change. Focus on daily habits that reinforce your goal, such as practising gratitude or scheduling time for self-reflection.
- Anticipate Saboteurs: Identify potential inner critics that might derail you. Acknowledge their presence, then redirect your focus to Sage-led solutions.
PQ reps are mental exercises that quiet Saboteur thoughts and build mental fitness by focusing on physical sensations like breath or touch.
Building Momentum Through Mental Fitness
Consistent practice of PQ techniques strengthens your ability to stay focused and resilient. As challenges arise—and they inevitably will—you can tap into your Sage to turn setbacks into learning opportunities. Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, you’ll view them as part of your growth journey.
Looking Ahead
As you embark on 2025, consider your goals not as tasks to complete but as expressions of who you want to become. By leveraging the power of your Sage and mental fitness, you’ll cultivate a mindset that not only achieves results but also fosters joy and purpose along the way.
Let this January be a time to step forward with intention, supported by the enduring wisdom of your Sage. Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and authentic success.
Take the Next Step
Discover which Saboteurs might be influencing your goals by completing the free PQ Saboteur Assessment.
For personalised guidance and support, book a connect session with me to explore how mental fitness can transform your year.