Set Your Goals for 2025
Now that the holidays are behind us and you’ve settled into 2025, it’s time to set your goals. Begin by reflecting on what you really want. Ask yourself: What areas of my life do I want to improve? It’s important to dream big, but also to be realistic. Choose goals that excite and challenge you, while remaining achievable within your current circumstances. Setting a goal gives you a chance to focus on one area and sets you up to stretch yourself a little further the next time.
Identify an outcome-based goal that is achievable and that can be done within a reasonable timeframe. It helps to write things out when you are setting a goal. A SMART goal is:
Specific - Clearly define what you want to accomplish. “I will walk outside.”
Measurable - Include criteria to track your progress. “For 20 minutes, 5 out of 7 days of the week.”
Achievable - Pick something you are capable of doing.
Relevant - Does it align with your values?
Timebound - Set a deadline to give your goal structure. “For the next 28 days.”
Ideally you will set about 9 goals. That way you can take one week between goals to celebrate or evaluate how that 4 week period went and then you can decide on your next goal and define it so you are ready to start up again.
Let’s dive into how you can align your goals with your purpose and stay motivated when you are doing the work. When you are connected to your “why” you are more likely to keep going even when they are twists and turns along the way.
1. How Do You Want to Feel After Achieving Your Goal?
Take a moment to visualize the outcome of achieving your goal. Is it happiness, pride, relief, or a sense of accomplishment? When you know the emotional payoff, it’s easier to stay focused. Write this feeling down and remind yourself of it often — this is a key part of your "why."
2. What Are You Willing (and Not Willing) to Do to Achieve This Goal?
Be honest with yourself about the boundaries you want to set. For example, are you willing to wake up an hour earlier? Skip leisure time? On the flip side, what are you not willing to sacrifice, such as family dinners or personal downtime? When you create boundaries for yourself, you will prevent burnout and resentment later.
3. Who Are You Pursuing This Goal For?
Are you pursuing it for personal fulfillment, or is it to meet someone else’s expectations? Goals that are aligned with your own desires and aspirations are far more sustainable and rewarding, than if you are trying to meet someone else’s idea of success. If the goal isn’t for you, reconsider or reshape it so it aligns with what you want.
4. Does This Goal Align With Your Values?
Your goals should feel like a natural extension of your core values and personal vision. If they clash with what truly matters to you, you may struggle to stay motivated. Revisit your values and ensure your goal supports your long-term vision.
5. Create Your Why Statement
Be very clear about why you are working on this goal. Keep your why statement visible to lock in your success. Note: It’s just as important to write it down as it is to keep it visible.
Here are a few ways you can begin your why statement:
I want to attain this goal because/so that _____________.
This is important to me because it will allow me to________.
This will change my life so I can________.
Ultimately this will enable me to________.
Setting your goals for 2025 is a great way to think about what matters to you most. Make sure your goal(s) align with your personal values and vision. By ensuring your goals are SMART, staying connected to your "why," and maintaining steady daily progress, you can do great things!
