Setting Goals For 2025
Title: How to Write Lifestyle Goals for 2025 That You’ll Actually Achieve
With 2025 just two weeks away, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to set goals that actually stick. We all start the year with big dreams and high hopes, but how often do we follow through? This year, I’m determined to do things differently and set myself up for success—and I hope this post inspires you to do the same.
We all love the idea of 'New Year, New Me,' but let’s be honest: how often do we actually stick with that new version of ourselves? Or do we end up back in the same habits, at the same job, making the same amount of money, and living the same lifestyle just like last year? I am 100% guilty of that—the new year hits, and I have these lofty goals, only to be crushed by late January when life happens and before I know it, I’ve put my goals on the back burner.
So for this year, Jenn and I want to change that routine and achieve the goals we always talk about. We’re approaching goal-setting differently this time, with more structure, intention, and a willingness to reflect. Here are the steps we’re taking to write and achieve our goals for 2025. Hopefully, you’ll find some inspiration to start fresh and make this your best year yet.
1. Reflect on the Past Year
Before you start to write your 2025 goals, take a minute to look back at 2024. Reflection is powerful—it’s not about guilt or frustration; it’s about clarity. When you know where you’ve been, you’ll know where you need to go next.
Grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing), sit somewhere quiet, and ask yourself:
What made me happiest in 2024?
For me, it was getting our studio up and running, taking a couple of cross-country trips with Jenn, and finding more time to spend with my friends. Not all of these moments were necessarily monumental, but they were meaningful and memorable.What did I learn from my wins and losses?
I’ll admit it: I’m incredibly impatient. And what's worse is that I’m aware of it. I know that achieving a goal takes time and effort, but I still want results as fast as possible. This impatience has taught me that small, steady progress really does add up—something I want to focus on next year.Where did I feel stuck, and why?
Oh, this is easy: using social media to grow our photography business. It’s hard for me to stay consistent, probably because I’ve never had a clear plan for it. I need to be more intentional with what I post and how often.
Reflecting on your past isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s the roadmap for what comes next. If 2024 felt chaotic, maybe 2025 is about simplifying. If you spent too much time working, maybe it’s about carving out more space for yourself, your family, and your passions.
Here’s the truth: The lessons of 2024 are the building blocks for 2025. Don’t skip this step—it’s where your clarity begins.
2. Start With Your ‘Why’
Every goal needs a reason behind it. Otherwise, you’re more likely to abandon it when challenges come your way (and spoiler: challenges will come your way). Your “why” is what keeps you grounded and determined when motivation fades.
Take a minute and ask yourself why each goal is important to you:
Instead of: “I want to save money.”
Try: “I want to save money so I can take my family on a vacation without stressing about the cost.”
The clearer your “why,” the harder it’ll be to give up. Write it down. Revisit it whenever you feel stuck or unmotivated.
For both Jenn and me, most of our goals share a common “why.” We want to work for ourselves and not be tied to someone else’s business. Freedom is what drives us: freedom to write our own schedules, freedom to create, and freedom to say “yes” to opportunities without hesitation.
Your “why” is like a lighthouse—it keeps you steady and moving in the right direction, even during the stormiest days.
3. Break Goals Into Quarterly Focus Areas
Here’s where most people get overwhelmed: they try to tackle a year’s worth of goals all at once. It’s like trying to eat an entire pizza in one bite—it doesn’t work, and you end up feeling defeated. The solution? Break your goals into smaller, manageable chunks. Think quarterly.
January – March: Laying the Foundation
This is the time to start small and build momentum. Think of it as planting seeds. You’re not trying to accomplish everything right away—you’re just setting up systems and habits to support your bigger vision.
Example: If your goal is better health, focus on creating habits like drinking more water daily or walking 10,000 steps. Don’t try to become a marathon runner overnight—start simple.
April – June: Building Momentum
Now that your foundation is set, it’s time to add a little more weight. Use this quarter to challenge yourself and go deeper into your goals.
Example: If you’ve been saving $100 a month, challenge yourself to increase it to $200. If you’ve been exercising, add new activities to your routine.
July – September: Reflect and Adjust
The halfway point of the year is the perfect time for a reality check. Are you on track? If not, why? Use this quarter to course-correct and get back in the game.
Remember, goals aren’t set in stone. Life happens, and it’s okay to adapt. The important thing is to stay connected to your “why” and keep moving forward—even if the path looks different than you imagined.
October – December: Finishing Strong
This is the home stretch, where you dig deep and give it everything you’ve got. Revisit your original goals and celebrate how far you’ve come. Use this quarter to tie up loose ends and reflect on the progress you’ve made.
4. Be the Person Who Says, “I Did It”
Most people spend their lives talking about what they’re “going to” do. It’s easy to say, “I’ll start on Monday” or “This year will be different.” But how many people actually follow through? I want to spend this year doing what I set out to do. .
Be the exception. Be the person who takes action—not just once, but consistently. Imagine this: It’s December 31, 2025. You’re sitting down, reflecting on the year, and you feel proud of everything you accomplished. That’s the goal. That’s what we’re working toward.
As Aristotle said: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
(I definitely looked up an inspirational quote for this—I promise I don’t know Aristotle offhand.)
Make this the year of action. Let’s move from planning to doing.
5. Write Goals With Clarity
If your goals are vague, your results will be, too. Be specific and actionable. I know this seems like a repeat of starting with your "why," but this step should focus on building measurable actions you can work toward as you move closer to your goal.
For example:
Vague: “I want to get healthier.”
Clear: “I will work out 3 times a week for 30 minutes from January to March.”
Clarity gives you a roadmap and takes the guesswork out of achieving your goals, and makes it harder to procrastinate.
6. Celebrate Progress (and Be Flexible)
Don’t wait until December to celebrate your wins. Every step forward is worth acknowledging. Did you save your first $500? Toast to that! Did you finally stick to a workout plan for a month? Celebrate it. I am terrible at this personally. I’ll accomplish something and immediately think of the next thing I have to do. Taking that time to celebrate what I’ve done would probably reduce a lot of my mental stress (lol).
At the same time, give yourself grace. Life isn’t linear, and neither is progress. If you hit a roadblock, take a deep breath, adjust, and keep moving forward. Flexibility isn’t failure—it’s resilience. Adapt and overcome.
7. Track and Reflect
The key to staying on track is checking in with yourself regularly. Set aside time each month to review your progress:
Are you on track?
What’s working, and what needs to change?
How do you feel about your progress?
Reflection keeps you accountable—and reminds you why you started in the first place. Bonus: if you have someone you trust, try asking them if they can be an accountability buddy—someone to check in with and make sure you are continuing to focus on your goals.
Final Thoughts: Your Year to Say “I Did It”
2025 is a blank slate—this is your chance to write a story you’re proud of. Show up, take action, and make this the year you stop saying “I’m gonna” and start saying “I did.”
Here’s to your best year yet—one goal, one step, and one quarter at a time.
What are your goals for 2025? I’d love to hear them!
