Happy new year! I hope you all had a lovely festive break and are now looking forward to a fresh new year filled with exciting possibilities and opportunities. I know I certainly am, as the dawn of 2025 brings a sense of renewal and optimism.

Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality?

This year could be the one where everything falls into place, but only if you have the right tools and mindset to achieve your goals.

Whilst I’m not a “new year, new me” kind of person, I do enjoy the tradition of setting goals at the start of the year as a way of continuing to strive for more. 2025 is no different, and I find it energising to reflect on what I’ve learned from the past year and how I can apply those lessons moving forward.

Later in this post, I’ll be sharing some of those specific goals with you, in hopes that they inspire you to define your own aspirations for the year ahead. But first, I wanted to share some valuable tips on how to effectively achieve your goals in 2025 and emphasise why setting reasonable, achievable goals is not just important, but essential for personal growth and self-fulfillment.

Embracing a balanced approach can ensure that we remain motivated and focused, avoiding the common pitfalls of setting overly ambitious resolutions that can lead to disappointment.

Setting goals take time

When it comes to setting goals, it’s important that you take the time to really think about what you want to achieve, as this clarity will guide your efforts and keep you motivated over time. If it’s the way your body looks or feels, as is the case for so many of us, think about how you can realistically change it when considering your goals.

For example, if you wish you were taller, there is no point in setting a goal hoping you will grow. Instead, you could analyse your personal style and do research to set a goal where you will dress in a way that makes you appear taller; this could involve choosing specific colours, patterns, or even types of footwear that elongate your silhouette. Additionally, focusing on other aspects of self-improvement, such as posture or confidence, could also significantly enhance the way you carry yourself.

By really sitting down and thinking about your aspirations is the first step into being able to achieve them.

Things that will help you achieve your goals

Let’s dive into practical tips that will set you up for success and make this your most accomplished year yet.

Are you ready?

Then let’s get started…

Set clear, specific goals

When setting your goals, you need to be clear about what you want to achieve in both the short term and the long term. A great way of doing this is to use the SMART framework, which acts as a guiding principle to help transform vague aspirations into concrete objectives. If you haven’t heard of this, it’s basically where your goals are – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By ensuring that your goals meet each of these criteria, you significantly increase the likelihood of fulfilling them.

A great example of this is instead of the loose term “get fit,” which can be interpreted in many ways, set your goal as “exercise for 30 minutes, 5 days a week for the next 3 months.” This specificity not only clarifies your intent but also provides a structured approach to tracking your progress. It then becomes more achievable because you only have those three months to focus on, allowing for an evaluation of how you’ve advanced towards your goal and making adjustments as necessary along the way. By committing to such a plan, you also create a routine that can lead to healthier lifestyle choices and long-lasting habits.

Break goals into smaller steps

Similar to what I mentioned above, break your large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the process less overwhelming and gives you clear action steps.

For example, if your goal is to write a book, break it down into tasks like outlining, writing chapters, and editing. You might start by dedicating a specific time each day to brainstorm ideas and create a comprehensive outline, which can serve as a roadmap for your writing journey. Next, set aside regular blocks of time to focus solely on drafting individual chapters, ensuring that you stay committed to your writing schedule. Once you have completed the initial draft, allocate time for thorough editing, where you can refine your work, enhance clarity, and correct any errors.

By breaking your goals down in this way, not only do you make the process more approachable, but you also build momentum, gradually moving toward your ultimate objective and celebrating each small success along the way.

Create a plan and timeline

Think about how long it could take to achieve your goal. Don’t just say sometime in 2025 because there is no accountability there; vague timelines can lead to procrastination and a lack of focus.

Instead, plan how and when you will accomplish each task by breaking down your objective into smaller, manageable actions that can be tracked and measured. Set clear deadlines and stick to them, ensuring that you regularly assess your progress. You could even add reminders on your phone to keep you on track.

For example, set aside time each week that is dedicated to progressing towards your goal, and utilise tools like calendars or project management apps to organise your tasks efficiently.

Stay consistent

Consistency is key to long-term success. Even if it’s just a small step each day, staying consistent helps build momentum and leads to significant achievements over time.

For example, if your goal is to improve a skill, practice regularly, even if just for a short period each day. This persistent effort can transform what initially feels like a tedious task into a seamless part of your daily routine.

As you continue to invest time and energy into your practice, you’ll find that your proficiency grows steadily, and you’ll gain confidence in your abilities. Furthermore, the habit of consistency not only enhances your skills but also fosters a mindset of resilience, enabling you to overcome challenges and setbacks along the way.

Remember, each small effort compounds over time, so embrace the journey and celebrate the incremental progress you make.

Track progress and adjust when necessary

Keep track of your progress regularly, as this practice can significantly influence your journey toward achieving your goals. By actively monitoring your advancements, not only will you gain valuable insights into where you’re succeeding, but you’ll also identify areas where you may need to adjust your approach for better results.

For instance, if you’re trying to save money, it becomes crucial to track your spending every month meticulously. This allows you to see patterns in your expenditures and determine if there are recurring costs that can be reduced or eliminated.

Additionally, by reviewing your progress regularly, you can maintain motivation and accountability, making it easier to make necessary adjustments if you’re not hitting your savings targets. Over time, these small changes can lead to substantial improvements in your financial health.

Stay motivated and positive

Motivation can fluctuate, so it’s important to stay positive and remind yourself of your “why”. This deeper understanding provides the fuel needed to push through challenging times. Celebrate small wins along the way; these mini celebrations serve as reminders of your progress and reinforce your dedication to the journey.

For example, reward yourself after reaching milestones, like treating yourself to something special, whether it’s indulging in your favourite dessert, taking a much-deserved day off, or investing in a hobby that brings you joy.

Keeping a journal of these moments can also help you reflect on your accomplishments and maintain your enthusiasm as you continue to pursue your goals.

Overcome obstacles

Challenges are inevitable, but how you handle them is crucial. Stay resilient, seek solutions, and learn from setbacks, as these experiences can often lead to personal growth and development.

For example, if you miss a deadline, don’t give up in frustration or despair. Instead, take a step back to reassess your goal, understanding the reasons behind the delay, and work out a new plan that not only addresses the immediate issue but also sets you up for future success.

Embrace a proactive mindset, and consider this an opportunity to refine your time management skills and establish a more effective workflow that can help you navigate similar obstacles more successfully in the future. Remember, every setback is a stepping stone toward greater achievements.

Stay accountable

Share your goals with someone who can help keep you accountable or join a group with similar objectives.

For example, tell a friend or mentor about your goal and update them regularly on your progress. By sharing your aspirations, you not only create a support system that encourages you, but you also invite constructive feedback that can enhance your journey.

Consider also the benefits of connecting with a group that shares your interests; this can foster a sense of community and provide shared resources, ideas, and motivation.

Being open about your goals can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations, as others may also find ways to align their ambitions with yours. Embracing this kind of accountability not only helps to solidify your commitment but also cultivates a network of like-minded individuals who can inspire and uplift you along the way.

Focus on growth

Stay open to learning and improving your methods, as personal growth is a continuous journey that enables you to evolve and adapt towards achieving your goals. Embracing new ideas and feedback is crucial in this process; it allows you to refine your strategies over time.

For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, seek advice from experienced runners to improve your training, as they can provide valuable insights on pacing, nutrition, and recovery techniques that you may not have considered. Additionally, participating in workshops or joining running clubs can offer further support and motivation, fostering a community where you can share experiences and learn from one another.

Remember, the key to success lies in your willingness to grow, experiment, and adjust your approach along the way.

By following these steps, you set yourself up for success in achieving your goals. This deliberate approach not only increases your chances of reaching your objectives but also helps you build critical skills along the way. Remember to stay patient and be persistent throughout the process, as success often requires time and consistent effort.

My goals for 2025

It’s important when setting goals that you look at every part of your life, encompassing not only your personal ambitions but also your relationships, career aspirations, and health. This holistic approach is exactly what I have done through careful reflection and introspection.

The goals I’m about to share with you are ones that I have thought long and hard about, weighing their significance and impact on my journey. Whilst they might not seem much to you at first glance, they represent foundational steps toward larger, more ambitious aspirations that I keep close to my heart, each one meticulously chosen to align with my values and long-term vision for a fulfilling life.

These milestones serve not only as targets but also as motivational anchors that help steer my focus and dedication in the right direction.

Improving my overall health

• Eat cleaner – try to get more colour into the foods I eat and choose foods that will keep me feeling fuller for longer
• Be consistent with taking my supplements – I know I can’t get all of the nutrients my body needs from food alone, but being consistent with this goal with help
• Drink more water – This is something that I REALLY need to work on because I’m really starting to feel and see the affects of failing at this. I’d like to get to a point where I don’t even have to think about it anymore, I just do it.
• Exercise three times a week – I want to be consistent with this and feel that three times a week is something I can achieve within my busy life.
• Reach 10,000 steps a day or 70,000 a week – I’ve chosen to do it this way because some days, it’s just not possible to get those steps. By spreading it over the week, I know that if I fail on a day, I just need to step it up the next day.
• Take the time to do my skincare routine everyday – I’ve been slacking on this in recent weeks and you can really tell. My skincare routine is a simple one, so there is no reason why I can’t do it everyday.

Mental health

• Breathe in some fresh air everyday – Even if I can’t go for a walk, just standing in the garden for five minutes can put me in such a good mood so I want to do more of that.
• Have dedicated “me time” every week – This is often easier said than done as a busy mum, but I’ve definitely noticed that I have a much shorter fuse with everybody if I haven’t done something for me every so often.
• Don’t do everything myself – This is a hard one for me but I know I need to stop taking everything on myself and instead delegate to others and ask for help.

Money

• Declutter my home and sell items instead of just throwing away – There are loads of things around my house that we don’t need or use so I really want to try and sell some.
• Spend less money on junk and instead buy things that will last – This is my downfall. I’m that person who will buy something because it’s cheap, but won’t spend out on something that will last, but costs more.

House

• Set up daily, weekly and monthly cleaning routines – I used to be so good at this at the flat but just haven’t found my feet with so many more areas to clean. My home isn’t a showroom but I do like it to feel clean however right now, there are so many neglected areas.
• Choose one area a month to declutter, deep clean and do up – This house needs a lot of work doing to it so I think this is the best way to actually get anything done.
• Organise the loft space better – I’d love to get to a point where everything it boxed in such an organised way I can go straight over to whatever I need.

Content creation

• Reach 1,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel – I’d love to build my little community over there because I love filming and editing my videos.
• Have better structure and add value in my videos – Sometimes, I like to ramble a bit so I’d like to rein that in and add the structure that can be seen in my blog posts.
• Continue with my weekly blog posts but expand the topics I talk about – I’ve been loving writing these posts recently and have so many ideas in my drafts

Nellie

• Get into a better routine – since moving I just feel like we haven’t mastered it. It doesn’t help that as Nellie gets older, things change, but that is just the way it goes.
• Set up play stations like I used to so that Nellie is occupied – This is crucial now because she is in to EVERYTHING!

Relationship

• Do a pub quiz each week – We love doing these from the comfort of our sofa, so I want to try and dedicate one day a week where we do a quiz
• One phone-free night a week – This is an important one for us because we are both guilty of spending all evening catching up on our phones when Nellie goes to bed
• Date night out of the house at least once a month – I find it so difficult leaving Nellie with someone so pushing for this each month will be a good way of combatting that too.

Final thoughts

I do have some more goals, and while I thought I’d include these in this post as my main ones, I believe it’s important to articulate a broader vision that encompasses various areas of my life. As you can see, I’ve selected things from every aspect of my life—personal development, career aspirations, and even my relationships—to really help me grow. Each goal is thoughtfully chosen to challenge me and push me beyond my comfort zone, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life. I am excited to embark on this journey of self-improvement and to see how these goals can positively impact my day-to-day experiences.

Setting goals is the first step towards turning your dreams into reality. Whether you’re aiming to improve your health, boost your career or cultivate personal growth, now is the time to take action.

What goals are you working towards achieving this year?