Why Goals, Not Resolutions, Will Set You Up for Success in 2025

As we step into 2025, it’s easy to fall into the familiar trap of New Year’s resolutions. You know the ones: “I’ll lose weight, learn French, and give up chocolate, smoking, and wine!” By the 5th of January, we’ve already eaten the chocolate, forgotten about our sudden desire to speak French, and are bored of the gym. Then comes the inevitable self-criticism—only to rinse and repeat the same cycle next year.

So, why not try a different approach this year? Let’s ditch resolutions and embrace something far more meaningful: goals.

The Power of Goals for 2025

Goal-setting taps into your purpose, providing clarity and motivation that resolutions simply don’t offer. When you define and work towards a goal, you’re not just making a wish—you’re creating a plan. Fans of Dan Pink’s work might recognise this as aligning with the key motivators of purpose and mastery. Purpose keeps us going when setbacks arise, while mastery—whether it’s refining a skill or achieving a personal best—adds a sense of achievement to the journey.

The process of setting goals also builds resilience. Life isn’t always straightforward, and challenges can arise unexpectedly. But with clearly defined goals, you’ll always know what truly matters to you, empowering you to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward.

Why Goals Are Better Than Resolutions

The difference lies in intentionality. Goals are thoughtful, deliberate, and aligned with your priorities. They’re specific and measurable, giving you clarity on what success looks like. In contrast, resolutions are often vague, impulsive, and lack the “how” and “why” that make them stick.

For example:

• A resolution might be: “I’m going to get fit.”

• A goal is: “I’ll walk 10,000 steps daily and run a 5K by March.”

See the difference? Goals focus on the process and the purpose, not just the outcome.

How to Set Goals That Stick and Achieve your Purpose

1. Break Them Down

   Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to save for a dream holiday, start by setting a monthly savings target. Celebrate small wins along the way—it keeps motivation high!

   
   

2. Choose Tools That Work for You

   Whether it’s a guided journal, a vision board, or a goal-tracking app, choose a method that resonates with you—or challenge yourself to try something new. I find breaking goals into stages and reviewing monthly progress really helpful, especially when paired with a visual. Some people love creating physical vision boards, while others prefer digital tools like Pinterest or OneNote. Whatever method you choose, the key is to actively use it, not just look at it!

   
   
   
   

   

3. Check for Balance

   Reflect on your goals across different areas of life: career, health, relationships, personal growth, finances, and wellbeing. Are you unintentionally focusing on just one area? Balance is key to avoiding burnout and creating a fulfilling life. Personally, doing this exercise helped me realise I was always prioritising my career while neglecting other areas. Since then, I’ve been able to dial up those areas, leading to a more rounded and satisfying approach to life.

   
   

4. Know Your Why

   Take time to deeply reflect on why your goals matter. What will achieving them bring to your life? What will they transform? Understanding your why will keep you grounded and committed.

   
   

5. Share Your Goals

   Talking about your goals with others creates accountability and opens doors to support. Could a mentor, coach, or friend help? Maybe you can even tackle a shared goal together.

   
   

6. Adapt When Necessary

   Life changes—so should your goals. Be flexible and willing to pivot if circumstances demand it. It’s not failure; it’s resilience. Obstacles will arise, and sometimes you might be the one standing in your own way—and that’s okay. Take a step back, reflect, and refocus on what your new future looks like, all while practicing self-compassion.

Key Takeaways for 2025 Goal-Setting:

• Goals provide focus and purpose, helping you stay motivated.

• Writing goals down gives them power and makes them real.

• Sharing your goals with others creates accountability and attracts support.

• Setting the right goals—aligned with your values and priorities—builds resilience and adaptability.

• Changing your goals is not only okay, it’s healthy.

• Your goals are yours. Don’t compare them to others or let anyone else judge their value.

  
  

Remember, even in a world full of challenges, you can still achieve your goals. The secret is to make them meaningful, actionable, and adaptable, whilst being kind to yourself along the way.

Here’s to making 2025 your year, your way. What are you working towards this year?