Hi you guys and happy 2025!
It’s the first full week of the new year, and it finally feels like the dust has settled after the holiday season. People are starting to get back into a “normal” routine of work, school, daycare, or whatever else you have going on. Of course, if you’re anything like me, the new year brings thoughts of how you might want to switch up your routines or set new goals to accomplish in the upcoming year.
At the same time, you might also be familiar with that feeling of coming up short on your goals by the end of the year—and the discouragement that comes with it. Today, I want to share a few tips that have been helpful for me in setting goals and actually following through to achieve them.
#1: Set Shorter-Term Goals
I find it challenging to stick to goals that span an entire year. What works better for me is breaking those goals into smaller, more manageable portions. This makes them feel less daunting and encourages regular check-ins, which help me stay on track.
For example, if my goal is to read 40 books in a year, I could focus on reading 5 books this month. While I’m still working toward the larger annual goal, narrowing the time frame makes it feel more achievable and keeps me motivated.
#2: Plan Ahead for When and How You’ll Achieve Your Goal
When setting a goal, it’s crucial to plan when and how you’ll achieve it. For example, many people resolve to adopt a better workout routine but often fall back into old habits within a few weeks, especially when life gets busy. As moms, it’s easy to go through the motions of daily life and suddenly realize we haven’t taken any time for ourselves.
To establish a consistent routine, choose a specific time each day to work out and stick to it. Consistency is key, and starting with the same time each day can help cement the habit. If you have kids, communicate with your partner or co-parent about your need for that time. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment—just 20 minutes a day is a great starting point. If you can build on that, fantastic! If not, those 20 minutes are still far better than none.
#3: Focus on the Why and Pivot When Needed
It’s common to lose motivation a few months into a resolution. When that happens, discipline often becomes more important than motivation. One way to stay disciplined is to write down the specific reasons why you set your goal. Keep this “why” handy and refer to it whenever you’re in a slump and need an extra push to keep going.
It’s also important to recognize that life circumstances can change, and sometimes, your goals need to change too. Allow yourself to pivot (without guilt) if necessary. Adjusting your goals and your why to fit new realities can help you stay on track and feel proud of what you’ve accomplished when you look back at the end of the year.
#4: Stack New Habits with Existing Ones
The concept of “habit stacking” has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a powerful way to build new habits by pairing them with ones you already do consistently. Creating a new habit can be challenging, so make it easier by attaching it to an existing routine—doing it right before, after, or at the same time as something you already do habitually.
For example, I set a goal to meditate more but struggled to find the right time and often forgot about it altogether. To solve this, I decided to meditate immediately after my weekday workouts. Since exercising was already a consistent habit, it became easy to remember to meditate afterward. Before I knew it, weeks had gone by, and I was consistently meditating without much effort.
#5 Schedule Regular Check-Ins
If you’re serious about achieving your goals, don’t wait until the end of the year to assess your progress. It can be disheartening to look back and realize you didn’t meet the goals you set 12 months ago. Instead, schedule regular check-ins with yourself every couple of months to review your progress and evaluate the goals you set.
Ask yourself: Are you still in alignment with these goals and the reasons you set them? If your priorities have shifted or the goal no longer feels as important, it’s okay to reassess and adjust. There’s no shame in realizing a goal has changed or needs to evolve.
Regular self-reflection helps ensure your goals remain meaningful and aligned with your current path, especially as you work to incorporate new habits into your life.
I’m not a professional, and I’ve had my fair share of goals that I’ve set but didn’t achieve—and that’s okay! I’m just sharing a few simple tips that have helped me stick to my resolutions while also giving myself grace when things evolve or change.
To wrap up this post, I’d love to share some of my 2025 goals with you.
Dre’s 2025 Goals:
Run 5 Miles at Sub 9 Min/Mile
WHY: As many of you know, I ran track in middle and high school and have incorporated running into my routine on and off over the years. However, I haven’t done much running since before I got pregnant with Ava. Lately, I’ve been feeling an itch to get back into running, especially with spring just around the corner. I love switching up my workout routines, and returning to running feels like the perfect way to add some fun and variety!
Obtain a Nutrition Certification
WHY: I’ve always been passionate about nutrition and earned my bachelor’s degree in Foods and Nutrition. However, I haven’t pursued a career related to my degree since graduating. It’s been years since I finished school, and I’d love to deepen my knowledge, especially with all the new research continually emerging in the field of nutrition.
Read 40 Books
WHY: My goal to read 40 books this year is partly to surpass last year’s total—a challenge that’s motivating in itself—but also because reading has become a wonderful way for me to reduce screen time and calm my mind, helping to ease anxiety and promote relaxation.
Pay Off My Credit Cards
WHY: While I don’t have much credit card debt and have never had student loans, I’d love to eliminate this debt entirely. This would allow me to focus on larger purchases, like home improvement projects, and prepare for other potential expenses, such as possibly buying a new car this year. Having my credit cards paid off would give me greater financial flexibility for these goals.
If you feel comfortable, I’d love to hear about your goals too! And if you’re looking for an accountability partner, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d be thrilled to cheer you on!
Stay hungry my friends!
