As the year begins to wind down, we start to consider our dreams for the year ahead.
The year seems full of possibilities.
A clean slate.
Yet, many of us don’t take the time to really think about what we want.
Surface level goals are set.
Get a promotion.
Lose weight.
Participate in dry January.
And, then we find most give up the goal by “Quitters Day”.
The second Friday in January!
Below are 5 Steps for discovering and keeping your goals for the year ahead.
5 Steps to Goals for 2025
1. Look Back
Instead of jumping right into plans, start by reviewing how this year went across the 8 dimensions of wellbeing.
Here are two year in review posts to get you started – 2022 and 2023.
To learn more about the 8 dimensions of wellbeing you can see individual posts on each at these links: Physical. Occupational. Financial. Social. Intellectual. Environmental. Emotional. Spiritual.
2. Consider Change
With the foundation of reflection, we can now consider changes we might want to make.
We can think about change in each of the 8 dimensions.
Considering each area may uncover an important goal or dream that wouldn’t have been considered.
This process uncovers the areas of our life are less prominent.
3. Narrow the List
At this point, you will have at least 8 goals – one for every dimension of wellbeing.
We all know that if we try to do everything, we will accomplish nothing. Take your list of goals and determine the top 2-3.
You can always pull others from the list as the year progresses, but this will keep you focused.
If the 2-3 are too big, narrow down again to your #1.
4. Look for a Theme
When you consider your top ideas, is there a theme?
A word that could guide you for the year ahead.
The last 10 years, I’ve selected a word of the year.
This word keeps me grounded and guided on my personal journey.
This post has a list of 100 words to inspire.
5. Apply the Hope Equation
The final step is the one that many often skip.
We need to create a plan to achieve the things we hope for.
The hope equation is goals + willpower + waypower.
You can learn more here.
Take each goal and break it down into the steps and habits needed to achieve it.
Then, ensure you have alternative paths when plans go off track (because they will).
Your Turn
Have you started thinking about goals for the year ahead?
Are you focused on one area of your life or across the dimensions of wellbeing?
Would these 5 steps help guide you through the process?