Many people see the New Year as a chance to reflect, set goals, and kick-start fresh beginnings. January truly feels like the Monday of months for that, doesn’t it?
But... how many times have you set resolutions, only to abandon them by February or completely forget about them by summer?
I used to be like that too, until I started using this goal-setting process. It’s helped me achieve goals I’d only ever dreamed of. When I look back on my old vision boards, it’s crazy how many of those dreams are now a reality! Grab my free templates at the end of the post.
The Ultimate Cheat Code To Master Your 2025 Life Goals
If you’re looking for a fresh way (that doesn't feel like a chore) to set and actually achieve your goals - or you're trying this for the first time - you’re in the right place.
Let me walk you through my proven step-by-step process, with free templates to help you get started and master those 2025 goals. Hint: The last step is my favourite part!
Step 1: Reflect On Your Past 2024 Year
Take a moment to look back on 2024 and remember to be kind to yourself. Maybe you excelled in one area but struggled in another and that’s okay. Life ebbs and flows and every year teaches us something. Some years, achieving goals feels impossible. I get it. In 2024, I was in that exact place, so I focused on just one step at a time instead of the big picture. Spoiler alert: it worked!
Start by recapping your year using your journal or computer in long form, short form or bullet points - make it enjoyable for you, this isn't a chore. If writing isn't your thing, you can just think through these questions, the key is to reflect. Writing helps me connect with my feelings, and there’s something magical about putting pen to paper - it’s like your dreams take on a life of their own.
Use these prompts to guide you:
I’m proud of...
I nailed these accomplishments...
I faced these challenges...
In 2024, I learned...
In 2025, I want to focus more on...
Step 2: Let's Set Those 2025 Goals!
Write down what you want to achieve in 2025. What will make you feel proud and alive? Don’t get bogged down by perfection or “SMART goal” rules, just yet. First, start out my following your gut and emotions when setting goals - it’s more personal and motivating.
If you’re stuck, think about your dream life. What would it look like? Need ideas? Here’s a jumping-off point:
Travel to ...
Financial goals (cars, house, retirement fund, savings amount, etc.)
Stop this bad habit
Workout goals
Healthy goals (eating, sleep patterns, time in nature, etc.)
More time with friends/family
Help more people/friends/family by doing...
Something you want to try or do
Step 3: Let's Get Specific
Take the goals and transform them into SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. This step helps you create a clear plan to master them.
For example, instead of a broad goal like “I want to be happy” or “I want to be healthy,” ask yourself: How will I know when I’ve achieved that? Break it down into something specific and actionable.
Turn “I want to be healthy,” into ➡️ “I will go for a 30-minute walk five days a week and include vegetables in two meals daily.”
Turn “I want to save money,” into ➡️ “I will save $200 each month by eating out less and tracking my expenses weekly.”
The more specific you are, the easier it will be to stay focused and track your progress!
Step 4: Organize Your Goals Into Categories
Next, put your goals into categories so you don't forget any important life areas, won't get overwhelmed and can see an organized overview of your goals. Hint: If you don't have any goals for a certain area, add some!
Personal
Health
Spiritual
Career
Financial
Relationships
Contribution
Step 5: Let's Focus
Attempting to tackle all your goals at once? Recipe for burnout!
Instead, choose your top four goals to prioritize. Once you achieve those, you can move on to the next ones.
Top 4 Goals To Focus On:
Step 6: Let's Make A Plan
Now it’s time to get practical. Break down your top four goals into daily and weekly action steps.
Daily Habits To Achieve My Goals:
Weekly Habits To Achieve My Goals:
Step 7: Check In Reminder 🔔
Set three reminders in your phone to check in on your progress throughout the year. This keeps your goals top of mind and gives you a chance to adjust if needed.
🗓️ April 1 - Goal Check In
🗓️ July 1 - Mid-Year Review
🗓️ October 1 - Final Push
Step 8: Create A Vision Board
This is my favourite part! Vision boards are powerful motivators. Fill yours with inspiring words, quotes, and images of what you want to achieve. You don't have to limit yourself to just this years goals, feel free to fill it with your favourite things, long term life goals and anything to inspire you!
Use my free vision board templates below and customize them with your favourite photos and colours. Hint: If canva doesn't have an image you want, just search on google and upload it to canva.
Step 9: Let's Go!!
Set your vision board as your computer or phone wallpaper, adjust your routines to fit your daily/weekly goals, and give it your best effort. Progress may not happen overnight, but remember: if it were easy, everyone would do it.
You deserve to live the life you’ve dreamed of and this process can help you get there. If something isn’t working, tweak it. Trial and error are part of the journey.
Proof This Works
Still skeptical? Let me show you how this process has transformed my life. Here are snapshots of my past vision boards and the goals I’ve crushed.
Grab Your Free Templates:
Vision Board Templates - Desktop Wallpaper
Vision Board Templates - Phone Wallpaper
You've got this! Make 2025 your B*ch!!
Xoxo, Laura Paige