As the holiday decorations are put away and we welcome a new year, many of us feel inspired to make resolutions. "This year, I'll lose weight," or "I'll save more money," we tell ourselves, fueled by a burst of motivation. But let's face it—how many of these promises stick? Statistics reveal that most resolutions fizzle out before we even hit February. That's why this year, I'm suggesting a shift in perspective: let's focus on setting intentional, achievable goals instead of vague resolutions. Instead of asking, "How do I write a New Year's resolution?" or creating a New Year's resolution list, we will focus on SMART goals.

Goals are more than just hopeful wishes; they are purposeful, actionable, and sustainable. A clear plan and a dose of weekly structure can lead to meaningful change in our lives. So, how can we set goals that resonate and keep ourselves accountable throughout the year?

I'll share my experience: I've struggled to maintain my New Year's resolutions in the past, but this year, I'm determined to improve my physical health and fitness. For over a year, I was diligent about exercising and reaching my daily step count. However, once I started this blog, I dedicated all my spare time to getting it off the ground and now keeping it running. As a result, I've noticed a decline in my arm strength and overall momentum in my physical health. Lately, I've been averaging about 5,741 steps daily, and since June, that number has been slipping. My goal for January is to boost my daily average to 7,000 steps.

Whatever your goals are this year, I invite you to join me on this journey. I'll keep you updated on my progress, and together, we can stay motivated and on track!

Step 1: Define Your Goals Clearly

The first step is to get specific. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” try setting a measurable goal like, “I want to work out three times a week and be able to run a 5K by June.” Break it down further into actionable steps—what workouts will you do? Where will you run? Specificity is your friend.

Write your goals down. Studies have shown that writing down your goals increases your chances of achieving them. Place them somewhere you’ll see them daily, whether that’s on your bathroom mirror, your phone’s lock screen, or a dedicated goal journal.

Step 2: Use SMART Goals

A key to setting effective goals is using the SMART framework. SMART stands for:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish. Instead of “I want to save money,” aim for “I will save $5,000 for a vacation by December.”

• Measurable: Ensure there’s a way to track progress. For instance, saving $100 per week makes your goal measurable.

• Achievable: Set realistic goals based on your current circumstances. If $100 a week is too much, adjust it to a feasible amount.

• Relevant: Align your goals with your values and priorities. Ask yourself, “Why is this goal important to me?”

• Time-Bound: Establish a deadline. Having an endpoint keeps you focused and motivated.

SMART goals give you a clear roadmap and a sense of accountability, increasing your chances of success.

My smart goals will be:

Specific: I will average 7,000 steps per day per week.

• Measurable: I have a smartwatch and fitness app to track and monitor this goal each day.

• Achievable: My initial goal is 7,000 steps, and I will evaluate each month. I would like to get to 10,000 steps per day but will start with smaller increments in order to build up to the longer-term goal.

• Relevant: This goal is important to me for many reasons. Improved exercise and physical activity improve bodily functions, reduce stress, and help maintain a healthy weight.

• Time-Bound: My first timeline is the month of January, and evaluating the number of steps again in February.

Step 3: Build a Weekly Routine

The secret to achieving your goals lies in your daily and weekly habits. By incorporating small, consistent actions into your routine, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s an example of how you can structure your week to stay focused:

Monday: Set Your Weekly Focus

• Start your week by reviewing your goals and determining what needs attention.

• Break your larger goals into smaller tasks for the week. For instance, if your goal is to write a book, decide how many pages or chapters you want to tackle this week.

• Write a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.

Tuesday: Education & Skill-Building

• Dedicate some time to learning something that aligns with your goals. For example, if your goal is financial wellness, spend 30 minutes reading about budgeting or investing.

• Use this day to refine your strategy or add new tools to your arsenal.

Wednesday: Midweek Check-In

• Evaluate your progress so far. Are you staying on track? If not, adjust your approach.

• Celebrate small wins. Did you tick off a major task? Acknowledge it with a little reward.

• Address any distractions or obstacles that have come up and brainstorm solutions.

Thursday: Deep Work Day

• Set aside a block of uninterrupted time to make significant progress on a big goal. For example, if you’re aiming to declutter your home, tackle a specific room or closet.

• Eliminate distractions: turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and focus fully on your task.

Friday: Wrap-Up & Reflection

• Review your week. What went well? What could have gone better?

• Write down three things you’re proud of accomplishing this week.

• Plan for the weekend or next week, keeping your goals in mind.

Weekend: Recharge and Reset

• Use Saturday or Sunday to rest and recharge. Self-care is crucial for sustained success.

• Reflect on your long-term vision. Are your goals still aligned with where you want to go?

• If you’re feeling motivated, do a bit of prep for the upcoming week, such as meal planning, organizing, or brainstorming.

Step 4: Stay Flexible

Life happens, and some weeks will be busier or more challenging than others. The key is to remain adaptable. If you miss a day or even a week, don’t abandon your goals. Instead, reassess and jump back in. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

Remember, the purpose of setting goals isn’t to be perfect—it’s to grow and improve over time.

Step 5: Celebrate Milestones

Goal-setting is a journey, and every milestone deserves recognition. When you hit a major benchmark, take a moment to celebrate. Whether it’s treating yourself to something special, sharing your success with a friend, or simply reflecting on how far you’ve come, acknowledging your achievements keeps you motivated.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up December, I’m excited to share my personal plan for a new weekly routine. This year, I’m saying goodbye to the usual resolutions and embracing the power of goal-setting. While it may seem like a subtle shift, focusing on goals rather than resolutions truly is a game-changer. Goals are all about progress, not perfection.

By breaking them down into actionable steps and utilizing the SMART criteria, along with a supportive weekly structure, we can set ourselves up for long-term success. This January, let’s leave behind the pressure of unrealistic resolutions and make room for intentional goal-setting.

Here’s to a year filled with growth, achievement, and purpose! I invite you to join me in this January Goals Challenge. Let’s support one another on this journey. Please share your 2025 goals in the comments and let’s celebrate our progress together!