You’ve Been Planning Your New Year Goals Wrong!

I used to be the kind of person who wrote down five ambitious goals every New Year’s Eve—big, life-changing ones. “Get in the best shape of my life,” “Save $10,000,” “Read 50 books.” I’d start strong, but the motivation had faded by February. By summer, I couldn’t even remember half the goals I set. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing—most of us approach New Year’s goals like we’re sprinting a marathon. We go too hard, too fast, and burn out. The secret to sticking with your goals isn’t about sheer willpower but structure. 

That’s why I’m taking a different approach this year: quarterly goals and small steps. Let me break it down for you.

1. Set Multiple Goals, but Make Them Quarterly
Instead of setting one giant goal for the entire year, think of the year as four quarters—each a fresh start. This way, you can focus on multiple goals, but in shorter, more digestible timeframes. For example:

• Q1: Prioritize fitness and health (consistent gym routine, drink more water).
• Q2: Focus on finances (cut unnecessary spending, save $1,000).
• Q3: Work on personal growth (learn a new skill, start a side hustle).
• Q4: Strengthen relationships (schedule regular catch-ups, plan a trip with family).

Why It Works:
A three-month goal is far enough to see progress but not so distant that it feels out of reach. It keeps your focus sharp and your motivation high. Plus, the flexibility lets you recalibrate every quarter if life throws curveballs. 

It also keeps the procrastination mindset at bay. The longer you give yourself to do something, the longer you will wait. 

Breaking down your yearly goals into quarterly and even monthly steps keeps you sharper, fresher, and more disciplined to take action.

2. Break Goals into Small, Actionable Steps
Here’s the mistake most people make: they write down a goal but never outline how to achieve it. A goal without steps is just a wish. Instead, break each goal into small, actionable steps—ones that feel like little wins.

Let’s say your goal is to improve fitness. Don’t just write “Get in shape.” Break it down:

• Week 1: Go to the gym twice.
• Week 2: Add one more session.
• Week 3: Meal prep lunches for the week.
• Week 4: Walk 10,000 steps daily.
• etc.
• Build on your progress as you deem fit.

Each small step builds on the last. When you hit those milestones, you feel that sense of achievement, which fuels the desire to keep going.

3. Create a “Wins” Checklist, Not Just a Goal List
Instead of simply listing goals, create a Wins Checklist. This isn’t just for big-ticket achievements but for all the small victories that lead you there.

For example, if your goal is to read more, your checklist might look like this:

• Read 10 pages daily
• Finish one book per month
• Join a book club
• Write a short review after finishing each book

Each time you check something off, you reinforce the mindset of progress. This builds momentum and creates that “small win, step-by-step” mentality.

4. Track Progress and Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate progress, not perfection. If you completed three out of four gym sessions in a week, that’s a win. 

Reflect on the progress regularly. Keep a journal, a habit tracker, or even a sticky note system where you visually track your achievements. But don’t get so caught up in small wins that you lose focus or become complacent. Acknowledge your progress, but remember, there’s always more room to grow. 

This mindset will help you stay motivated and continue pushing forward.

5. Reflect and Adjust at the End of Each Month
At the end of every month, ask yourself three questions:

• What did I accomplish?
• Where did I struggle?
• How can I tweak my goals for next month?

This keeps you engaged with your progress and allows for adjustments without feeling like you’ve failed. Life changes—your goals can, too. Success isn’t about one grand gesture; it’s about accumulating small wins. 

By focusing on quarterly goals, breaking them into steps, and celebrating every bit of progress, you transform the daunting into the doable.

So, as we step into 2025, don’t aim for perfection. Aim for progress. And remember, small steps lead to big changes.

What are your Goals for 2025?