How to Set Goals That Actually Stick in 2025

In my previous article (read here), I shared how I struggled through 2024 with several big, audacious goals I had set for myself. The struggle wasn’t because I lacked a system to achieve them but because the timing just wasn’t right for all of them. Life has seasons, and trying to do too much all at once can backfire. So, I decided to roll some of those goals over to 2025.

One of the most important goals I carried over was to improve my writing and content creation. To make it actionable, I set two clear objectives: to build a community for my blog on Facebook and to publish at least one article on my blog every week. In order to achieve my objectives I created a simple system of writing everyday! So far, it’s been 20 days into the new year, and I’ve written every single day—mostly reflections from my daily Bible reading and brainstorming content ideas for the rest of the year.

This experience has already reminded me of something important: a new year brings excitement, motivation, and big dreams. But motivation alone isn’t enough to create real change. What you need are clear goals and a system to help you achieve them.

The Problem With New Year’s Resolutions

Let’s face it: most people don’t stick to their resolutions. Research shows that 91% of people fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions, with 23% giving up within the first week. That leaves only 9% who follow through. Why? Because resolutions are often vague, overly ambitious, and lack the structure to succeed.

That’s why I stopped making resolutions years ago. Instead, I embraced goal setting and t changed everything.

Why Goals Are Better Than Resolutions

Resolutions are promises like, “I’m going to get in shape,” or “I’ll save more money this year.” They sound good but often rely on fleeting motivation, which fades as soon as life gets busy. Goals, on the other hand, are so much more than declarations.

A good goal is:

• Specific: It defines exactly what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: It gives you a way to track progress.
• Actionable: It’s tied to a clear plan and system.

For example, instead of saying, “I want to eat healthier,” you’d set a goal like, “I’ll cut out processed snacks and replace them with one salad a day.” Goals like these allow you to build sustainable habits that lead to long-term success.

Why Systems Matter

The magic of goals isn’t just in setting them, it’s in creating the systems that support them. Systems are your day-to-day habits and routines that help you make steady progress. Over time, they create momentum that not only helps you reach your goal but also sustains your success.

For instance, my daily writing routine has become a system that makes my larger goals achievable. I don’t have to rely on bursts of inspiration because the habit is already in place.

Over the years, I’ve refined a five-step system for setting and achieving goals. It’s simple, actionable, and has helped me crush goals that once felt out of reach. If you’ve struggled to follow through on your resolutions in the past, this system can help you build a foundation for success.

In the next sections, I’ll break down each step of the process so you can set goals that actually stick, create systems that work for you, and turn your vision into reality.

Let’s dive in!

My 5-Step System

Step 1: Identify the Outcome

The first step in goal-setting is identifying your outcome. This is your vision. The big picture of what you want to achieve. Think of it as your “why.” Why do you want to start this business? Why is this side hustle important to you? The clearer your “why,” the stronger your motivation will be.

Example:

Let’s say you want to start a small online bakery. Your “outcome” could be: “I want to create a profitable online bakery that generates $2,000 per month within the next 12 months.” This gives you a clear end goal to work toward.

Step 2: Break It Down

Big visions are exciting, but they can also be overwhelming. That’s why you need to break them down into smaller, manageable targets. Ask yourself: What steps do I need to take to turn this vision into reality?

Example:

• For your online bakery, you might identify steps like:
• Researching recipes and pricing.
• Creating a website.
• Setting up social media accounts for marketing.
• Finding suppliers for ingredients and packaging.

Breaking it down helps you focus on one step at a time, making the process less intimidating.

Step 3: Create Short-Term Plans

Here’s where most resolutions fail: they’re too vague. Statements like “I want to start a business this year” are great, but they don’t come with an action plan. Your short-term plans should include daily and weekly tasks that help you build momentum.

Example:

For your bakery, your first month’s plan could look like this:

• Week 1: Research suppliers and finalize recipes.
• Week 2: Create a social media page and post your first three pictures.
• Week 3: Set up a website or online ordering system.
• Week 4: Launch a soft opening and take your first 10 orders.

By focusing on specific, manageable tasks, you’ll stay consistent and avoid overwhelm.

Step 4: Work on It Daily

Consistency is the secret sauce. You can’t build a business, or anything worthwhile, by working on it once a week. Every day, do something that brings you closer to your goal, no matter how small.

Example:

• For your bakery, this might mean:
• Spending 30 minutes each day marketing your business on social media.
• Testing new recipes twice a week.
• Responding to customer inquiries daily.

Small, daily actions add up over time. Momentum is your best friend, but you have to build it one day at a time.

Step 5: Check Your Progress

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Checking your progress regularly helps you see what’s working, what’s not, and what adjustments you need to make.

Example:

Let’s say your goal is to make $2,000 per month. Break that down into milestones: $500/month in Q1, $1,000/month in Q2, and so on. At the end of each week or month, review your sales and marketing efforts.

Ask yourself:

• What strategies are bringing in the most customers?
• What challenges are holding me back?
• How can I adjust my approach to hit my next milestone?

Your Goals Need to be More Than a Wish

A goal without a plan is just a wish. If you want to achieve sustainable success in 2025, you need a goal setting system that works. This five-step method is a great place to start.

Here’s a quick recap:
1. Identify the outcome.
2. Break it down into smaller steps.
3. Create short-term plans.
4. Work on it daily.
5. Check your progress regularly.

This system has helped me achieve goals in my career, business, and personal life, and I know it can help you too. The journey won’t always be easy, but with vision, consistency, and a clear plan, you’ll get there.

What’s your big goal for 2025? Drop a comment and let me know. I’d love to cheer you on!