Before we dive in, a quick note: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I trust
Let’s talk about goals! We all have them, we all dream them, but writing them down and acting on them is something completely different. The new year is the perfect time to get intentional about your goals and make them happen.
New Year, New Goals
Remember, you don’t have to wait for January 1st to begin your journey. Your year can start whenever you’re ready. Whether it’s today, next month, or any time you choose, it’s about taking the first step toward your goals—on your own timeline
Why Set Goals?
Goals give us direction and purpose. They turn our dreams into actionable steps and help us focus on what truly matters. Without goals, it’s easy to drift through life, reacting to whatever comes our way instead of intentionally shaping our future.
Setting goals helps you:
- Stay motivated: Knowing what you’re working toward gives you a reason to keep going, even when it’s tough.
- Measure progress: Goals give you a way to track your achievements and celebrate your wins.
- Build confidence: Every goal you achieve proves to yourself that you can do hard things.
- Create focus: Goals help you prioritize your time and energy, so you’re not wasting effort on things that don’t matter.
It’s not just about the destination—it’s about the journey. Setting goals allows you to grow, learn, and become the best version of yourself along the way.
The Power of SMART Goals
You’ve probably heard of SMART goals before, but let’s break it down again because they work:
- Specific: Get clear about what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, “I want to save money,” try, “I want to save $500 for an emergency fund.”
- Measurable: How will you track your progress? Use dates, amounts, deadlines, or milestones to stay on track.
- Attainable: Be realistic but bold. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone because you’re capable of more than you think.
- Relevant: Make sure your goals fit your life and your priorities. What are you willing to commit to?
- Timely: Set deadlines and monitor progress. Check in with yourself regularly to stay motivated.
Setting Goals for 1 Month, 6 Months, and 12 Months
Start small and build momentum. Here’s how:
- 1-Month Goals: These should be bite-sized and focused. Maybe it’s creating a basic budget, completing one financial book, or starting a gratitude journal.
- 6-Month Goals: These are bigger steps forward. Think about paying off a specific amount of debt, saving a certain amount, or launching a new project.
- 12-Month Goals: Dream big! What do you want to accomplish this year? Maybe it’s being debt-free, building your emergency fund to $5,000, or hitting a personal milestone like starting a blog (just like I did!).
My Morning Routine: The 5-Minute Journal
I’ve been using a 5-minute journal every morning for the past 8 months, and it’s been life-changing. It’s simple but powerful, and it’s been a key tool in helping me reach my goals. Every day, I focus on gratitude, set my intentions, and reflect on the steps I need to take to achieve my goals.
Some days, I’m grateful for small things like a hot cup of coffee or running water. Other days, I’m focused on the progress I’ve made, like growing this blog or staying consistent with my budgeting. This routine not only keeps me grounded but also keeps my goals front and center, reminding me why I started and why I need to keep going. Starting a blog was one of those goals, and here we are!
By reflecting daily, I’ve been able to stay motivated and course-correct when needed. The 5-minute journal has taught me that small, consistent actions add up to big results.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re feeling inspired but don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered. I use Miro, a great tool for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and setting goals. It’s perfect for visualizing your SMART goals and keeping everything in one place.
Try this!
I’ve created a template to help you brainstorm your 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month goals. You can download it here and start building the life you’re dreaming of. This is a completely free resource that you can use over and over as much as you’d like!
Let’s make this year the one where you turn your goals into reality. Be bold, stay focused, and remember—you’re capable of so much more than you think!