A week from now, we’ll be ringing in the New Year, and if you’re like most of us, you already have a list of goals for 2025. Some of those goals might be brand new, while others might be unfinished business from 2024. Whatever the case, this year, let’s approach our resolutions with a smarter strategy—literally.

The SMART method—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—can help you create goals that are clear, actionable, and more likely to succeed. But first, let’s reflect on what happened with last year’s goals.

Reflecting on 2024

Before jumping into 2025, it’s important to look back at 2024 and ask yourself a few key questions:

1. Did you need more time? Some goals are simply bigger than a single year. If you needed more time to build momentum or lay a foundation, carry those goals into 2025 without guilt.
2. Did your goals lack clarity? Vague goals like “get healthy” or “learn a new skill” are hard to act on. Were your 2024 goals specific enough to guide your actions?
3. Were they measurable? Progress needs to be trackable. For example, “Save more money” is hard to measure, but “Save $200 per month” gives you a clear target.
4. Were they realistic? Sometimes we set goals that don’t align with the time, resources, or energy we have available. Did you aim too high or stretch yourself too thin?

Reflecting on these questions can help you understand what went wrong and how to adjust your approach for 2025.

What Makes SMART Goals Work

Now that you’ve reflected on 2024, it’s time to set yourself up for success in 2025 by creating SMART goals. Here’s how:

1. SpecificBe clear about what you want to accomplish. Example: Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” try “I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week.”
2. MeasurableSet goals you can track. Example: “Read more books” becomes “Read 12 books this year, one each month.”
3. AchievableBe honest about what’s realistic given your current resources and responsibilities. Example: Instead of “Launch a successful side business in three months,” set a smaller goal like “Research business ideas and build a plan by the end of Q1.”
4. RelevantYour goals should align with your values, priorities, and long-term aspirations. Example: Don’t set a goal to learn a skill you have no interest in just because it’s trendy. Focus on what truly matters to you.
5. Time-boundGive your goals a deadline to create urgency. Example: “I want to run a marathon someday” becomes “I will train for and run a marathon by October 2025.”

Carrying Goals Into 2025

If you’re carrying over unfinished goals from 2024, treat them as a second chance, not a failure. Revisit and revise them using the SMART framework:

• Add details. What exactly will you do, and how will you track progress?
• Set deadlines. Break the goal into smaller milestones with specific timelines.
• Adjust expectations. Be realistic about what’s achievable in 2025.

For example, if your 2024 goal was “learn to code,” turn it into “Complete a beginner-level Kotlin course by March 2025 and build a small app by June 2025.”

Plan for Success

Once you’ve written down your SMART goals for 2025, take it a step further:

1. Break them down. Divide big goals into smaller, actionable steps.
2. Track your progress. Use a planner, journal, or app to log milestones.
3. Be flexible. Life happens, and it’s okay to adapt your goals along the way.
4. Celebrate wins. Acknowledge and reward yourself for progress, no matter how small.

Let 2025 Be the Year of Clarity

Goals don’t have to feel overwhelming or unattainable. By taking a reflective, structured approach, you can carry the lessons of 2024 into 2025 and set yourself up for success. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

What’s one SMART goal you’re setting for 2025? Share it below—I’d love to cheer you on! 🎉