Why Set Goals?

At their core, goals give us direction. They’re the map that guides us toward the life we want. Without them, it’s easy to fall into autopilot, simply going through the motions.

Goals also help us measure progress. On the tough days when it feels like nothing is moving fast enough, they remind us of how far we’ve come. For me, setting goals is about more than just achieving something – it’s about aligning with my values, whether that’s embracing creativity, learning new skills, or being kinder to myself.

How to Set Goals That Stick

Everyone has their own way of setting goals. Here’s mine:

1. Define Your Why

Every goal needs a purpose. Ask yourself: Why does this matter to me? For example, if your goal is to exercise more, is it to feel healthier, boost confidence, or reduce stress? Knowing your “why” will keep you motivated.

Be honest with yourself. If your goal is to save money for the sake of financial security, or to feel confident in your skin, that’s valid. Your goals should reflect what’s important to you, not anyone else.

2. Be Specific

Vague goals lead to vague results. Instead of saying, “I want to save money,” say, “I want to save £5,000 by the end of 2025.” Then, break it down further: “I’ll do this by not buying any new clothes this year.”

Specificity turns ideas into actionable steps. It also reduces the mental load of figuring out what you need to do next.

3. Break It Down

Big goals can feel intimidating. Breaking them into smaller steps makes them more approachable.

For example, if your goal is to journal regularly, start small; journal once a week, just set a timer for 10 minutes and see what flows.

Starting small builds momentum and prevents burnout.

4. Stay Flexible

Life happens, and sometimes plans need to change. Flexibility isn’t failure – it’s adjusting to what works for you.

For example, if you aim to post weekly content but miss a week, focus on what you did accomplish instead of what you didn’t. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

How I’m Setting My Goals for 2025

This year, I’ve taken the following steps to set goals that feel aligned with my priorities:

1. Journaling and Brainstorming

I started by writing down everything I wanted to achieve in 2025. Seeing my thoughts on paper helped me clarify my intentions.

2. Creating a Vision Board

I created a vision board to visualise my goals. It includes:

• Career and personal goals (like creating content).
• Lifestyle and hobbies (like learning French and baking sourdough).
• Relationships and friendships (like planning meaningful moments).

I also added affirmations like, “I am qualified for the career I want.” My vision board is now my computer screensaver, so I’m reminded of it daily.

3. Breaking It Into Steps

I’ve broken my big goals into smaller, actionable tasks. For example:

• Posting consistent content means planning topics and filming schedules in advance.
• Learning French starts with 10 minutes a day on a language app.

This approach keeps me organised without feeling overwhelmed.

How to Stay Accountable

Even with a plan, staying consistent can be challenging. Here’s how I’m holding myself accountable:

1. Share Your Goals

Telling someone about your goals makes them feel more real. I share mine with friends at Midweek Mingle, where we check in with each other and cheer each other on.

2. Use Visual Reminders

I use my vision board, whiteboards, and push notifications from apps to keep my goals front and centre.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Every milestone is worth celebrating. When I hit goals like posting my fifth video or hitting a small follower count, I reward myself with something simple, like a coffee or a new book.

4. Reflect and Adjust

At the end of each month, I reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Flexibility is key—it allows me to adapt my goals to fit my life.

Final Thoughts

Achievable goals aren’t about doing everything—they’re about doing what matters most to you in a way that feels sustainable. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to adjust along the way.

What are your goals for 2025? I’d love to hear about them! Drop a comment below, or connect with me on social media. Let’s inspire and support each other this year.

Here’s the thing: there will never be a perfect time to start. Whether you’re beginning a new project, exploring a hobby, or sharing your goals publicly, the first step is often the hardest. For me, creating my first YouTube video this year is a big leap into the unknown, but it feels like the right time to stop waiting and just begin.

I’ll be posting a video every Wednesday (fingers crossed!) and sharing more of my creative process, personal growth, and mindful living journey. It’s a mix of exciting and terrifying, but I’m so ready to dive in.

If you’d like to follow along, here’s where you can find me:

• TikTok: @cmaglynn
• Instagram: @ciaramaglynn
• YouTube: Ciara Glynn