2025 is right around the corner!
It’s the perfect time to set your goals so you’re ready to start strong on January 1st.
Enjoy the holiday season but also take time to reflect on your aspirations for the upcoming year. What are your goals, hopes, and dreams for 2025?
Don’t wait until January arrives to think about your goals! Start now.
Consider my list of 25 goal ideas for 2025 as you determine your goals for the new year.
Whether you want to focus on improving your health, nurturing your relationships, managing your finances, or advancing your personal growth, you’ll find a goal from this list that resonates with you.
25 Goal Ideas for the New Year
1. Learn something new.
Make 2025 the year to finally tackle that skill or subject you’ve been longing to master.
Perhaps you want to learn a new language? You probably won’t become fluent in a year, but it’s certainly achievable to make significant progress.
Is there a new musical instrument you’re interested in trying out? Again, you might not become a pro, but dedicating 20 minutes daily to practice is a better use of your time than scrolling through social media.
Interested in starting a new handicraft? Whether it’s crocheting, or gem art, or pottery, these activities are a great way to relax in the evenings, rather than staring at your phone.
2. Read 1 book per month.
Indeed, this goal is achievable. Imagine, by year’s end, you’ll have 12 books complete—amazing!
Consider a 300-page book: if you divide it by the 30 days in a month, you only need to read 10 pages daily. Quite manageable, isn’t it?
Of course, pick books that interest you, ones you’re eager to read. Not books you feel obligated to read.
3. Exercise 3x a week.
Note that I didn’t advocate for daily exercise, as it’s often unrealistic for many to maintain. Instead, let’s focus on achievable goals. Consider walking three times a week, visiting the gym thrice weekly, or a mix of both activities.
Physical movement is crucial for your health and offers a multitude of benefits that could fill an entire blog post. Making health and fitness a top priority this year could be one of the best decisions you make for your well-being.
For more insights, check out this blog post about small habits that can make a big difference: HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND FEEL HEALTHIER: MICRO HABITS TO SHED THOSE POUNDS.
4. Save $500 a month.
Perhaps the suggested amount of $500 is not practical for you, and that’s perfectly fine. Choose an amount that is feasible for you to save and begin with that.
Unsure of where to start? Begin by considering the following questions, and you’ll likely identify an area to focus on first.
Could you eliminate a few non-essential items from your grocery list this week?
Might you consider asking for that sweater as a birthday gift instead of buying it now?
Should you avoid Amazon this week to prevent making purchases that seem necessary but aren’t?
Commit to saving a certain amount each month to ensure you’re financially better off this year. Although it might be challenging to resist those additional monthly purchases, the reward will be evident when you tally up your savings at the year’s end.
5. Participate in a “No Spend Month.”
To fully commit to the idea of saving, dedicate an entire month this year to not spending on non-essentials. This means eliminating all the additional expenses.
Of course, you’ll need to cover your bills and buy groceries. However, all the “extras,” such as weekly DoorDash orders or daily coffee runs, should be eliminated. Just try it for a month…and observe the benefits it has on your finances.
6. Start writing in a gratitude journal daily.
Invest in a notebook or journal reserved for expressing gratitude and thankfulness. Concentrating on gratitude has numerous advantages over dwelling on all the negative things.
Spending just 3-5 minutes each day on this practice can positively influence the start of your day. Alternatively, incorporating it into your nightly routine can be the final touch before you fall asleep, ensuring you end the day with positivity.
7. Declutter your entire home.
A peaceful space, a relaxing home, free from all the unnecessary clutter we accumulate. January is the perfect time to complete a thorough house declutter! With the holiday decorations stored away, we’re often left with residual items (like Christmas gifts, perhaps 50 extra toys without a place).
If you didn’t get around to decluttering before the holidays, the first month of a brand-new year is a prime opportunity to start.
Remember, decluttering isn’t just for your home; take some time to organize your phone and computer as well!
8. Go on a date night with your significant other.
For many, the idea of setting a New Year’s goal to schedule regular date nights may seem unusual, but parents with young children will understand that it’s indeed a worthy goal.
Whether you aim to set up monthly or even weekly date nights with your spouse, it’s important to plan these moments to strengthen your bond and maintain a healthy relationship.
Approach your marriage with intention this year, and you’ll reap the benefits in your marital relationship and your family life.
9. Wake up earlier (preferably before your kids!)
I once thought this was a lofty goal, but I can now confidently say that achieving an earlier wake up time is feasible. It may require some time and gradual adjustments, but it’s definitely doable.
To start, I would recommend adjusting your evening routine and bedtime slightly. For guidance, visit the blog post dedicated to my evening routine where I offer tips on what to accomplish at night to ensure a successful morning.
Why wake up before your children? Personally, I absolutely cherish that peace and quiet for at least 30 minutes before the rest of the house stirs. Ensure that you have a purpose for waking up: What’s your ‘Why’?
For a detailed look at my morning routine, check out my blog posts: MIRACLE MORNING ROUTINE: WAKING UP AT 5 AM and CREATING A MORNING ROUTINE YOU LOVE IN 4 EASY STEPS for more insights into my daily start.
10. Get enough sleep!
This goal complements the previous one. Prioritizing sufficient (and quality) sleep is essential for waking up early. Establish a bedtime for yourself, just as you would for your children. It’s not silly; it’s quite sensible. If you’ve having difficulty with falling or staying asleep, check out my 20 sleep tips to improve your sleep.
I have a ‘Lights Out’ policy at 9:30 pm on weekdays.
This guarantees I receive 7.5 hours of sleep, which usually allows me to wake up feeling refreshed the following day. Choose a bedtime that ensures you get sufficient sleep based on your personal needs; it doesn’t have to be as early as 9:30!
11. Cook more at home.
You’d be amazed (and appalled!) that based on an article from the New York Post, the average American spends over $2,500 a year eating out.
Cooking at home not only saves you money but can also promote healthier eating habits. By preparing meals at home, you can integrate whole, nutritious ingredients into your diet.
To make cooking at home a viable goal, it’s crucial to plan time for meal planning and regular grocery shopping. Could this be the reason why many opt for the convenience of eating out?
12. Eat more protein.
Often, we focus excessively on counting calories or determining the carbohydrate content of foods. It’s common to neglect protein and the importance of actively incorporating this vital nutrient into our daily diets.
This year, I urge you to look for ways to increase your daily protein consumption, incorporating it into each meal and snack. Check out my blog post about the importance of protein and a meal plan for over 100 grams of protein in a day!
13. Spend time in God’s Word each day.
If you wish to experience more of God’s peace, love, and joy this year, make this one of your primary goals.
Previously, I often went an entire week without dedicating time in the morning for quiet time with God. Since establishing this as a yearly goal, I am devoted to spending each morning in prayer and Bible study. While I haven’t been perfect and have skipped some days, my connection with God has deepened significantly.
I’ve even begun to yearn for this time with God in the morning and without it, my days seem incomplete.
14. Connect with a friend each week.
Many of you may connect with friends daily, which is wonderful! Personally, I find it requires a bit more effort to stay in touch with friends.
Whether it’s through a phone call, a lunch or coffee date, or arranging a play date for your children, try to make a connection with a friend each week.
15. Spend one day a week focusing on rest.
Do you feel the need to be constantly active like an Energizer bunny? Always on the move, with endless tasks to accomplish? You’re productive around the clock.
Whether that perfectly describes you or not, consider spending one day a week to focus on resting and recharging for the upcoming week. Perhaps this can be your Sunday? It’s perfectly fine to have a day of non-productivity and to dedicate this time to your family and self.
Even God rested on the 7th day after six days of creation. I think that’s permission enough for us to do the same (without feeling guilty!)
16. Bask in Vitamin D each morning.
Exposure to morning sunlight is important! Make it a point to spend 5-10 minutes outdoors each morning, and if possible, at various times during the day. It can enhance your sleep quality and boost your energy levels.
17. Don’t go to bed with a dirty sink.
This may seem like an insignificant goal, but I guarantee you’ll feel more relaxed and at ease by having a clear sink. It’s like shutting a restaurant down for the night: everything is cleaned up and the kitchen is “shut down” for the night.
Personally, I can fall asleep better knowing my kitchen (my sink!) is clean, leading to a more productive day ahead. Who wants to start their following day with a sink full of gross dishes?
18. Establish a skincare routine.
To begin the year on a positive note, establish a strict skincare routine that boosts your confidence. By strict, I mean, stick to it every morning and every night. You can’t use your products twice a week and expect to see a difference in your skin.
Invest in great skincare products that help you look and feel your best. If you don’t love your current products, don’t be afraid to change things up in this new year. Your skin is worth it!
19. Plan the night before.
There are planners, and then there are those who prefer to improvise and “go with the flow.”
If you belong to the second group, why not switch things up this year? The thought of planning ahead might not appeal to you, but give it a chance. Just for this year, give it a shot.
Setting a plan for the next day can enhance your productivity and focus. Aim to outline a simple plan each evening. This way, you’ll start your day with a clear direction and purpose.
20. Avoid phone use for an hour after waking up & an hour before going to sleep.
It’s just not necessary and will only hinder the healthy habits you are hoping to establish. In fact, I believe avoiding phone use during these times can aid in achieving success with other goals you’re pursuing.
Upon waking up, dedicate the first hour pouring into yourself: your physical health, your spiritual health, and your mental health. I can guarantee, your phone will not be helpful in improving any of those areas.
Before going to bed, using your phone is one of the worst things you can do! If often leads to staying up beyond what you intended and falling asleep with a million thoughts racing through your mind.
21. Dedicate one-on-one time to your children daily.
Connecting with your children doesn’t have to be time consuming, especially since many of us lead hectic lives. Even five minutes of cuddling and chatting about their day before bedtime is meaningful. Whether it’s reading a book together or playing a brief board game after school, the key is to make a conscious effort to connect with your children every single day.
Keep in mind that quality time outweighs quantity of time. Ten minutes of focused, uninterrupted attention can be more valuable than thirty minutes filled with distractions.
22. Adopt the practice of “cleaning as you go.”
If you’re aiming for a cleaner home this year, this method can be very effective. Always leave a room tidier than you found it. Put items away as soon as you’re finished with them.
Make your bed as soon as you get up. Wash the dishes immediately after meals. Clean the kitchen counters once you’re done using them. This approach can significantly streamline your household chores and leave your home feeling much tidier and organized.
23. Make new recipes each month.
If cooking or baking is your thing, then you’re in luck! With millions of recipes available, why not experiment with a new one this week?
Challenge yourself in the kitchen this year. Begin with the basics, but as you gain confidence, venture into new, exciting recipes that your family will love (or perhaps, not, if you’re dealing with picky eaters like mine).
But either way, there’s just something so satisfying about crafting a meal with your own hands.
24. Walk outside every morning (or evening).
This complements two previous goals I mentioned: exercising three times a week and basking in the morning sunlight! Walking is one of the simplest methods I’ve found to incorporate physical activity. Just put on a podcast or an audiobook and start walking.
In the morning, it serves as an excellent means to get active before the workday begins. In the evening, it offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the sunset and absorb the evening light, which is crucial for the production of melatonin.
25. Track your spending.
Are you curious to see where your money is going each month? Tracking your spending through an app or using a traditional Excel spreadsheet, can be great ways to visualize where your money is being allocated.
Regardless of whether you’re adhering to a budget, monitoring your expenses is advantageous. You simply need a tracking method: decide whether you will do it weekly or allocate time each month to review your expenditures.
Establish your Goals Now
Consider selecting 3-4 goals from this list, or come up with your own, to concentrate on throughout the upcoming year.
After identifying the goals you wish to prioritize this year, you can then devise a more detailed plan to realistically implement them into your life.
Come back soon for more goal setting inspiration and tips!
I intend to write about setting 12 Goals in 12 Months. Additionally, I plan to write about how to implement yearly goals into your daily routine.
Let’s make 2025 our most rewarding year yet! If being productive is what fulfills you, then dive in! If it’s prioritizing relationships that brings you fulfillment, then focus on that. Whatever ‘fulfilling’ signifies for you, make 2025 the year it happens.
