The start of a new year always brings a sense of possibility. It’s the perfect moment to reflect, reset, and look ahead. For many, this means drafting a list of New Year’s resolutions: eat healthier, save more, hit the gym. But let’s be honest—how often do those resolutions last past February? If you’re like most people, probably not often.
What if this year, instead of setting yourself up for frustration with lofty resolutions, you tried something different? By shifting your focus to setting intentional goals and building habits that stick, you can create real, lasting change. This approach has transformed my personal life and my business, and I’m excited to share how you can apply it too.
Why Resolutions Don’t Work
Resolutions often fail because they’re vague declarations without a clear roadmap. They rely heavily on willpower, which tends to run out quickly when life gets busy or obstacles pop up. No wonder half of us abandon our resolutions within the first month.
Goals, on the other hand, are about consistent progress rather than perfection. They’re designed to be actionable and achievable, making them less intimidating and more likely to stick.
The Power of Small Habits
One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. The idea is simple yet powerful: small, consistent actions lead to meaningful change. For example, if your goal is to start exercising, don’t aim to hit the gym for an hour every day from day one. Start with small steps: set out your workout clothes the night before, take a 10-minute walk, or simply stretch for a few minutes. Once those actions become part of your routine, you can build on them.
This principle applies to any area of life—whether you’re growing a business, improving your finances, or focusing on your health. Consistency always beats intensity when it comes to creating lasting habits.
My 2025 Goals
This year, I’ve decided to focus on intentional goals that align with my values and lifestyle. Here’s a glimpse of what that looks like:
- Prioritizing Rest: I’m at my creative best in the evenings, but I’ve realized how important sleep is for my overall well-being. To honor this, I’ve adjusted my schedule to wrap up work calls earlier, giving myself time to wind down and recharge.
- Building Business Partnerships: One of my big goals for 2025 is to collaborate with like-minded businesses. It’s something I began exploring last year, but now I’m focused on actionable steps to make those partnerships happen.
Serving More People: This year, I’m creating new offers that allow me to help more people while still hitting my revenue goals. Aligning my work with my passion for supporting others has made my business feel even more fulfilling.
Using SMART Goals to Stay on Track
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’m a huge advocate for SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. This framework helps break big dreams into manageable, actionable steps. For example, instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” you might set a goal like, “I’ll walk 5,000 steps a day for the next month.” It’s clear, measurable, and achievable.
Accountability Changes Everything
Accountability can make or break your goals. Whether it’s a friend, coach, or partner, having someone to check in with keeps you motivated and on track. For me, Jeremy has been that person. He’s great at reminding me to pace myself and focus on one step at a time, which helps me avoid burnout.
Progress Over Perfection
Here’s the truth: life will happen. You’ll have setbacks, and that’s okay. The key is to focus on progress, not perfection. Every small step forward matters, even if it feels tiny in the moment.
As we welcome 2025, I encourage you to ditch the resolutions and set intentional goals instead. Break them into manageable steps, build habits that align with your lifestyle, and give yourself grace along the way. Real change takes time, but every small action adds up.
Here’s to a purposeful and intentional year ahead! I’d love to hear about your goals for 2025.
For more insights and to catch a glimpse of the results of my headshot, follow us at @onbranddesigns, @profitablebranddesigner, and @profitable.brand.couple for your daily dose of creativity and business insights.
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Until next time, keep designing and dreaming big!
~ Kim (and Jeremy)
