Tired of 2025 Goal-Setting?
Let’s look at it a different way. Upside down.
I hesitate sending anything about goal-setting. It’s SO done, so predictable. But I have some fresh ideas for you—because there IS value in some forward thinking.
Shortly after waking up New Year’s Day, my motivation CRASHED. In fact, I was so unmotivated, it made me feel anxious. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been resting much during the holiday. I thought I was, but I was so ambitious with business projects and excited about applying myself in these ways, taking advantage of a week without sessions or meetings. So I was “working” at a pretty intense level.
It also may have been a lingering bug. After all, I was in bed the day before with a fever! (I clearly don’t give myself enough slack.)
Anyway, the feelings I had this morning taught me something.
I want most of my activity (whether personal or business) to be experienced with ease and flow. When that’s my experience, the creativity flows!
But I sure didn’t feel that Wednesday morning. I forgot about giving myself permission for that ease and flow. Instead I was focusing on all the things I wanted to accomplish, to check off the list = OVERWHELM.
Many of us resist goal-setting because…
…we’re sick of the hype, it feels like pressure, we do it and then forget about it, or it has led to disappointment in the past. Expectations unmet.
If any of that resonates with you, it might be helpful to tap into how you want to feel in 2025. Or from another angle, who you want to be in 2025—perhaps instead of, or at least primary to, what you want to accomplish. After all, it is useful to do some planning!
Consider if these upside-down approaches will work for you:
ENERGY AUDIT
@Rich Litvin recently posted this one. Get pen and paper and create two columns: 1) “What fills me with energy?” 2) “What drains me of energy?” Include people, tasks/responsibilities, activities, habits, etc.
Then, take just ONE draining item away. You’ll be surprised how wonderful this feels! You’ll have more time and energy for other things. If you want, make a plan for all of the draining items (some you can tweak, some you can’t, and some you can entirely eliminate).
TRAPS vs. LIMITING BELIEFS
Again, thanks to @Rich Litvin (although I embellish).
TRAPS
How could I completely wreck my life and/or business in 2025?
Is that really true? If some are true, then avoid those traps. But if not, this may reveal some limiting beliefs.
LIMITING BELIEFS
What would I do if I had no fear?(These actually might be some of the “wrecks” you listed above)
What does this reveal about actions you may take in 2025? (For me, it revealed that I actually want to do these, I just need to be brave!)
SAGE CONTEMPLATION
What is “sage”? The language comes from a mental fitness program called @Positive Intelligence (PQ)—one that I’m integrating into some of my coaching. Rather than an analytical approach (which can be shallow), we approach this contemplation with curiosity, from our creative, more open, sage brain. It’s positive and non-judgmental. When we do this, we have deeper insights.
So first: Do what you need to be in a positive frame of mind. In PQ, we do reps, but anything will work. Prayer. A walk. A tennis game. Hug your dog. Yoga.Smell the flowers (literally). You get it…
Then think on all areas of your life: physical, mental, relationships, career, finances, spiritual. Let ideas pop into your mind. And notice if there are any “saboteurs” (vs. sage) interfering, that limit your beliefs. Remember to be curious and non-judgmental.
Finally, choose a few that feel most exciting to you, and break them down into a few (or just one) small step you can confidently, and joyfully take action on. Ease and flow, remember?
If you want a more conventional way to think through, and plan 2025…
…see this past blog article where we look at your future self, to instruct what you want for your present self in the coming year.
Maybe you’ve already done some great reflection (and just skimmed this article) and are excited about the year to come. But if not, don’t discount the value of some forward thinking. And give these a try!
Oh! And be sure to check in on your reflections at least every quarter to celebrate your progress and course-correct, if needed.
P.S. If you’d like to jump-start your financial life in 2025, take the Money Assessment! Learn more here.
