I am guilty.  Yep, the only way to describe it would be to use the word guilty.  I fell into the “New Year's Resolution” trap for many years.  I would lose weight, learn another language, and step up my BBQ game.  Yet January ended with the resolutions.  Resolutions don’t work.  New habits and goals that stick do.

Creating goals that stick isn’t just about writing them down— it’s about crafting a clear plan, staying motivated, and making consistent progress. I want to offer five steps to set growth goals that genuinely last, inspired by practical strategies.

Step 1: Reflect on the Past Year

Before you can move forward, it's important to look back. Reflection isn't just about recalling what went well; it's also about understanding what didn't. Your achievements, challenges, and lessons from the past year provide a foundation for meaningful growth in the year ahead.

In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on their famous expedition across the American West. Before embarking on their journey, they studied the successes and failures of previous explorers, carefully preparing for the challenges they might face. This process of reflection and preparation was crucial to their success in mapping uncharted territory. 

I know you are not planning on exploring an unknown landscape, but what about the landscape of your life?  Can you explore the successes and failures of the past year?

Your action step:

• Write down three wins and three challenges from 2024.

• For each challenge, ask yourself: What did I learn, and how can I apply that lesson moving forward?

When you reflect with intention, you can build on your strengths and sidestep past mistakes.

Step 2: Define Your Vision

I have gone through periods of my life with no clear path set before me.  “Winging it” was my motto.  What I experienced was a life not of ease but of difficulty.  I was never prepared for the troubles of lost jobs, divorce, and other issues that came my way.  Once I began to think about direction and set clear guideposts along the way, my life started to move in a positive direction. I had to define what success meant to me.

What does success look like for you in 2025? Without a clear vision, your goals can feel directionless. A strong vision motivates you and serves as a guidepost for every decision you make.

When Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, he wasn’t just sharing a wish—he was painting a vivid picture of a future worth fighting for. His clarity of vision rallied millions to take action.

Your action steps:

• Take 10 minutes to craft a vision statement for the year ahead.

• Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? How will it make me feel? How does it align with my values?

When your goals align with your core values, they become more meaningful and easier to commit to.

For more tips, read Michael Hyatt’s blog on crafting a life vision statement here.

Step 3: Break It Down Into Milestones

Big dreams can feel overwhelming, and that’s often why they’re abandoned. The key is to break them into smaller, manageable milestones. Focusing on one step at a time builds momentum and keeps you motivated.

I was born in 1968, the year before the Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon.  I am an aerospace junkie.  When I was younger, I studied and built model aircraft and dreamed of going into space.  A physical limitation quashed that dream, but it didn’t stop me from exploring the history of the space race of the 1950s and 1960s. To reach the moon, NASA worked with a decade-long effort broken into smaller missions. Each Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo mission was a building block, bringing NASA closer to its ultimate goal.

Your action step:

• Take your top goal for 2025 and divide it into quarterly milestones.

• Ask yourself: What can I achieve by the end of Q1 (March), Q2 (June), Q3 (September), and Q4 (December)?

Smaller victories lead to bigger wins.

Step 4: Build Consistent Habits

Achieving goals isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up daily. Small, consistent habits compound over time and lead to significant results.

I have small habits that I have been practicing for years. First, I wake up early and do spiritual devotions to start my day. I also read and listen to leadership podcasts daily. Consistency compounds. The more you practice small daily habits, the greater your potential to reach your goals.

Your action step:

• Identify one daily habit that will support your 2025 goals.

• Use tools like habit trackers or apps to keep yourself accountable.

Check out James Clear’s Atomic Habits blog for practical strategies on building habits.

Step 5: Stay Resilient and Adapt

No matter how well you plan, challenges will arise. The ability to adapt and bounce back separates those who achieve their goals from those who don’t. Resilience is about learning from setbacks and staying the course.

Walt Disney faced bankruptcy and rejection before building his entertainment empire. His setbacks didn’t define him—his resilience and adaptability did. Don’t let your setbacks define you.

Your action step:

• Identify potential obstacles that could derail your goals.

• For each obstacle, brainstorm one or two ways to overcome it.

When you view challenges as learning opportunities, they become stepping stones instead of roadblocks.

Conclusion

Creating growth goals that stick isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By reflecting on the past, defining a vision, breaking your goals into manageable steps, building consistent habits, and staying resilient, you set yourself up for a year of meaningful growth.

Let’s move beyond resolutions this year and create a roadmap for real change. Whether your goal is personal or professional, start small, stay consistent, and let your growth compound into something extraordinary.

Your next step:

If you need help turning your vision into an actionable plan, reach out for a free consultation. We can create a personalized growth strategy that aligns with your goals and values. Download your free Growth Goals Guide here.

Ready to thrive in 2025? Let’s get started.