Goal Setting Secrets for 2025

Keep it Simple, Stupid!

These five simple habits for goal achievement have been proven over and over again to unlock massive, focused action and to deliver surprising, overflowing success!

1. Success List > To Do List

Research from Dominican University reveals that writing down your goals makes you 42% more likely to achieve them. Why? It creates clarity, focus, and accountability. In addition to your typical “To Do” list, be sure to create a separate “Success List” that is loaded with the key milestones and actions for driving your ONE Thing!

Your Action Plan:

Look at your “to dos” and identify the key drivers for your “Success List”. This means getting clear about your ONE Thing! Start a “ONE Thing” document. Set 3–4 quarterly goals (or "missions") to maintain focus. Review and revise weekly to keep them fresh and actionable.

2. Leverage Your Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Your brain’s RAS acts as a filter, amplifying what you focus on. By reviewing your goals daily or weekly, you engage this system to subconsciously prioritize actions aligned with your ambitions. Your ONE Thing lens helps to sharpen and amplify this next level of focus.

Your Action Plan:

Dial up your ONE Thing focus until it feels like an obsession to you, then go even further!

Include a “ONE Thing Goal Review” as part of your morning routine.

Visualize your progress and align weekly tasks to stay on track.

3. Measurement Builds Next Level Momentum

Tracking your goals regularly boosts motivation and performance. Like leveling up in a video game, visible progress fuels commitment. When you get lost in the game play flow, the Effort is the Reward.

Your Action Plan:

Use simple color-coded tracking for your priorities (e.g., green = on track, red = avoid/needs work). Reflect weekly: Are your actions aligned with your goals?

Are you making measurable progress?????

Adjust as necessary!

4. IGNITE Your Goals for Maximum Impact

Use the IGNITE framework to refine your goals:

I – Impactful: Does this goal address what truly matters?

G – Goal-Focused: Is it aligned with your big-picture ONE Thing vision?

N – Navigable: Can you break it into simple, actionable steps?

I – Incremental: How can progress be measured in small wins?

T – Trackable: Can you easily monitor and assess your progress?

E – Energizing: Does this goal excite and inspire you? Example Goal: “By June, I will double my freelance income by focusing on high-value clients (Impactful) with a clear monthly tracking system (Trackable) and celebrating small wins (Energizing).”

Pro Tip: The more your goals excite your imagination, the more likely you are to pursue them with enthusiasm.

Your Action Plan:

Use the IGNITE method to dramatically amplify and refine your goals and stoke consistent enthusiasm. List potential obstacles and craft a plan to overcome each one.

5. Tie Goals to Your Identity

Research shows that linking goals to identity fosters consistency. For example, instead of saying, “I want to exercise,” embrace “I am a fit and active person”. Or, instead of saying "I want to accelerate my goals", embrace "I am someone who is always making rapid progress towards my goals." .

Your Action Plan:

Reframe goals to reflect who you want to be: “I am an author,” “I am a leader,” "I am a marathoner" or “I am a healthy individual.”

Celebrate actions that align with this identity to reinforce your commitment. Carefully monitor your internal conversation whenever you say things around "I Am". Your internal "I am _____" phrasing has tremendous impact on your outward actions.

Time To Launch!

Reaching your ROCKET Goals in 2025 will require altogether new levels of work and effort, but the core drivers are truly simple to understand and can be activated today...like right now! :-)

1. Success List > To Do List: Identify your ONE Thing and write it down.

2. Leverage Your Reticular Activating System (RAS): Become obsessed with your vision and constantly scan for new ideas and paths forward. Use visual cues to reinforce your ONE Thing.

3. Measurement Builds Next Level Momentum: Take your game play to the next level by keeping score and enjoying the game play. Remember, the Effort is the Reward!

4. IGNITE Your Goals for Maximum Impact: Refine and amplify your goals to launch with power.

5. Tie Goals to Your Identity: Leverage the power of "I Am ______" to fully embrace your goals. Monitor your inner dialogue and consistently remind yourself of your new identity.