How to Set New Year’s Goals That Stick in 2025

We all implicitly know setting goals isn’t about being perfect or even checking every box that we said we would do just because we said we would. Yet goal-chasing easily slips into being some sort of trophy or surface-level award we want to go for, releasing this or that, making “X” amount of income yearly, getting certain accolades, etc.

What I’ve learned over ten years of goal setting and "goal chasing" is that it all comes down to living in clarity, building momentum, and getting results in what matters.

In sum, setting goals is just big-picture thinking!

That’s why I make goal setting an annual ritual—and why I sat down with each one of my private clients in a session to help them set their goals for 2025.

Here's some perspective from Bill Gates:

Most people overestimate what they can achieve in a year—and underestimate what they can accomplish in a decade.

I know 2025 has been off to a crazy and turbulent start so far but…have you set your goals for the year?

If not, let’s dive into how you can make 2025 your most impactful year yet.

Why Setting Goals Matters

When you set goals, you’re giving your energy a direction—and that alone is powerful. A study by Harvard Business School found that only three percent of respondents wrote down their goals, yet this small group was three times more likely to achieve success compared to those who had plans but didn’t document them.

Why?

Because goals clarify priorities, reduce decision fatigue, and create momentum.

Again, it’s not just about achieving outcomes for the sake of doing so. In a world driven by AI, constant change, and overwhelming possibilities, setting goals gives us an anchor.

It reminds us of what we can affect, so we can take clear, decisive action to do that (instead of getting drowned in the noise or things beyond our control).

How to Set Meaningful Goals for 2025

1. Pick 3-5 Goals to Focus On

Let’s keep it real—too many goals can paralyze you. Choose 3-5 goals that you’d feel on top of the world for achieving by the end of the year. Then break them down into seasonal or quarterly milestones.

2. Evaluate Resistance

Feeling stuck or hesitant? Resistance often signals an opportunity for growth or healing. Reflect on what’s holding you back, and if a goal feels intimidating, start smaller instead of avoiding that fear completely. The things we hide from often hold the biggest opportunities for our inner growth.

3. Use Life Categories as a Framework

If no specific goals come to mind, think about areas you’d like to improve: career, health, relationships, wealth, creativity, adventure, or even environmental impact. Then create meaningful goals in your areas of interest for the year.

4. Incorporate AI for Blind Spots

This was my first year using ChatGPT for goal setting, and it was a game-changer. AI tools can help identify blind spots, suggest action plans, and even brainstorm creative solutions you hadn’t considered. Message me if you want my exact framework and process on how to do this!

5. Embrace Imperfection

Here’s my secret: I rarely achieve 100% of my goals. Most years, I hit around 60-75%, but that’s still a win in my book. Then, I happen to achieve them sometime down my timeline in future years. Goal setting is an art and a science, it’s okay if you don’t nail it every single time. Right here right now, we're practicing our aim over perfection.

Personal Lessons from 2024

Last year taught me so much about the art of setting meaningful goals. Some highlights:

• Building My Coaching Business: I started with free trials and rejections but ended the year with full packages working with inspiring, heart-driven clients.
• Immersing in Japanese Culture: Living in Japan for three months helped me improve my language skills and go a level deeper into studying Japanese philosophy, art and language.
• Leveling Up on the Slopes: I went from trying snowboarding for the first time to confidently skiing runs and having the literal time of my life. Before last year, I was ready to call it quits with snow sports because skiing was just never my thing!
• Hitting My Highest Income Month: 2024 was a year of career fluctuations and bold action in new opportunities. It taught me resilience, patience, and trusting my intuition and decision-making for an even more expansive 2025.
• Reclaiming My Online Presence: After a four-year social media break, I returned to YouTube last year and built sustainable systems for weekly content creation. I’ll be coaching more creatives on how to do the same.

Navigating 2025: A Year of Change

This year feels different. With rapid advances in AI and a world that’s evolving faster than ever, it’s easy to feel uncertain. It’s hard to plan with all the rapid adaptation and disruption.

But that’s exactly why setting clear, intentional goals still matters. (It matters even more!) Even imperfect goals create purpose and help you show up with purpose.

If you want tailored guidance on refining and achieving your goals in 2025, I offer limited private 1:1 coaching for high-achievers, creatives, and entrepreneurs. You can schedule a free consultation call here: https://calendly.com/allygong

If you want to ask me questions about your own journey or goal-setting, email me anytime at [email protected].

Question for you to reflect on before next week:

What’s one goal you feel resistance towards, and what might that be trying to teach you?

Lastly, here are some ways to donate to help with the recent fires in Los Angeles (the following charities have been vetted by NBC News):

California Community Foundation

California Fire Foundation

L.A. Fire Department Foundation

American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

At the intersection of meaning, identity, and achievement, Actualization Notes: Being Human in the Age of AI delivers content designed to inspire action, spark introspection, and unlock potential.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your personal growth journey, hit Subscribe! Let’s make 2025 the year of meaningful progress—article by article.