Setting Intentional Goals and Habits for the New Year

TL;DR: Welcome to a brand-new year! This is a wonderful time to think about what we want to achieve over the next 12 months. Whether you are a business owner, an emerging leader, or someone who wants to grow in a new field, setting goals can help you move forward. Goals are like maps: they show you where you want to go and how you might get there.

There is something even more powerful than just setting goals: setting intentional goals. When you set intentional goals, you don’t just say, “I want to make more money,” or “I want to lead a big team.” Instead, you connect these goals with deeper reasons. You think about why they matter to you, why they will help your business, and why they fit with your core values.

In this newsletter, we will talk about how to create intentional goals for the new year. We will explore why this approach is important and how it helps you form strong habits that stick. We will keep things simple so that anyone - even a five-year-old - can follow along. Let’s dive in!

Why Goals Matter

1. A Clear Sense of Direction

Imagine going on a trip without a map or GPS. You might drive around and see new places, but you won’t be sure if you are going in the right direction. Goals give you a sense of purpose. They act like signs on the road, telling you how close you are to reaching your desired destination.

For business owners, goals might involve increasing sales, hiring new people, or improving customer service. For emerging leaders, goals might include developing team-building skills, learning new technology, or exploring different management styles. But beyond writing these aims on paper, we want to connect them to something bigger - our core values and our overall vision. This is the essence of intention.

2. Motivation and Drive

When you wake up in the morning, do you feel excited about what you’re going to do that day? Having the right goals can help you hop out of bed with energy and focus. If your goals line up with what you really care about, you’ll feel more driven to reach them. You will also be more likely to keep going, even when things get hard.

For example, suppose you own a small bakery, and your goal is to sell 100 cakes a week. That’s a clear goal, but let’s make it intentional. Why do you want to sell 100 cakes a week? Perhaps you want to bring joy to your community with delicious treats and grow your bakery into a family-friendly place. That deeper why can keep you going when the oven breaks, the flour runs out, or your staff calls in sick.

3. Personal Growth and Happiness

Goals are not only about professional success; they also touch our personal lives. Perhaps you want to find more time to spend with your family, pursue a hobby, or learn to manage stress. When you set an intentional goal that includes personal well-being, you’ll feel more balanced. This balance can boost your overall happiness, which in turn makes you a better leader and a more effective business owner.

Ready to turn these concepts into action? As your coach, I can help you clarify your direction, define meaningful goals, and create a practical roadmap to achieve them. Book a discovery call to explore how we can transform your vision into reality.

Intentional Goals vs. Regular Goals

You might be asking: What is the difference between a regular goal and an intentional goal? Let’s make this simple.

• Regular Goal Example: “I want to earn more money this year.”
• Intentional Goal Example: “I want to earn 20% more revenue this year so I can reinvest in my team’s training programs, grow our product line, and support a local charity that aligns with my values.”

Notice how the second example has a why behind it. It’s not just about the bigger paycheck; it’s about supporting people, improving products, and helping the community. This deeper meaning helps you stay motivated in the long run.

Intentional goals are fueled by purpose and values. Purpose is your sense of meaning. Values are the principles that guide your decisions - things like honesty, teamwork, creativity, or kindness. When you tie these elements to your goals, you give them a firm foundation. Your goals become more than just words; they become part of who you are and what you stand for.

Steps to Setting Intentional Goals

Now that we understand what intentional goals are and why they matter, let’s look at some simple steps you can follow.

1. Reflect on Your Core Values

Before you decide on a goal, take a moment to think about your core values. What matters most to you? If you are a business owner, maybe you value treating customers with respect, making a positive impact, or leading with honesty. If you are an emerging leader, maybe you value showing kindness to your team or finding creative solutions to problems.

Think of three to five core values that guide your decisions every day. Write them down. These will be the “roots” that keep you grounded when you create your goals.

2. Visualise Your Ideal Future

Next, imagine yourself at the end of the year. Picture what success looks and feels like. Are you running a thriving business with happy employees? Are you a respected leader known for kindness, fairness, and innovation? Do you have a strong network of mentors and peers? Think about every detail - where you are, who is around you, and how you feel in that moment.

This mental picture can give you a clue about the type of goals you might want to set. For example, if you imagine leading a big team, then maybe your goal is to improve your leadership skills or communication methods. If you see a flourishing company, your goal might be to establish stronger branding or to launch a new product line.

3. Write Down Specific Goals

It’s not enough to say, “I want to be successful.” Be specific. Ask yourself: How will I know when I achieve this goal? Make it something you can measure. Also, put a time frame on it, like “I will do this by June 30th” or “I will complete this by December 31st.”

Some people like using the “SMART” format:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-Bound

But don’t stop at SMART. Tie your goal to your why. This is the intentional part that holds everything together.

4. Outline Action Steps

Once you have clear, intentional goals, break them down into smaller tasks. If your goal is to grow your customer base by 20%, what are some steps you can take? Maybe you will improve your website, create new marketing campaigns, or team up with a local influencer. Think of each step as a small action that gets you one inch closer to your big goal.

Write out these steps in order. You might even want to assign a date to each step. This makes it easier to track your progress and ensures you keep moving forward.

5. Plan for Obstacles

Every journey has bumps in the road. Maybe you’ll face budget issues, team conflicts, or market changes. Think ahead about what obstacles might come up. Then, write down how you can handle each challenge. For instance, if you’re worried about not having enough money to invest in a new project, maybe you can start saving a small amount each month or look for a grant.

Planning for the hard times can stop you from giving up when they actually come. It’s like packing a raincoat if you think it might rain - you’re ready to stay dry and keep going.

6. Celebrate Milestones

Don’t wait until the very end to celebrate. If your goal is to increase sales by 20%, be sure to cheer when you hit 5%, 10%, and so on. Small victories are a big deal. They give you more energy to keep going. As a leader, celebrating team achievements also shows your people that you care about their efforts. This motivates them to keep striving for excellence.

Need support in crafting goals that truly resonate with your values and vision? Working with a coach can help you delve deeper, uncover your core motivations, and develop goals that inspire real commitment. Let's connect to discuss how we can make your goals more intentional and achievable.

Building Habits that Stick

Goals give you direction, but habits are the engines that get you there. A habit is something you do almost without thinking. For example, brushing your teeth every morning. You don’t need anyone to tell you—it’s just part of your routine. Imagine if you could make working towards your goals feel that automatic!

1. Start Small

Instead of trying to change everything at once, pick one habit you want to build. For instance, if your goal is to become a better leader, you might want to start with a habit of giving positive feedback to your team members once a day. That’s a simple, small action. Once you do it every day for a few weeks, it becomes more natural.

2. Attach New Habits to Old Ones

One trick is to attach a new habit to something you already do without thinking. If you want to do a quick team check-in every morning, tie it to your first cup of coffee. Or if you want to read about new leadership ideas, do it right after you finish lunch. By connecting a new habit to an old one, you make it easier for your mind to remember.

3. Keep Track

Marking a calendar or using a simple app can help you see your progress. Let’s say you are building a habit of writing down one work-related idea every day. You can put a checkmark on your calendar for each day you do it. When you see a row of checkmarks, it feels good, and you don’t want to break the chain!

4. Reward Yourself

We all love rewards! If you keep up a new habit for a week or a month, celebrate with something you enjoy. It could be a nice dinner, a day off, or simply telling a friend about your win. Rewards remind your brain that building good habits is worth it.

Finding it challenging to transform your goals into sustainable habits? Professional coaching can provide the structure, support and guidance you need to make lasting changes. Get in touch to learn how we can develop a personalised habit-building strategy that works for you.

Why This Matters for Business Owners and Leaders

You might be wondering, How does setting intentional goals and forming good habits really help my business? The short answer is: It shapes your company culture and your leadership style.

1. Inspiring Your Team When you have clear, intentional goals, you can explain to your team why their work matters. This helps everyone feel like they are part of something bigger. Instead of just saying, “We need to increase sales,” you can say, “We want to grow our sales by 20% so we can invest in better training, improve customer support, and make our community stronger.” People become more engaged when they know the deeper purpose.
2. Creating a Positive Work Environment Good habits like regular check-ins, consistent feedback, and celebrating milestones create a workplace that feels supportive and encouraging. When people feel valued, they work better. This also boosts morale and makes employees feel proud to be part of the team.
3. Building Resilience Obstacles will come - an economic downturn, a new competitor, or changing trends. Leaders and business owners who set intentional goals are better prepared. They have a clear reason for their actions and a plan for dealing with challenges. This helps them bounce back faster and keep the company moving forward.
4. Long-Term Success Intentional goals aren’t just short-term wins. They are part of a larger vision. By staying true to your values and keeping your people engaged, you build a lasting foundation for success. Think of it like planting a tree: you don’t just water it once and forget about it. You keep watering it, give it sunlight, and watch it grow strong. Over time, it can bear fruit and provide shade for many.

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Practical Tips for Staying on Track

Even the best-laid plans can go off course if we don’t follow through. Here are some practical ways to keep yourself and your team focused:

1. Regular Check-Ins Set aside time each week or month to review your goals. Ask yourself (and your team, if you have one):

• Are we making progress?
• What’s working well?
• What needs to change?

1. Use Simple Tools You don’t need fancy software to track your goals. A spreadsheet, a note-taking app, or even a good old-fashioned notebook can do the job. The point is to keep a record of what’s happening so you can see your wins and spot problems early.
2. Stay Flexible Intentional goals are not set in stone. If your business environment changes or a new opportunity arises, be willing to tweak your goals. Flexibility doesn’t mean you abandon your goals. It means you are smart about adapting them when needed.
3. Seek Support Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A mentor, coach, or trusted friend can offer a fresh perspective. They can help you see blind spots and suggest solutions. If you are leading a team, involve them in the goal-setting process. People who feel included are more committed.
4. Reflect on Your Wins and Losses At the end of each quarter (or even each month), spend some time reflecting:

• What did you achieve?
• What challenges did you face?
• Did your actions still align with your values and purpose?

1. This reflection helps you learn and get better at setting intentional goals for the next time around.

Looking for ongoing support to maintain momentum and overcome obstacles? Regular coaching sessions can provide the structure, accountability and expert guidance you need to stay focused and motivated. Ring me to explore how we can work together to keep your goals on track.

Conclusion

The start of a new year is a golden chance to hit “refresh” on your life and work. For business owners and emerging leaders, it’s not just about making more money or leading bigger teams. It’s about doing these things with intention: knowing why they matter and how they connect to your core values and long-term vision.

By setting intentional goals, you give yourself a guiding light that keeps you on track through good times and bad. By building habits that stick, you create daily actions that push you closer to what you truly want. Together, these two elements - intentional goals and strong habits - form the backbone of personal and professional growth.

As you move forward into this new year, remember to take it step by step. Start with what matters to you most. Be specific about what success looks like. Break your goals down into smaller tasks, and be ready for challenges. Celebrate your progress, and don’t forget to reward yourself and your team when you reach those milestones.

A Final Encouragement

Nobody can predict the future, but you can create the future you want by planning wisely and acting consistently. Whether you’re running a bakery, a tech startup, or leading a non-profit, the principles of intentional goal-setting and good habits remain the same. They help you shape your environment, inspire your people, and stay strong when times get tough.

So here’s to a wonderful new year filled with purpose, passion, and progress. May you find the courage to dream big, the wisdom to plan carefully, and the resolve to keep going until you reach your destination - and beyond.

Now, go forth and make your mark with confidence and clarity. The year is still fresh, and every day is an opportunity to build a better future for yourself, your team, and the communities you serve. Happy goal-setting, and here’s to your success in the coming months!

Ready to make 2025 your year of intentional achievement? As your coach, I can help you transform these insights into actionable strategies and sustainable success. Book a discovery call today to discuss how we can work together to realise your vision.