A simple approach to planning my 2025: No Pressure, Just Goals

Reflection is center stage this time of year. If you want to be content in the next 3 months, 6 months, or this time next year (gasp!), it often requires intentional action now to steer clear of the dreaded 'regret slump.' You may need to act today for something you won't fully appreciate until much later.

So here we are, at the reflection stage of the end of 2024 and the start of 2025, thinking about being intentional with planning, setting goals, and taking action. To be honest, it can feel overwhelming. The internal dialogue kicks in: What’s next? Am I where I want to be? What have I actually achieved? Wait… what’s my purpose again? And those goals—those super important goals—need to be ready by January 1 at 12:01 a.m.

This article outlines the approach I’ve taken to plan a realistic 2025 that I’m content with. It’s important to note that this is a personal approach - it might not work for everyone, but it works for me. I’m sharing it for anyone who might find it helpful as they plan their own 2025.

First step

Is there a framework or tool that can do this for me, and no not chatgpt! I mean a guidance tool or framework, that provides the skeleton for all the important factors to consider in completing a 2025 plan. I have read my share of leadership/business books, so I am aware of a few frameworks that industry leaders have promoted highly.

Is there one that resonated with me? The ‘Golden Circle Framework’ developed by Simon Sinek is probably the closest to what helped me.

• Learn more about the Golden Circle Framework
• I also found these articles useful: for various frameworks here, goals setting principles here & here.

Next Step

Follow said framework.

1. Purpose and values (Why)

Purpose

This is individual - something that aligns deeply with you. To define my purpose, I started by reflecting on these questions:

• What is actually important to me
• What gets my attention or focus
• What do I want to do more of
• What do I want to do less of and (believe it or not),
• What makes me angry

I brainstormed around these points, adding detail initially, and then narrowed it down. I landed on:

My overarching career purpose is to lead transformative programs and projects that positively impact people and communities.

My ultimate personal purpose is to make a meaningful difference in the world.

What else?

I am deeply passionate about empowering others, especially young individuals, to pursue their goals, overcome challenges, and unleash their full potential. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, or advocacy, I am committed to playing my part in helping others.

Values

I think of values as the cornerstone of decision-making. When torn between options - yes or no, risk or no risk - what values do I want to lead my decisions?

If you struggle with identifying your values, there are free value quizzes available here. Below are a few values that I align to:

• Ambition
• Connection
• Courage
• Faith

Understanding our purpose and values is the ‘warm-up’ to planning anything else. Trust me, you do not want to skip this step - it really helps steer your thinking and direction! There's a reason organisations usually have a set of values, a vision, and a purpose: it guides and shapes every decision.

2.?????? Now the How and the What

This is where we outline and define the key priorities or strategic areas of focus for 2025 and:

• How (what does this look like/your goals)
• What (action plan)
• Support (any help you may need along the way)

There are plenty of templates online to guide you --> Canva to the rescue here. I’ve applied the Golden Circle Framework again to emphasise the importance of having a clear core purpose for each strategic focus area, ensuring alignment and consistency in the how and what.

Strategic Focus Points

Your focus points can be as few as 2 or 3 items, or more, whether they’re professional or personal goals - it’s all about what works for you. Below are a few things that have resonated with me as areas I want to dive deeper into in 2025. It might also be helpful to make a list of things you want to 'do less of' or 'stop doing' to prevent them from sneaking into your 2025 plans.

• Leading Through People
• Knowledge Sharing
• Industry Advocate
• Meaningful Contribution
• Personal Connections
• Growth & Development
• Prioritising Health and Well-being
• Pursuing Activities that Inspire
• Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

Goals and Action Plan

Now, take these strategic focus areas and turn them into specific goals. Break them down into actionable steps that will move you forward. Then, create a plan that maps out how you’ll make it all happen.

In this brainstorming activity, I reduced my list again and landed on 6 strategic areas of focus. I’ve extracted three below - sticking to the 'Why, How, What' framework approach.

This may take time to align with, and it doesn’t have to be perfect right away—it’s your plan. I’ve kept it simple because, surprise surprise, that’s what works for ME. I have MY plan translated with a few post-it notes with inspiring images pinned to a board in my makeshift office space. They will serve as a reminder to check in, especially during those moments when I feel off-track or disconnected from my strategic focus and values.

Whether you prefer something detailed or simple—a spreadsheet, a detailed document, or even a single page summary—choose whatever works best for you and is easy to maintain or at least revisit regularly.

Will I get it all done? Who knows—it’s just a simple plan. The goal (mind the pun) isn’t perfection, but a direction for progress, and making sure I’m enjoying the process along the way on areas I choose to focus on. Life happens, things will change, but having this plan helps me stay grounded with my purpose and values and keeps me moving forward, even (and especially) on days when it feels overwhelming.

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