4 Proven Steps to Achieve Your Best Year Yet

Each new year feels like an open invitation to reflect, refocus, and reset. I’ve always loved the process of setting goals, but I’ve learned that it’s about more than wishful thinking. Goals need structure, insight, and, most of all, a realistic approach.

Over the years, I’ve refined a method that works for me—reviewing what’s behind me, clarifying what’s ahead, and staying grounded. This isn’t about chasing endless to-do lists. It’s about being intentional with your time and energy.

Here’s how I break it down.

Step 1: Review the Past Year

Before I start setting goals for the year ahead, I take a hard look at the year that just ended. I do this out of curiosity and analysis. What went well? Where did I stumble? What patterns are emerging?

I go through the year month by month, noting major projects, personal milestones, and even the random moments that stood out. I’m especially interested in what I learned from both successes and setbacks.

I’ve found it helpful to ask myself some key questions in four areas:

Professional Prosperity

• Did I grow my skills or advance in my career?

• Am I doing work that feels meaningful?

• Did I build habits that make me more efficient and focused?

• Am I spending my time on what matters?

Mindfulness Prosperity

• Did I make time to reflect and slow down?

• Am I healthily managing stress?

• Have I felt present in my daily life?

• What moments brought me joy or peace?

Health Prosperity

• Have I been consistent with exercise?

• Am I eating well and getting enough sleep?

• Do I feel physically capable of handling my daily responsibilities?

Social Prosperity

• Have I nurtured my closest relationships?

• Am I making time for meaningful connections?

• Did I meet new people or deepen my community ties?

This process isn’t about beating myself up for what I didn’t achieve. It’s about identifying trends—where I’m thriving, stuck, and where I need to focus next.

Step 2: Set Clear Goals for the New Year

After reviewing the past year, I focus on setting two clear goals for each area of my life:

1. Professional

2. Mindfulness

3. Health

4. Social

Why only two? Because clarity and focus beat overwhelm every time.

I use the OKR framework—Objectives and Key Results to make my goals actionable. This method ensures I’m not just chasing vague ideas but working toward specific outcomes.

Example Goal: Run a Marathon in 2025

I’ll use a personal health goal as an example: running a marathon. I’ve always wanted to do it, but it felt overwhelming until I broke it down into manageable steps.

🎯 Objective:

Run and complete a marathon by September 2025 to build endurance, discipline, and mental strength.

✅ Key Results:

1. Run at least 4 times per week, following a structured training plan.

2. Complete a 35 km training run by [insert date].

3. Finish the marathon within [target time, e.g., 4 hours].

You can use this same approach for professional goals. For example:

🎯 Objective:

Grow my business by increasing client engagement and revenue.

✅ Key Results:

1. Secure three new clients by March.

2. Launch a new service offering by June.

3. Increase revenue by 20% by December.

The key is to set outcomes you can measure. You’ll know exactly what success looks like—and when you’ve reached it.

Step 3: Build Affirmations to Stay Motivated

I’ll admit I wasn’t always a believer in affirmations. But I’ve seen them as a simple, practical way to reinforce my mindset when motivation wanes.

I write affirmations that align with my goals and repeat them regularly. They remind me why I’m doing what I’m doing—and help me stay grounded through the inevitable ups and downs.

Here’s the one I use for my marathon goal:

“I am running a marathon this year, and every step brings me closer to the best version of myself. I train consistently, fuel my body wisely, and rest when needed. I push past my limits with strength and resilience. Each run builds my endurance, discipline, and mental toughness. I will cross the finish line on race day with pride, joy, and gratitude.”

For a professional goal, it might look like this:

“I am building a fulfilling career by focusing on meaningful work. I create opportunities for growth, develop new skills, and remain resilient in the face of challenges. Every day, I’m moving closer to the career I envision for myself.”

Step 4: Create a Roadmap for the Year

Big goals can feel overwhelming without a plan. That’s why I map out my year with specific milestones. It’s a way of breaking down goals into manageable chunks.

Here’s what my marathon roadmap looks like:

🗓️ January - March: Base Building

• Run 4 times per week.

• Build long runs up to 18 km.

• Strength training twice a week.

• Complete a 10K race.

🗓️ April - June: Build Endurance & Speed

• Increase long runs to 28 km.

• Add tempo runs and intervals.

• Run a half marathon.

🗓️ July - August: Peak Training

• Build long runs up to 35 km.

• Practice race-day pacing and fueling.

• Start tapering in late August.

🗓️ September: Taper & Race Day

• Reduce mileage to allow recovery.

• Final long run of 16-18 km.

• Race day: Cross the finish line strong!

I do the same for professional goals. I map out quarterly targets and adjust them as needed.

Why This Process Works

When I started using this method, I noticed a shift. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by lofty resolutions, I felt in control. I knew what steps to take—and when to take them.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.

By focusing on a few key goals across different areas of life, I’ve found that I’m more grounded, intentional, and motivated throughout the year.

Let’s Make This Your Best Year Yet

I’ve shared my process—now it’s your turn. Take some time to review your past year. Be curious. Be honest. Then, set two meaningful goals for each area of your life.

Professional. Mindfulness. Health. Social

You don’t need a long list. You need clarity, intention, and a plan.

So, what’s your next step? What goal are you ready to tackle?

Let’s make it happen.