New Year, New System: How to Actually Stick to Your Goals in 2025!
Hey friend, hey! So, January is almost out the door—how them resolutions looking 👀? If just thinking about your progress has you ready to cackle or cry, this one’s for you.
Every single year, I make a list of things I’m gonna do differently. No concrete plan, just vibes. And every year, that plan fades into the background like the Homer Simpson meme.
But not in 2025, my girl! This OUR year! So, in the spirit of being less raggedy and more accountable, I’ve been trying a time-tested trick to tackling my personal goals, and let me tell you, it’s been paying off big time.
That said, if you feel like your back’s against the wall and there’s no light at the end of your New Year’s Resolution tunnel, keep reading, I’ve got you! Here is the secret to hitting the reset button and finding sweet, long awaited progress:
Focus on Systems, Not Goals
Goals are all about change, and let’s be real—change is tough. Like, really tough. To reach a goal, you usually have to become a totally different version of yourself. And trying to build something that you’ve never even seen? Whew, that can seem impossible.
When you’re only focused on the big, shiny goal, it can make everything feel so overwhelming. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying ditch your goals. What I am saying is, if you’re gonna set one, you need to think beyond just the goal itself. You need a system to make it happen, and the system has to match the goal.
For example, a while back, I told myself I wanted to get better at keeping our home more tidy throughout the week. My big idea? Dedicate a whole day each week to cleaning. That was my system. Spoiler alert: it flopped. The mess kept piling up, the cleaning never actually seemed to happen, and I felt even worse— honestly, a little ashamed—because I wasn’t making any progress.
But then, I switched it up: instead of an all-day clean-a-thon, I committed to doing a load of laundry a day and set aside just 15 minutes for tidying up in the mornings. Let me tell you, this tiny tweak has been a game-changer! Not only has it cut down on cleaning time, but it’s also helped me actually stick to the plan.
Most mornings, I don’t even think about it—it’s just part of my routine now. And honestly? Building that habit feels even better than hitting the goal itself.
So, let me ask you this: is there a goal you’ve set that feels like it’s slipping away? If so, what system do you have in place support it? If the answer is, “I don’t have one,” or “It’s not working,” that’s okay, bookie! This is your sign to tweak it, simplify it, or even start fresh. The right system can turn your goals into reality—one small action at a time.
Choosing a System That Actually Works
Picking a system to match your goal doesn’t have to be some big production—it’s all about keeping it simple, manageable, and tailored to you.
The point is to make progress without feeling overwhelmed, so don't stress over finding something perfect right off the bat. The best systems blend into your life without feeling like a massive chore.
Here’s how to get started:
Commit to the smallest action – The key to starting is small. Ask yourself: What’s the tiniest, easiest thing I can do to move closer to my goal? Maybe it’s setting up automatic savings for $10 a week or adding one vegetable to your dinner plate each day.
Sure, those actions might not seem like much, but they add up quickly, and consistency is what really makes the difference over time.Make it work with your life – Your system needs to fit your life, not the other way around. If your mornings are already chaos, don’t make your system depend on waking up at 5 a.m. to do something. If weekends are your time to chill and reset, don’t plan an all-day Saturday work session.
The best systems are the ones you can stick with—not the ones that look cute on paper but leave you burnt out.Test, Tweak, and Repeat - Here’s the thing: no system is perfect on the first try—and that’s okay! Think of it like an experiment. You’re allowed to test things out, see how they work, and adjust along the way. If something feels too hard or doesn’t mesh with your routine, don’t be afraid to scale it back, try something different, or make it easier to fit in.
The goal is to find something that actually works for you. At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away, but you do need to start somewhere.
So, what’s one simple system you can try or tweak this week to get a little closer to your goal? Start there, and let the momentum build. We got this! 🧡
