Some people love to tell you that setting big goals at the start of the year is a waste of time. Well, sorry, but I’m not buying it. Goals are a good thing. If you’re not someone who sets goals consistently, then having that annual milestone is a damn good place to start. The goal is personal improvement, and guess what? That’s always a win, right?
Now, I get it—some people go a little overboard with their goals. You know the ones who set themselves up for failure with unrealistic expectations. Yeah, that can suck. But here’s the deal: I like to keep things fresh by setting goals across the board. I mix in some achievable changes, some lofty ones that require effort, and then there are the big ones that demand all your grit, hustle, and heart just to get within reach. And that’s how you grow.
This year, I’m taking a different approach. Forget the typical “runner’s goals” where it’s all about time and distance. I’m shifting my focus to a more holistic approach—one that’s about balance, improvement, and progress in all areas of life. I’m breaking things down into pillars, and yes, I’m tracking them. Because let’s be real, I’ve messed up before when it came to keeping track of habits. This year? Not happening.
Nutrition Goals
- Meal Prepping: Dedicate time each weekend to prepare balanced meals. Include proteins like chicken, tofu, or legumes; roasted vegetables; and whole grains like quinoa.
- Hydration: Use a large reusable water bottle with volume markers to track intake.
- Food Diary: Use MyFitnessPal to log meals and analyse nutrients.
Tracking System:
- Create a checklist for weekly meal prep and recipe experimentation.
- Use water intake apps to track hydration.
Work-Life Balance Goals
- Boundaries: Use time-blocking techniques in a calendar. Schedule “off time” like I would a meeting.
- Focus Modes: Create a ‘work’ and ‘personal’ focus mode on iPhone, to avoid distractions.
- Recharge Day: Plan days off with self-care activities in mind like walks with family, or creative hobbies for my rest days.
- Mindfulness: Start the day with a short meditation or self improvement podcast
- Reduce Meetings: Propose weekly “focus hours” at work.
Tracking System:
- Add time-off and self-care routines to a shared calendar, mark as private if not wanting to share
Knowledge Expansion Goals
- Audiobooks/Podcasts: Commit to listening while commuting, or doing chores.
- Topic Variety: Alternate between categories like personal development, science, or storytelling.
- Monthly Summaries: Write a short summary or takeaways from what I’ve learned in a journal or notes app.
Tracking System:
- Create a spreadsheet to list titles, completion dates, and key insights.
Sleep Improvement Goals
- Bedtime Routine: Create a calming wind-down ritual (e.g., reading, herbal tea).
- Tracking Patterns: Use apps like Sleep Cycle for sleep monitoring.
Tracking System:
- Log hours slept and sleep quality in an app.
- Set reminders for nighttime routines using my phone.
Fitness and Running Goals
You can find all my running & Fitness Goals right here…
So, what are your goals for 2025? What’s driving you, and how are you planning to crush them this year? Drop a comment below—let’s hold each other accountable!
