How to Stay on Track with Your Goals in 2025: Do not spin all your plates at the same time and make your goals part of your daily routines.
- Natalie Tran
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
Did you know that 91% of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions, with 23% giving up in the first to second week of January.
Why? Because they don’t have a focused strategy or system (hence spinning all the plates in the air and dropping them) nor made their goals part of their routine.
By now, you’ve likely set big goals, organised your calendar, shared your intentions with friends, and even set rewards for milestones. You’ve read Atomic Habits by James Clear and may be familiar with Gary Keller’s GPS (1-3-
5) framework from The ONE Thing.
But excitement fades without a plan, and that’s where most people go wrong. To succeed, you need to transform your aspirations into a structured, actionable routine.
Today, I’ll share a proven structure to keep you on track, not just for the year but for life.
Why Most People Fail
People often fail because they rely on motivation alone. But motivation is fleeting; routines and habits are what create lasting results. Big goals are exciting, but without a clear path and consistent action, they remain distant dreams. Momentum comes from clarity, consistency, and small, intentional steps.
Let’s break down how you can stay on track using the 1-3-5 goal-setting method while incorporating insights from Atomic Habits.
Step 1: Set 3 Big, Ambitious Goals
Set 3 big goals for 2025.
Here’s an example of three big goals:
1.Get invited to speak on stage as a keynote speaker.
2.Launch and sell a digital product that generates $50-100k annually.
3.Train for and run a half marathon.
Bonus tip: Ground your goals in purpose.
For each goal, reflect on these questions:
Clarity of purpose: Why does this goal matter to me?
Aligned actions: How does this goal support my larger vision for my life or career/ business?
Step 2: Define 3 Priorities for Each Goal
For each big goal, identify three priorities—these are the broader strategies that guide your actions.
Goal 1: Get invited to speak as a keynote speaker
Build authority in your niche through thought leadership on LinkedIn.
Network with event organizers and influencers.
Create and share impactful presentations or talks online.
Goal 2: Launch and sell a digital product
Develop a product that solves a specific problem for your audience.
Build an engaged email list of 5,000 subscribers.
Market the product using a proven funnel strategy.
Goal 3: Train for and run a half marathon
Follow a structured training plan tailored to a half marathon.
Incorporate strength training and recovery into your routine.
Maintain a balanced, performance-optimised diet.
Step 3: Break Each Priority into 5 Micro Strategic Tasks
This is where the magic happens. Micro tasks are the specific, actionable steps you take daily or weekly to create momentum. For each goal there should be 15 strategic tasks (but don’t get too caught up in the exact number, if some priorities have 4 and some have 6 it is fine). Here are some examples.
Goal 1: Get invited to speak as a keynote speaker
Write one insightful LinkedIn post daily that showcases your expertise.
Record short video clips of yourself speaking on key topics to share online.
Reach out to 5 event organisers weekly to introduce yourself and your topics.
Submit proposals to conferences that align with your niche (1 per week).
Network by attending at least two industry events per month.
Goal 2: Launch and sell a digital product
Survey your audience to identify their biggest pain points.
Outline the product and create a minimum viable version within 30 days.
Write weekly blog posts or create videos to build trust and authority.
Offer free webinars or lead magnets to grow your email list.
Test and optimise ad campaigns to drive traffic to your product.
Goal 3: Train for and run a half marathon
Run three times a week following a progressive mileage plan.
Stretch for 15 minutes daily to prevent injuries.
Cross-train with cycling or swimming twice a week.
Log nutrition and hydration daily for accountability.
Schedule weekly check-ins to assess progress and adjust your training.
Step 4: Use Habits to Build Consistency & Make It Routine
To succeed, your goals must integrate into your daily habits. Atomic Habits teaches us that small, consistent actions compound over time. Here’s how to set up habits for success:
Anchor habits: Tie new habits to existing ones. For example, after your morning coffee, spend 15 minutes preparing your presentation content or researching event organisers.
Habit stacking: Combine habits to make them easier. For example, listen to motivational / relevant podcasts or industry insights while running or stretching.
Track progress: Use a habit tracker to maintain streaks.
Step 5: Optimise Your Environment
Your environment has a significant impact on your ability to stay consistent. To set yourself up for success:
Walk your phone out of the room or use to limit distractions during work hours.
Surround yourself with goal-oriented people by joining communities or accountability groups.
Designate spaces for focus: Have a specific spot for work, exercise, or creative activities to build mental associations.
Step 6: Embrace the tough growth bursts requiring intense effort
I don’t recall achieving any of my big goals where everything was “cruisy and balanced”. It will require short bursts of intense focus (sometimes very intense).
During this time you will need to limit entertainment and unnecessary outings and swap for spending time with people who will help challenge and inspire you.
Lastly, double down on routines: Exercise, journal, and review your goals daily.
Step 7: Reflect and Adjust
Every week, take 30 minutes to reflect:
Celebrate wins: Acknowledge progress to stay motivated.
Identify bottlenecks: What’s slowing you down, and how can you fix it?
Plan for improvement: Adjust micro strategic tasks to align better with your goals.
The Secret to Staying on Track
Momentum isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency. When you pair the 1-3-5 method with Atomic Habits, your goals become more than dreams. They transform into a roadmap for success.
By embedding your goals into your routine, embracing focus periods, and staying consistent, you’ll not only reach your targets but also create a life of purpose and impact.
This year, let’s be the 9% who succeed. You’ve got this.
If you need support with your goals this year, reach out here.
Holding the vision for you always.
Nat
P.S. For some guidance on LinkedIn:
For the Transition Roadmap:
(both are on Notion)
P.P.S. Should I template this goal setting one in Notion as well?
Comments