How to Set Smart Goals That Stick in 2025

Have you ever set a goal but felt lost about how to achieve it? You went into the New Year with big plans and new ideas. By the end of 2025 I’ll have more time, more money, less stress, insert things you’d like to change here. But somehow it just doesn’t turn out that way.

In this post, we’ll dive into making sure the goals you set in 2025 are ones you can stick to and accomplish. The key? SMART goals. These goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, providing the clarity, structure, and focus you need to succeed.

It’s not because you didn’t want it enough, it’s not because you didn’t put in any effort, it’s just because you went about it the wrong way, and SMART goals  can help with that!

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART goals aren’t new, but they’re essential for effective goal-setting. Here’s what SMART stands for:

• Specific 🎯: Your goal should be clear and precise.

• Measurable 📏: Include criteria to track your progress.

• Achievable ✅: Ensure the goal is realistic and within reach.

• Relevant 🌟: Align the goal with your overall vision and priorities.

• Time-bound ⏳: Set a deadline to create urgency.

For example, instead of saying, “I want to grow my practice,” a SMART goal would be: “I will gain five new clients by March 31st by implementing a referral program.” This version provides direction and measurable steps.

Common Goal-Setting Mistakes

1. Skipping the “WHY”

Understanding why you’ve set a goal is crucial. When you hit challenging moments, your “why” will motivate you to push through. Use the “Seven Levels Deep” technique (I just call it this, I probably heard a very clever version of it somewhere and if you know where, please email me). 

Ask yourself “why” at least seven times to uncover your true motivation.

For instance, if your goal is to grow your practice, ask why. Maybe it’s to earn more money. Why? To buy a bigger house for your family. Why? Because you want your kids to have their own space. Each “why” gets closer to the heart of your goal, giving you a strong reason to keep going.

2. Setting Too Many Goals

Overloading yourself with goals can spread your focus too thin. Instead, focus on one to three key goals per quarter. This approach, inspired by the book The 12 Week Year, allows you to achieve more by breaking the year into manageable chunks.

3. Being Too Vague

A vague goal like “I want to grow my practice” lacks direction. Does growing your practice mean gaining one client or ten? Be specific about what success looks like and outline actionable steps to get there.

How to Set SMART Goals

1. Reflect on Your Priorities

Start by identifying your “why” and aligning your goals with it. What will bring you joy and freedom this year? Reflecting on this will help you set meaningful goals.

2. Use the SMART Framework

Make sure your goal meets the criteria set out above! And don’t set your Time limit to the end of the year. That’s too long! I like to reassess my goals each quarter and remember to only set 1-3.

3. Write It Down

Writing down your goals significantly increases your chances of success. A 2015 study by Dr. Gail Matthews found that people who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them. Sharing your goals and progress with an accountability partner can boost this even further.

4. Plan Action Steps

Break your goal into daily and weekly tasks. This makes it easier to stay on track and build momentum. Tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm and organise your action steps. Check out my YouTube video about this here.

5. Review and Adjust

Regularly review your progress to ensure you’re on track. If obstacles arise, adjust your action steps to stay aligned with your goal. If your kid is sick or a client needs extra sessions you have to change your goals accordingly. Weekly reviews help you adapt and maintain momentum.

Need Help Setting Goals?

Join my free workshop, Craft Your 2025 Success. Over three days, we’ll cover vision-setting, time management, and goal planning. You’ll also receive a free workbook to use throughout the year. Sign up via the link or QR code below to reserve your spot.

With SMART goals and the right strategies, you can make 2025 your most successful year yet. Let’s do this together!