As the new year approaches, many words and exercises are thrown up in the air: life audit, vision boards, curiosity calendar, non-negotiables list, etc.
Although all are very useful tools, today, here, plan with me (exactly how I planned for my new year) without any past reflections or tedious life audits.
Before we get started, I just want to put it out there that I do journal about the past year. In fact, I look back every month (a practice I took up this year) to appreciate all I did or what happened and where I was going, and it’s helped me a lot.
Depending on my time and mood, I might do it before the end of this year too, but it is not included in this blog for the sole purpose that I want whoever is reading this blog to plan their new year with me right away, following these upcoming steps. Hence, practices that take quite some time, like audits and vision boarding, are not included.
Another disclaimer here: I started planning my 2023 on 7th January 2023, and it went well. There is no rush to do it all before December 31st; you’ve got a whole year upcoming to plan, modify, and act, so why rush right now to finish it like a chore?
Take your time, do it calmly, and enjoy!
Just a tip: The last New Moon (a time specifically to form new goals) is approaching us, i.e., 30th December 2024. It’s as if nature or the universe is on our side, to start this new year mindfully along with all the parties, of course! 😉
In my previous blog (Plan for 2024), I had written about a whole different system than what I think will work for me now.
Instead of specific goals, I focused on mindsets—something which isn’t quantifiable. But by the end of the year, I am no longer that person, and hence the system has evolved, for the simple reason that now I can take this so-called “pressure” that came to me with rigid goals.
If, however, all of this excessive planning feels too much, do check that blog out.
Even if you like this whole organized, step-by-step planning, still check that blog out for a simple reason: that blog could be your reference point. It’s a gentler, more enjoyable way to jumpstart your system (if you fall behind on your new year’s resolutions).
With all being set, let’s begin:
Step 1: LOOK BACK
I know, I know, I just told you there wouldn’t be any life audit or past reflections, but this isn’t going to be a 1-hour long process, trust me, and pick up your phone or journals right now.
What I like to do is either check my Snapchat memories (I practically save a lot each day) or see the highlighted section from each month’s entry (If you like, I could share my monthly planning strategy, due to which this past reflection became a 5-minute work for me), and you could either journal on it or simply appreciate them.
Now look at your year goal of 2024 (if you are like me, check your monthly goals too) and see which area or goal that was significant to you but you couldn’t achieve. List 2 or 3 reasons and move on to the next step.
For example: I wanted to travel and dance a lot this year, but I couldn’t due to various factors like work, finances, time, etc. Now, it could be in one line like right here or a detailed analysis, all up to you.
Step 2: FUN BEGINS
If you are addicted to organizing like I am, this is going to be super fun.
Take out a piece of paper, your journal, or notepad on your laptop. I like to plan using an app called Notion for all my yearly and monthly goals (including challenges, habits, etc.), but the perfectionist in me took a piece of paper for a rough outline before I could write down finalized goals in my app. You could do the same.
Pick out any 4 to 5 different areas of your life. Here’s what I chose:
HEALTH, FINANCES, RELATIONSHIPS, CAREER, SPIRITUALITY, TRAVEL-GLOW UP-SHOP & NEW EXPERIENCES
The last category is more like a bucket list for all experiences or products I wanted to try, not a goal for 2025.
Here are my top 5 areas I want to center my 2025 around: HEALTH, FINANCES, RELATIONSHIPS, CAREER, SPIRITUALITY
Step 3: DISSECTING
Let’s dig deep and make goals for each area.
A few cautions before doing the same:
• Please stick to 2 or a max of 3 goals under each heading. And use your step 1 here, to analyst and plan next steps accordingly.
• Make it as specific as possible. For example, instead of “lose weight,” you can write “I want to get back to being 55 kgs,” etc.
• Keep a list of non-negotiables (I would explain in a bit).
• Write it in present or future tense, not “want to be,” “aim to be,” or past tense. (A manifestation trick 😉)
Let’s take the example of the first category: HEALTH
I made 4 headings under the same: Lose weight & Toning, Eat clean, More Energy – Sleep, and Supplements.
Let’s make it more clear and achievable:
Lose weight and toning:
• I will be consistent with the gym or yoga, at least 4 times a week.
• I will weigh 57 kgs.
Eat Clean:
• No junk food at home, filling the house with only healthy replacements, except if on trips.
• Switch to Matcha or smoothies instead of tea or coffee.
• Buy more veggies than biscuits or chips. (Allocate a budget each month for junk food and not go beyond it.)
Energy:
• Take nature walks at least 4 times a week.
• Use at least 1 mood booster every day.
• Sleep by 12 max or get 8 hours, 6 days a week.
Supplements:
• Get a complete health checkup.
• Schedule a dentist & derma appointment.
• Get recommended supplements and make a system to stick to.
This way, I got specific goals under each heading and subheading. Post this, just highlight your non-negotiable goals out of these. For example, for me:
• I will weigh 57 kgs.
• Switch to Matcha or smoothies instead of tea or coffee.
• Sleep by 12 max or get 8 hours, 6 days a week.
• Get a complete health checkup.
• Schedule a dentist & derma appointment.
• Get recommended supplements and make a system to stick to.
These can go into your year’s goals, and the rest (more like systematic goals that you are supposed to form habits from, like gym or yoga) can be put in your monthly goals.
I’ll cover how to form monthly goals from yearly in another blog!
If you noticed, I not only made you formulate your goals, each heading-wise for different areas, but also gave you a road map to get there by getting into super specifics.
Like if I want to lose weight, I need the gym, eating healthy, sleeping, nutrition, etc. In a way, this can be your blueprint for the rest of the year.
Step 4 : FINAL & MOST IMPORTANT
I believe, before coming to this step, you all have made your lists for all the areas similarly.
This step is about mindset, a little I already spoke to you about in my previous blog :
- I would recommend, plan for next 3 or max 6 months and not more. If you want to plan for the entire year, fix a date in between (sixth month) to check in and see how far you have come, or if there is any change needed in that goal you set six months before. This way if your goals don’t align to your flow or purpose or direction at any point, you wouldn’t unnecessarily continue to follow them, just for the sake of it.
- Simply writing down a mindset or goals wouldn’t suffice. We can easily lose track of things we planned at the beginning of any year. How many of us really do keep track of our resolutions? Or religiously follow them. Some of them become irrelevant, a week into January. This is where your Vision boards, monthly check in will come into play.
- If it was your goal or a mindset, to be more fit. Then each time, you find yourself eating junk, remind yourself of your goal. It can be done, by use of vision boards, wallpapers, daily affirmations, related content, etc. This is more about CONSISTENCY TOOLS and Accountability partners (could be a person, app, online communities,etc.)
- Life cannot be experienced hiding behind or sticking to certain pointers or goals. Your mindsets, intentions, wants will change, depending on where you are, and it’s your responsibility to give your life direction, allow it to change – in short do not be rigid, have room for space and uncertainty.
BONUS STEP :
Themes for Each Month
Assigning a theme to each month gives your year a sense of rhythm and focus. These themes can be aspirational, like “Growth,” “Adventure,” or “Creativity,” or more reflective, such as “Rest” or “Connection.” For instance, January might be about “Intention,” where you focus on setting mindful goals, while June could be “Exploration,” encouraging travel or trying new experiences. Themes act as a guiding force, shaping the choices and energy of each month. They’re flexible enough to adapt but structured enough to give your year a cohesive flow.
2. The “What Scares Me” List
Fear often highlights areas for growth and transformation. A “What Scares Me” list is your opportunity to confront these fears with intention. Start by writing down what intimidates you—whether it’s starting a new project, speaking in front of an audience, or even taking a solo trip. Once listed, break each fear into manageable steps and dedicate time throughout the year to face them. Tackling one fear per quarter can help you build confidence and resilience, proving to yourself that you’re stronger than your fears.
3. Curiosity Calendar
The Curiosity Calendar is all about keeping your year vibrant and exciting by exploring something new every month. Choose topics or skills you’ve always wanted to learn or simply find intriguing. For example, you could spend March learning the basics of a new language, July diving into the art of watercolor painting, and November exploring the science of stargazing. This monthly commitment to curiosity fosters growth, sparks creativity, and keeps your year feeling fresh and dynamic.
4. Level Up: Learn One Skill in 6 Months to Get Ahead
In just six months, dedicating focused time to learning a single skill can significantly propel you forward. Start by choosing a skill that aligns with your goals, such as coding, public speaking, or digital marketing. Break the skill into manageable milestones and adopt the 70-20-10 rule: 70% of your time should be spent practicing in real-world scenarios, 20% seeking mentorship or feedback, and 10% on formal learning. Make it a part of your routine, dedicating regular time each week to practice, and track your progress to reflect on wins and challenges. By the end of the six months, apply your skill in real-life projects or presentations, showcasing your progress and boosting your confidence. This way, by the end of the year, you’ll not only have mastered one skill but also developed a second powerful one, setting yourself up for continuous growth and new opportunities.
Do check out my pinterest, for my dissection of various areas of life and appropriate goals that you can embody for the same.
With this, I conclude this conjoint planning session of ours, I wish you all a very happy new year and Merry Christmas!!!
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thankyou to all of you who read my blogs this year, I can’t believe its already been 1.5 years since I started this mini passion of mine, thankyou for sticking around and supporting.
I’ll see you in the new year, with new blogs and many more tiny wins to explore together…