"5" to Thrive in 2025 - Week 15: Goal Setting for Success

Setting clear, achievable goals is the foundation of success. Whether you want to improve your health, grow your business, or develop new skills, the right strategies can turn your dreams into reality. This week, we’re focusing on five actionable steps to help you set, plan, and achieve your goals with confidence and clarity.

1. Write Down One Goal You Want to Achieve in the Next 90 Days

The first step in goal setting is writing down one specific goal you want to achieve in the next 90 days. The 90-day timeframe is powerful because it gives you enough time to form a new habit, as research shows that it takes about 66 days to form a habit. By focusing on one goal, you can put all your energy into it and make more progress than if you were juggling multiple objectives.

Why is this Important? Focusing on one goal helps you avoid overwhelm. By narrowing your focus, you give yourself the clarity and drive to make steady progress. A 90-day commitment allows you to build a stronger habit, setting you up for success in the long term.

Action Step: Write down one clear, specific goal for the next 90 days. Make sure it’s measurable and achievable, but still a challenge that excites you.

2. Break Your Goal Into Smaller, Daily Steps

Once you’ve identified your goal, break it down into smaller, actionable steps. The difference between an outcome goal (like losing 10 pounds) and a process goal (like exercising for 30 minutes daily) is crucial. Outcome goals focus on the end result, while process goals are the daily actions that lead to that result.

Why is this Important? Focusing on smaller, manageable steps makes it easier to stay consistent and avoid feeling overwhelmed. By completing daily process goals, you are consistently moving toward your outcome goal. Each small win contributes to the larger achievement, and over time, it builds into a lasting habit.

Action Step: Write down three to five process goals that will help you achieve your 90-day outcome goal. These should be small, consistent actions that you can do every day.

3. Create a Visual Reminder to Keep Your Goal Top of Mind

Visual reminders are a powerful tool to keep your goal in the forefront of your mind. Seeing your goal every day—whether through a vision board, a sticky note on your desk, or a phone wallpaper—helps you stay focused and motivated. Visual cues activate the brain’s attention system, reminding you of what you’re working toward and keeping you connected to your vision.

Why is this Important? When we see something repeatedly, our brain starts to pay more attention to it. A visual reminder strengthens your commitment and helps you stay focused on your goal, even when distractions arise.

Action Step: Create a visual reminder of your goal. It could be a note on your desk, a vision board in your space, or a phone wallpaper that inspires you. Make it visible and motivating to keep you on track.

4. Turn Your Action Steps Into a Daily Checklist and Complete It Each Day

Turning your action steps into a checklist is a great way to stay organized and track your progress. Neuroscience shows that completing tasks and checking them off triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This makes you more likely to continue working toward your goal.

Why is this Important? A checklist gives you a clear structure for your day and helps you stay on task. It also provides a sense of accomplishment as you check off tasks, which boosts your motivation to keep moving forward.

Action Step: Create a daily checklist of tasks that will move you toward your goal. At the end of each day, check off what you’ve completed and adjust for the next day. Consistently completing these small tasks adds up to big results.

5. Find an Accountability Partner and Celebrate Your Progress at Each Milestone

Accountability is key to staying on track and reaching your goals. Research shows that having an accountability partner makes you more likely to succeed because it provides support, encouragement, and motivation. Celebrating milestones along the way also reinforces your progress and keeps you motivated for the long haul.

Why is this Important? When you commit to a goal with a partner, you create a sense of shared responsibility. Celebrating progress releases dopamine in the brain, which not only keeps you motivated but also reinforces the behaviors that lead to continued success.

Action Step: Find an accountability partner who will check in with you regularly and offer support. As you hit milestones, take time to celebrate your progress together, whether it's with a small treat or simply reflecting on how far you've come.

Final Thoughts: From Wish to Reality

Goal setting is the first step in turning your dreams into reality. By writing down your goal, breaking it into manageable steps, keeping visual reminders, using a checklist, and involving an accountability partner, you’re creating a plan that will set you up for success.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupery wisely said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” 

A plan makes the difference—it takes your wish and turns it into something achievable. Stay focused, stay consistent, and remember that every small step you take brings you closer to the success you desire.

Here’s to your success in 2025!

Thrive on,

Your Life & Health Coach – Martha A. Stewart

**Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is not a substitute for health advice from a qualified medical provider. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.