How to achieve your goals this year

Achieve your goals this year: A practical guide

It’s that time of year again. The festivities of Christmas and New Year have passed, your bank account may have taken a hit, and you’re probably feeling the effects of overindulgence. But this post-holiday calm is the perfect moment to recharge your mind, body, and finances, and think about what you want to achieve in the coming year.

For many, this takes the form of New Year’s resolutions. However, statistics show that sticking to them isn’t always easy. According to YouGov:

28% of people kept all their resolutions
53% kept some
17% didn’t keep any

So how do you make resolutions that last long past January? Here’s our step-by-step guide.

1. Reflect on the previous year

Before setting new goals, look back:

What went well? What achievements are you proud of?
What didn’t go as planned? What lessons did you learn?
Did you make resolutions last year? Which did you keep, and why? Which didn’t you?

Reflecting helps you understand patterns, spot areas for improvement, and approach the new year with clarity and intention.

2. Ask yourself why

When setting a resolution, ask yourself:

Why do I want to make this change?
How will it enrich my life?

Writing down your reasons gives you a motivation anchor. On days when progress feels slow, your ‘why’ will remind you why you started.

3. Make your goals specific

Ambiguous goals are easy to forget. Be specific and measurable.

Example:

❌ “I want to run more”
✅ “I will run 5K twice a week”

A clear goal lets you track progress and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

4. Break goals into steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into manageable steps and celebrate small wins along the way.

Goal	Steps to achieve	Small wins
Run 5K twice a week	1. Buy running shoes 2. Plan weekly schedule 3. Start with 2K runs 4. Build up to 5K	Celebrate completing first 2K run
Save £500 in 3 months	1. Set up savings account 2. Track monthly expenses 3. Reduce eating out 4. Automate transfers	Celebrate reaching £100 saved

Progress, even if small, is still progress.

5. Plan for obstacles

Life is unpredictable, bills, sickness, or work emergencies may throw you off track. Plan for setbacks:

Identify potential obstacles
Think of solutions in advance
Stay flexible and resume your plan without guilt

Remember: consistency beats perfection.

6. Remind yourself of your goals

Keep your resolutions visible:

Write them on sticky notes
Set reminders on your phone
Review progress monthly (after 1, 3, 6, and 9 months)

Regular reflection helps you celebrate achievements and adjust strategies if needed.

7. Create a support system

Goals are easier when you’re not alone:

Partner with friends or family pursuing similar goals
Join a club or group aligned with your goal (sports, book clubs, fitness classes)
Share updates and encourage each other

Accountability and social support increase motivation and make the journey enjoyable.

8. Ask for help when you need it

Needing help is normal. Ask for support if:

You need coaching
You require guidance (e.g., online tutorials or lessons)
You want emotional encouragement

Seeking support isn’t a failure, it’s a smart step toward achieving your goals.

Alternatives to traditional resolutions

If resolutions feel restrictive, try these approaches:

Vision boards

Visualise your goals with images, words, and quotes that inspire you. Place it somewhere visible to stay motivated throughout the year.

Bucket lists

Focus on experiences and achievements rather than strict deadlines. A bucket list encourages you to dream big without pressure.

Monthly themes

Break the year into 12 manageable focuses. For example:

January: Reading more
February: Track finances
March: Declutter home
April: Start fitness routine

Word of the year

Choose a single word to guide your year: adventurous, simplify, joy. Repeat it to yourself as a daily reminder of your intentions.

Goal-setting quick reference table

Step	What to do	Example	Tip
Reflect	Look back at last year	“I managed to run 10K once a month, but skipped strength training.”	Focus on lessons learned, not failures
Ask why	Identify motivation	“I want to feel healthier and have more energy.”	Write it down; revisit when motivation dips
Set specific goals	Make measurable and clear	“Run 5K twice a week”	Avoid vague resolutions like “exercise more”
Break into steps	Identify actionable chunks	1. Plan weekly schedule 2. Buy running shoes 3. Start 2K runs	Celebrate each small win
Plan for obstacles	Anticipate challenges	Boiler repair may affect savings goal	Have a backup plan and stay flexible
Remind yourself	Make goals visible	Sticky notes, phone reminders, weekly check-ins	Review monthly for progress
Create support system	Find accountability	Run with a friend, join a sports club	Share achievements and challenges
Ask for help	Seek guidance when needed	Take lessons, online tutorials, coaching	No shame in asking
Alternatives	Vision board, monthly theme, bucket list, word of the year	“Word of the Year: Joy”, “Bucket list: hike three new trails”	Keeps motivation fresh and fun

Life coaching with ben

Life coaching can help you:

Identify areas you want to improve
Set realistic goals
Stay motivated and focused
Boost self-confidence

A qualified life coach becomes your mentor and cheerleader, helping you maximise your potential, whether your goals relate to lifestyle, fitness, career, finances, relationships, or personal growth.

Life coaching is free for everyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry.

Get started: