Achieve your 2025 goals
Turn your vision into action with simple, effective strategies for the year ahead
As the New Year approaches, how do you ensure your 2025 goals are not just well-intentioned, but also achievable? One strategy that has helped me is getting “smart” about my goal-setting.
Every day, I dedicate at least 15 minutes in the morning to review what I call my “Growing Vision.” This is a short document where I outline my SMART goals, their associated micro-goals, and their corresponding timelines. I also write down my monthly steps and track their progress. Using this, I evaluate my performance and ask myself, "Am I on track with what I want to achieve in both my professional and personal life?"
(By the way, the number “56” that you see in the picture represents my personal number.)
5 steps to set your new year up for success
Below, I’m sharing five essential steps that I use daily from my annual "Growing Vision" document that has helped me in my career and that I’m confident will help you turn your goals into action in 2025:
1. Use the SMART Method
A goal without a plan is just a wish. Using the SMART method ensures your goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, "I want to get a job in the PR corporate side," aim for "I will apply to 5 PR corporate job opportunities every week for 2 months to get at least 5 interviews."
2. Create micro goals throughout your journey
Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into micro goals—smaller, actionable steps that pave the way for long-term success. If your goal is to be the communications director of your company, start with micro goals like aiming to get involved in critical and impactful projects that will give you visibility and long-term growth opportunities.
One practical advice that has worked for me: get involved in high-level leadership projects. That will make you close to those people who can sponsor you for future opportunities inside the company.
3. Create a timeline
Every goal needs a timeline to maintain momentum. Divide your year into quarters or months and assign milestones to each period. A timeline creates structure and helps you prioritize what needs to be done.
For example, if you want to have your own monthly newsletter in order to boost your personal brand, you can create a production calendar in which you will define specific days of the month in which you will be writing each article. Then, you can schedule the release date after understanding how long it will take you to get to your endpoint. Creating a timeline is also useful to organize yourself if you are usually busy.
4. Write them down
There’s power in putting pen to paper. Writing down your goals makes them tangible and increases your commitment. Keep them visible—on your desk, planner, or even your phone's lock screen—to serve as daily reminders of what you’re working toward. Research even supports this. A well-known study by Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University in California, found that individuals are 42% more likely to achieve their goals simply by writing them down.
Earlier this year I wrote down my desire to “elevate my current job to have more impact.” In November, I ended up landing a new role in which I manage internal communications for over 1400 employees from the service line of my company. By writing down my goals, I had a physical representation that created a sense of ownership and responsibility which made ensure my time and effort were spent on my goal.
5. Evaluate along the way
Your goals aren’t set in stone. Regular evaluation of your goals allows you to adjust them based on progress, setbacks, or changing priorities. Schedule check-ins to ask yourself: “Am I on track?” and “What can I do differently moving forward?”
Based on how you answer yourself, make sure to check how close you are to your goals based on the Time-bound that you previously created. If you see that you are doing something that is not advancing your current situation, you will need to re-adjust.
By following the five essential steps, I am confident that you will start 2025 with more productivity and efficiency toward what you want to achieve in your life. If you’re looking for even more guidance, do not hesitate to contact me, and I will be happy to help you to achieve your goals.
I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ideas, or questions in the comments below and join the conversation.
Meet Facundo
A native of Argentina, Facundo Luque is a young PR professional who helps brands to connect and engage with consumers authentically. Over the years, he has worked with different PR agencies, covering the entertainment, technology and health markets, among others. He has developed strategic communications plans and initiatives to help brands such as AMC, Sundance TV, Under Armour, Film&Arts, Takeda, Huawei, Suzuki among others. Facundo is currently working as TQRM Communications & Team Management lead in Ernst & Young (EY) inside the Global Delivery Services (GDS) network of the company.
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