At the start of every year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions. We all know how that story goes—the gym is packed on January 1st, diets begin in earnest, and plans to build better habits seem ironclad. Fast forward a few months, and most of those resolutions are forgotten, derailed by a lack of planning, consistency, and discipline. The truth is, resolutions alone don’t work—but setting intentional, actionable goals does.
I was reminded of this powerful lesson during a recent coaching workshop I attended. The focus was on winning 2025, and the experience was transformative. Together, we reflected on 2024—the wins, the losses, and everything in between—to build a foundation for the year ahead. We set meaningful goals for 2025, identified barriers that might stand in our way, and most importantly, created action items to overcome those barriers. I walked away inspired, armed with a plan to make 2025 a year of massive growth, both personally and professionally.
In this post, I want to share some of those takeaways, dive into the power of setting goals, and explore the critical components that separate real progress from fleeting resolutions: creating a plan, being intentional, staying consistent, and developing the discipline needed to execute. I’ll also share my own goals for 2025—goals I’m making public right here to hold myself accountable and inspire others to do the same.
Reflecting on 2024
Before you can look forward, it’s essential to look back. Reflecting on your past year—what worked, what didn’t, and why—provides clarity for the future. In our workshop, we spent time celebrating successes and analyzing failures. Both are equally important.
- Wins help build confidence and show us what’s possible.
- Losses offer lessons and opportunities for growth.
For me, 2024 was a year of transformation and progress. I accomplished things I once thought were out of reach, from competing in my first half Ironman to pushing forward on my book and podcast. Yet, there were still areas for improvement. Reflecting on those moments gave me a clear picture of where I want to go next.
The Power of Setting Goals vs. New Year’s Resolutions
Why do resolutions fail? Because they lack substance. A resolution is often vague—“I want to get fit,” or “I want to save more money.” It’s easy to say but hard to act on without a plan. Goals, on the other hand, are specific, actionable, and measurable.
For example:
- Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” a goal might be, “I will train for and complete a full Ironman in November.”
- Instead of saying, “I want to save money,” a goal might be, “I will save $10,000 by December by putting $833 into savings each month.”
Goals create clarity, and clarity creates action. When you set a clear target, you know exactly what you’re working toward and can build a plan to get there.
Key Ingredients for Achieving Your Goals
1. Creating a Plan Goals without plans are just dreams. A plan is your roadmap—it breaks a big, ambitious goal into smaller, manageable steps. For example, my goal of completing a full Ironman in November requires a detailed training schedule that incorporates swimming, biking, running, and strength training. Without that structure, the goal would feel overwhelming.
2. Being Intentional Setting goals is one thing—sticking to them requires intentionality. You have to decide that these goals matter enough to prioritize them in your life. This means showing up daily and saying no to distractions that don’t align with your bigger vision.
3. Consistency Consistency is the secret sauce to achieving any goal. Progress doesn’t happen overnight—it happens through small, daily actions that add up over time. Whether it’s writing a few pages for my book each day or logging miles for Ironman training, I know that consistent effort will get me closer to the finish line.
4. Discipline Discipline is doing what you need to do, even when you don’t feel like it. There will always be days when motivation is low. Discipline is what separates those who achieve their goals from those who don’t. For me, that means waking up early, putting in the work, and remembering why I started.
My Goals for 2025
As part of my commitment to intentional goal-setting, I’m sharing my 2025 goals here. Making your goals public is powerful—it creates accountability and helps you stay focused.
- Complete a Full Ironman
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- I’ve already completed a half Ironman, but in November 2025, I’ll take on the ultimate challenge: a full Ironman in Arizona. This goal requires consistent training, dedication, and a lot of discipline—but I’m ready for it.
- Finish and Publish My Book
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- My book on personal transformation has been in progress for some time, and 2025 is the year it will be finished, published, and shared with the world. I want it to inspire others to transform their lives and reach their full potential.
- Continue Growing My Podcast
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- My podcast, First Light, has been an incredible platform for sharing stories of growth, transformation, and leadership. In 2025, I want to keep growing the podcast, bringing on new guests, and reaching more listeners.
- Complete at Least 4 Public Speaking Engagements
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- Public speaking is one of the most effective ways to inspire others. In 2025, I aim to take the stage at least four times to share my story and empower others to take action in their lives.
Making Goals Public: The Power of Accountability
There’s something incredibly powerful about sharing your goals. It makes them real, and it holds you accountable. When you keep your goals to yourself, it’s easy to back out when things get tough. But when you make them public, you invite others to cheer you on, support you, and hold you to your word.
I encourage you to share your goals with someone you trust—a friend, a family member, or a mentor. Better yet, write them down and share them publicly. Declare what you’re working toward, and watch how it transforms your mindset and motivation.
Winning 2025 Starts Now
Setting goals isn’t about waiting for the new year. It’s about starting now. Whether your goals are personal, professional, or a combination of both, the time to take action is today. Start by reflecting on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to do to get there. Write your goals down, make a plan, and commit to showing up every single day.
As I look ahead to 2025, I’m excited, focused, and ready to put in the work. I hope this inspires you to set your own goals, create a plan, and take action. Remember: you are capable of far more than you realize. With clarity, consistency, and discipline, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Here’s to winning 2025 and becoming the best version of ourselves.
What are your goals for the year ahead? Make them public, create a plan, and let’s win together.
Keep shining your light.
