The start of a new year always brings a mix of emotions—gratitude for what we’ve experienced and excitement for what’s to come. It’s a natural time to pause, reflect, and dream big. But let’s be honest: sticking to New Year’s goals can feel like trying to hold water in your hands. By February, the enthusiasm fades, and we’re left wondering where we went wrong.

So how do we set goals that actually work? Goals that feel aligned with who we are and carry us through the year with purpose and joy? It all starts with a fresh approach—one that’s simple, meaningful, and flexible enough to stick.

Grab a journal and a cup of tea and set aside some time for some New Year planning. Check out my Nourish Journal here if you want to start the year fresh: Nourish Journal

Practical ways to create a plan that lasts and keeps you motivated throughout the year

1) Begin with Reflection

Before jumping into planning your future, take a moment to reflect on your past. It’s not about dwelling on what went wrong—it’s about recognizing what worked, what didn’t, and how far you’ve come. When you understand where you’ve been, it’s easier to chart a path forward.

Think about the last year:

What are you most proud of?
What lessons did you learn?
Where did you feel most alive?

When I work with clients on goal-setting, this is always where we start. Reflection isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation for a plan that truly resonates with who you are.

2) Focus on How You Want to Feel

We often dive into goals by asking, “What do I want to achieve?” But let’s flip the script a bit. Start by asking: How do you want to feel? This shifts the focus from the what to the why, and that’s where the magic happens.

Do you want to feel more energized, balanced, or confident? Let those feelings guide your goals, and you’ll find that what you’re striving for becomes more aligned with your true desires. For example, if your goal is to “get healthier,” ask yourself why. Maybe it’s to have more energy to enjoy time with your family, or to feel stronger in your body. When your goals are rooted in how you want to feel, they’re not just something to check off—they’re something that truly matters to you.

3) Choose Fewer Goals but Make Them Meaningful

A common mistake is trying to tackle too many goals at once, thinking we need to change everything all at once. But here’s the truth: when you spread yourself too thin, nothing really sticks. Instead, focus on fewer goals that truly matter to you.

Quality over quantity is key. Take a moment to reflect on what truly aligns with this season of your life, and channel your energy into those things. For example, if you have five things on your list, narrow it down to just one or two that resonate with your heart. By focusing on fewer goals, you give yourself the space to put more energy into each one—and that’s when real transformation happens.

4) Break It Down into Small, Actionable Steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. The secret is to break them down into smaller, manageable steps.

For example, let’s say your goal is to “cook more meals at home.” Instead of focusing on the result, start small:

Week 1: Choose three simple recipes.
Week 2: Shop for ingredients ahead of time.
Week 3: Cook one meal and reflect on how it felt.

Each small step builds momentum, and before you know it, the habit becomes part of your routine.

5) Create Habits, Not Just Results

Goals often focus on outcomes—losing weight, saving money, or running a marathon. But true transformation happens when we focus on the habits that lead to those results.

If your goal is to “get stronger,” think about the habits that will support that: a consistent workout routine, nourishing meals, and adequate rest. Habits are the building blocks of long-term change and carry you forward even after the goal is reached.

6) Build in Flexibility

Life is unpredictable. Goals that feel rigid or all-or-nothing are often the first to fall by the wayside when things get tough. That’s why flexibility is key.

Instead of setting a goal to “exercise every day,” reframe it as “move my body in ways that feel good.” This allows you to adapt—whether that means a yoga class, a brisk walk, or dancing in your living room. A flexible mindset doesn’t mean you’re letting yourself off the hook; it means you’re creating space to pivot without losing sight of your intention.

7) Revisit and Adjust as Needed

Your goals aren’t set in stone—they should grow and evolve with you. Life changes, and so do your priorities, so it’s important to check in regularly and make adjustments as needed. Set aside time each month to reflect: What’s working? What isn’t?

This isn’t about being hard on yourself—it’s about staying connected to your intentions and making sure your goals still align with where you are now. Maybe your priorities shift, or you realize that a goal needs to be tweaked to better fit your current reality. That’s completely okay! Growth is rarely linear, and your goals should reflect that. Embrace the process of adjusting; it’s all part of the journey.

8) Celebrate Along the Way

So often, we wait until we’ve crossed the finish line to celebrate, but recognizing little wins along the way can be just as powerful. Celebrating progress keeps you motivated and reminds you why you started in the first place.

Did you stick to your morning routine for a week? Celebrate it! Did you take the first step toward launching your dream project? Celebrate that, too! These small victories build momentum and make the journey more rewarding.

To make it even more meaningful, take a moment to document your progress. Write down your wins in a journal to reflect on later and keep the positivity flowing. If you need a space to capture these moments, check out my Nourish Journal—it’s perfect for keeping track of your celebrations and reflections throughout the year.

By celebrating your achievements, big or small, you’ll stay connected to your goals and inspired to keep moving forward.

As you move through the year, keep things simple and stay connected to what truly matters to you. The magic of a new year isn’t just in the goals we set—it’s in the growth we experience along the way.

Here’s to a year of steady progress, real transformation, and moving closer to what makes you feel truly nourished and alive.

What is your next step on your personal path to perfect health? Take this fun, easy 2 minute quiz to find out now! CLICK HERE --> 4 Pillars of Health Quiz