It’s fantastic you’re thinking about goals for 2025! It’s still early, so you have plenty of time to brainstorm and refine. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started, with some personalised ideas for my own goals for 2025. I hope it helps.
Reflect and Review
Look back at 2024
What went well? What could have been better? Did you have any goals that you didn’t achieve? Why not? This helps identify patterns and areas for growth.
Consider your values
What’s most important to you? Family, faith, health, creativity, community? Your goals should align with these core values.
Pray for guidance
As a Christian, I will be seeking God’s will as it is key to me when setting goals. The Bible encourages us to take our plans to God. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Categories and Ideas
Here are some common goal categories, with ideas that I have tailored to myself.
Personal Growth
Spiritual
I want to deepen my faith through daily prayer and Bible study (e.g., read a chapter a day). “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Mental
Start a gratitude journal, practice mindfulness, learn a new skill (perhaps related to our car, maintenance for Rosie, our Morris Minor!).
Physical
Go for walks with Storm, our dog on a regular basis.
I will start canoeing 3 times a week in the summer. I want to combine this with a later goal for Abi and Mia.
I want to start a healthy eating habit (my belly is large, and less weight can lengthen your life). “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Family
Quality time
Plan regular family outings (e.g., picnics, visits to National Trust sites in Cornwall), have dedicated “unplugged” evenings.
Strengthen relationships
Schedule regular times to spend with Anna (my wife), find individual activities to do with Abigail and Mia based on their interests and I will go canoeing with them.
Create traditions
Start a new family tradition, like a yearly camping trip or volunteering together at a local charity. As I family grows up then something like this can bring us back together on a regular basis.
Community
Volunteer
Help out at a local animal shelter (given your love for dogs and cats), or get involved with a community project in your village. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
I spend most of my time in the community building the school farm etc so maybe this is less of a priority for me.
Connect
Join a local club based on your hobbies, or make an effort to get to know your neighbours better.
Financial
Savings
Set a specific savings goal, perhaps for a family holiday or for Rosie’s upkeep.
Giving
Increase your charitable giving or tithe a certain percentage of your income. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” – Luke 6:38
Leisure
Hobbies
Dedicate more time to existing hobbies, or try a new one like photography, surfing, or local history.
Travel
Plan a dream trip with Anna, Abi and Mia, maybe exploring more of the UK or even going further afield. Well I put this in knowing that we had already achieved this goal. We’re off to Spain in August!
Relaxation
Schedule regular time for activities you enjoy, like reading, gardening, or simply enjoying the beautiful Cornish scenery. Taking and breathing time is important. We are a busy society and gaining space to find peace is important. I take this time to chat with God about things that I might not be spending time in daily prayer. For instance this list!
What Others Are Doing
While your goals should be personal, here are some popular trends
Sustainability
Reducing environmental impact, living more simply.
Mindfulness and well-being
Prioritising mental health, stress reduction.
Financial independence
Saving, investing, and early retirement planning.
Digital detox
Limiting screen time, focusing on real-life connections.
Lifelong learning
Acquiring new skills, pursuing further education.
Make Your Goals SMART
Once you have some ideas, make sure they are:
- Specific: Clearly defined, not vague.
- Measurable: You can track your progress.
- Achievable: Realistic and attainable.
- Relevant: Align with your values and priorities.
- Time-bound: Have a deadline or time frame.
Remember
Start small, be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as needed. Most importantly, seek God’s guidance throughout the process. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
My Goals for 2025
- Deepen faith
- Regular walks with Storm – Par beach
- Canoeing with Abi and Mia to pick Anna up from work
- Reduce belly fat
- One trip a month as a family
- Start the family tradition
- Improve videos and upload one farm video a week
- Spain holiday
- Rosie upkeep and maintenance
- Debt free – reduce mortgage
- Drive from St Ives to Penzance via Zennor with a picnic and in the Morris Minor
- Don’t worry about this list – it’s a guide!
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