The Bold Vision: How to Set a Powerful Goals for the New Year

🎯 This is Part 3/9 of the Series Your Best Year Yet

You’re reading part three of Your Best Year Yet: A Step-by-Step Guide — a special year-end series designed to help you reflect on the past year, set transformative goals, and create a plan to thrive in the year ahead.

In the upcoming issue, we will explore the fascinating concept of Misogi — a transformative path that will define your year. Subscribe not to miss it!

Most people don’t think about their goals on New Year’s Eve. They want to party. And that’s completely fine. But for the people who make resolutions, you can’t pretend your job’s finished once you write your goals on a sticky note.

I know it’s a romantic idea — keeping it analogical and finding that note next year. But there are two problems with that:

• First, you won’t find that note in 90% of the cases.
• And second, you will probably never check what you wrote on it and only remember it in December next year.

Studies show that people who visualize their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them. In 2011, a study by the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that participants who visualized their desired outcomes felt more motivated and performed better.

But it’s not just about motivation.

Vision boards work because they engage your brain’s reticular activating system (RAS) — the part of your brain that filters information and highlights what’s important.

Have you ever noticed you start seeing your dream car everywhere after deciding you want it? That’s your RAS at work. And a vision board keeps your goals front and center. It helps your brain spot opportunities to make them happen.

Think of it as your GPS for 2025. It keeps you on track. It reminds you of your purposes. And it makes the journey more exciting.

Let’s dive into it.

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The wheel of life is a visual representation of the key areas of your life: Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Love, Family, Friends, Purpose, Finance, and Growth.

Imagine each area as a spoke in a wheel. The wheel can’t roll if one is too short. A balanced wheel means a smoother ride. So, if you neglect one area, the journey feels bumpy.

As you can see above, I’ve written about this concept before. But here’s a quick refresher on the nine categories of the wheel.

• Physical : Your health and fitness.
• Mental : Your emotional well-being.
• Spiritual : Your sense of connection, whether through faith, mindfulness, or something else.
• Love : Your romantic relationships.
• Family : Your connections with relatives.
• Friends : The bonds that give you a sense of belonging.
• Purpose : Your career or mission in life.
• Finance : Your financial health and stability.
• Growth : Your personal development.

The first step is to assess where you are right now.

Where are you thriving? Where do you feel stuck? This snapshot will help you see where to focus your energy in 2025.

• Assess Each Area : Rate each area on a scale of 1 to 10.

1. Identify the Gaps : Look for areas where you feel stuck or neglected. This year, my biggest gaps were in health and mental health, two things I rarely prioritized.
2. Visualize Balance : Imagine what a balanced wheel would look like for you. It doesn’t mean every area scores a perfect 10, but each one should feel cared for.

Once you’ve assessed your wheel of life, it’s time to create specific goals for each area. These don’t have to be monumental. But they should align with what you want. Here are a few ideas for inspiration (you can find more in the related article) :

• Physical :

1. Train for a 10K run.
2. Try a new fitness class (yoga, kickboxing, etc.).
3. Build a consistent sleep routine.

• Mental :

1. Read 12 books (one per month).
2. Start journaling for 10 minutes a day.
3. Practice gratitude by listing three things daily.

• Spiritual :

1. Meditate for 10 minutes every morning.
2. Explore a new spiritual or philosophical practice.
3. Spend time in nature weekly.

• Love :

1. Plan one meaningful date night per week.
2. Practice active listening in conversations.
3. Write a love letter to your partner every month.

• Family :

1. Schedule monthly get-togethers with extended family.
2. Call a relative once a week.
3. Start a family tradition, like Sunday dinners.

• Friends :

1. Reconnect with a friend you’ve lost touch with.
2. Plan a group trip or outing.
3. Make time for regular one-on-one meetups.

• Purpose :

1. Take a course to improve your skills.
2. Set a revenue or impact goal for your work.
3. Volunteer for a cause you care about.

• Finance :

1. Build a three-month emergency fund.
2. Track your spending for three months.
3. Invest in a long-term savings plan.

• Growth :

1. Learn a new language or skill.
2. Attend a workshop or conference.
3. Start a side project you’re passionate about.

Once you’ve outlined your goals, it’s time to bring them to life visually.

Here’s how to create a vision board (infographic in the article) :

1. Reflect on Your Wheel of Life : Consider your goals for each area. What visuals or quotes represent those goals?
2. Gather Your Supplies : Collect magazines, printouts, markers, or use a digital tool.
3. Create Sections : Divide your board into areas that mirror the wheel of life.
4. Add Personal Touches : Add photos, words, or symbols that resonate deeply with you.
5. Place It Where You’ll See It : Keep it visible to stay inspired.

The final step is bringing your vision to life.

1. Break It Down : Big goals felt overwhelming, so I broke them into bite-sized steps.
2. Build Momentum with Micro Wins : Start with small steps that lead to bigger achievements.
3. Review Your Vision Regularly : Take 10 minutes every Sunday to revisit your goals.
4. Schedule Time for Your Goals : Block time on your calendar for specific actions.
5. Adjust as Needed : Life happens, and goals shift. The key is to stay flexible while keeping your vision in mind.

By taking consistent action, your vision won’t only be a dream. It will become your reality.

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• Want more? Explore my other work at Cosmopolitan Mindset.