Ideas on how to set your own goals and stick to them. I also share some of my goals for 2025 to help you get inspired to create your own goal ideas. Achieving your goals often requires a combination of planning, focus, and accountability. Here are some strategies to help you stay on track:

• Set Attainable Goals: Break your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps that feel achievable. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” set a goal like, “I will walk for 20 minutes every day.” As an artist, this might look like completing one sketch or small painting per week instead of aiming to finish an entire series all at once.
• Create a Checklist: Write down the steps you need to take and check them off as you complete them. For example, list out tasks like “research techniques,” “buy materials,” and “block out creative time.”
• Reward Yourself: Celebrate small wins to stay motivated. Treat yourself to something enjoyable after completing a milestone, such as indulging in a favorite snack or taking a relaxing break.

In previous years I never really planned out my goals for the new year. Over the past two years, life has brought on so many changes, challenges, and opportunities that I started to think about setting goals and implementing ways to actually achieve them. You may wish to implement some of the same goals I did or you may have completely different goals. Whichever the case may be, if you implement these strategies, it may help you to achieve your goals in the new year.

Be Present in the Moment

Practical ways to be present include setting daily “unplugged” hours, practicing mindfulness exercises, or simply taking a few deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. For example, I’ve started limiting distractions like excessive phone use during meals and family time, which allows me to truly connect with my loved ones.

Do Something Creative Every Day

• Develop your unique style over time.
• Experiment fully with mediums or techniques.
• Improve your work ethic by giving your brain a productive break.

If you’re not someone who considers themselves “creative,” engaging in creative activities can still be rewarding. Try journaling about your day, rearranging your living space, gardening, or experimenting with new recipes. Creativity can also be therapeutic, helping to reduce stress and improve focus. For example, adult coloring books or simple DIY projects like making cards or decorating your workspace can be great starting points. You don’t have to be an artist to benefit from the joy of creating something new.

Prioritize Health and Self-Care

Building a routine around healthy habits can make a big difference. Some healthy habits I am focusing on this year include:

• Healthy Eating: Plan meals that fuel your body. Prepping snacks like fresh fruits, nuts, or homemade trail mix can make healthy choices more accessible. We also do meal kits through Hello Fresh every week which takes the planning down to a minimum and helps us to make healthier choices.
• Movement and Exercise: Even small actions, like walking the dog or taking the stairs, can add up. I’ve started incorporating quick exercises into my day, like stretching or doing a few push-ups during work breaks.
• Self Care & taking Me-time: As a parent, it’s essential to have time for yourself. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby or simply unwinding in a cozy space, these moments matter. For instance, I’ve set aside 15 minutes every morning for journaling, which helps me start the day with a clear mind.

Go for It and Keep Going

If fear is holding you back from starting something new, take the leap. Whether it’s starting a blog, a business, or a new hobby, don’t wait for the “perfect” time. I recently started a blog after hesitating for too long. My first step was researching blogging basics and attending a free webinar. Once I started, I realized the hardest part was just taking the first step.

Momentum builds progress, so keep going once you start. Even small actions can lead to big results over time. For instance, if you’re learning to paint, commit to practicing for just 10 minutes a day—you’ll be amazed at the progress you can make over a few months.

Don’t let fear of imperfection hold you back. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. It’s better to start small and improve gradually than to never begin at all. Celebrate your progress, no matter how incremental.

Adopt an Optimist Mindset

For most of my life, I leaned toward pessimism, expecting the worst in every situation. But I’ve realized that joy comes from choosing to see the good. A recent video by Mandelbro on optimism inspired me to view life differently. While the world isn’t perfect, we can choose to focus on the positives.

To adopt this mindset, consider keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three positive things each day. This practice has helped me recognize and appreciate the small blessings in life, like a kind word from a friend or a moment of laughter with my kids.

Another tip is to reframe challenges as opportunities. For example, if I face a setback, I ask myself, “What can I learn from this?” This shift in perspective helps me stay motivated and resilient.

Make Sustainable Choices

Sustainability means that you are doing what you can to reduce waste, reuse, and recycle. Being more sustainable is a journey, it’s okay to slip up occasionally but try to keep on track the best you can. Convenience can make eco-friendly choices challenging. Remembering that small changes can add up can help you to keep with it. Here are some small ways that you can make a difference:

• Bring reusable bags to the store.
• Choose items with minimal packaging.
• Carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup.
• Reuse and repurpose items to reduce waste.

Other sustainable practices for artists could include:

• Using less water and letting paint water evaporate before disposing of the dried paint residue.
• Switching to natural, chemical-free paints like those from Natural Earth Paint or even making your own paints from natural pigments found in dirt or rocks.
• Reusing materials like cardboard, fabric scraps, or junk mail in creative projects.

Incorporating these ideas into your own goals

No matter what your goals are, it’s important to choose attainable steps that set you up for success. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your progress along the way. If you haven’t started yet, take that first step—no matter how small it may be. By breaking your goals into manageable actions, you can build momentum and make meaningful progress. Whether your focus is on health, creativity, sustainability, or something else entirely, these strategies can help you stay accountable and achieve what matters most to you.

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