CRAFTING YEAR-END GOALS & NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR REAL CHANGE

CRAFTING YEAR-END GOALS & NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR REAL CHANGE

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go. This is the perfect time to set intentional goals for the New Year. But how do you move beyond vague resolutions like “save more money” or “get healthy” and create lasting change? Two transformational books—James Clear’s Atomic Habits and Dan Martell’s Buy Back Your Time—offer actionable insights to help you design a life that aligns with your deepest values and aspirations.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN COMBINE THEIR WISDOM TO MAKE 2025 THE YEAR OF MEANINGFUL PROGRESS.

STEP 1: REFLECT ON YOUR VALUES & PRIORITIES

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” - James Clear

Start by asking yourself: What kind of person do I want to be? Your goals should reflect who you aspire to become, not just arbitrary outcomes.

For example:

• Instead of “save more money,” try “become someone who is financially secure.”

• Instead of “get healthy,” try “become someone who prioritizes their well-being.”

This identity-based approach shifts your focus to building habits that align with the person you want to be.

STEP 2: BREAK DOWN GOALS INTO SMALL, ACTIONABLE STEPS

Clear reminds us that “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” To make meaningful progress, create systems that make success inevitable.

Example

Goal: Save $10,000 in 2025.

System Below-

• Automate a $200 monthly transfer to a savings account.

• Track spending weekly to identify unnecessary expenses.

• Allocate any year-end bonus directly to savings.

STEP 3: AUDIT YOUR TIME LIKE A CEO

“If you don’t value your time, no one else will.” – Dan Martell

Martell’s framework emphasizes the importance of leveraging your time strategically. He encourages you to calculate your “Buyback Rate”—the dollar value of an hour of your time—and outsource tasks below that threshold.

Example:

• If your time is worth $50/hour, consider hiring a house cleaner or using a meal prep service. This frees up hours to focus on higher-value activities like advancing your career, spending time with family, or working toward your goals.

STEP 4: IMPLEMENT THE “TWO-MINUTE RULE”

One of the simplest ways to combat procrastination, as Clear outlines, is the “Two-Minute Rule”: any task that can be started in two minutes or less should be tackled immediately. This applies to everything from scheduling a doctor’s appointment to setting up your retirement contributions for the year.

Example:

• Want to start exercising? Begin with a two-minute action like putting on your workout clothes or doing one push-up. These small wins build momentum.

STEP 5: SCHEDULE “THINK DAYS”

Martell suggests carving out dedicated time for reflection and planning. Block off a “think day” before the year ends to:

• Review your 2024 accomplishments.

• Identify areas for growth.

• Plan your top 3 priorities for the New Year.

Example Agenda for a Think Day:

Morning: Journal about what went well this year and what could improve.

Afternoon: Brainstorm and prioritize goals for 2024.

Evening: Create a system or schedule to support these goals.

STEP 6: TRACK PROGRESS WITH HABIT STACKING

Clear recommends pairing new habits with existing ones to make them easier to adopt.

Example:

• If you want to read more, stack it with your morning coffee ritual: “After I brew my coffee, I’ll read 10 pages.”

• If you’re building a financial habit, stack it with payday: “Every payday, I’ll review my budget and transfer money to savings.”

STEP 7: MEASURE SUCCESS IN “LEAD INDICATORS”

While outcomes matter, focusing on the actions that drive them—what Clear calls “lead indicators”—keeps you motivated.

Example:

• Instead of obsessing over losing 20 pounds, track how many workouts you complete weekly.

• Instead of focusing on earning $10,000 more, track how many client calls or proposals you deliver each month.

STEP 8: CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

Both books emphasize celebrating progress. These small rewards reinforce the habit loop and keep you motivated.

Example:

• Treat yourself to a favorite meal after hitting your monthly savings goal.

• Plan a day trip as a reward for sticking to your fitness routine for a month.

DESIGN A LIFE YOU LOVE

The combination of Clear’s habit-building principles and Martell’s time-management strategies can help you create real, lasting change in 2025. As you approach the New Year, remember that transformation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about consistent, intentional action over time.

What will you do today to cast a vote for the person you want to become tomorrow?

HERE’S TO BUILDING YOUR NEST—AND YOUR BEST YEAR YET!