How to set (and stick to) goals [2 min read]

Goals are not to do lists!

Often, when we think about setting goals, we just write out a list of things we want to accomplish by a set time, but I believe that goal setting is a lot more than just a "to do" list.

It can be really hard to work out what your goals are and even harder to actually stick to them, which is why I use these three "tricks" to actually accomplish my aims every year.

1. I set a word of the year and my goals revolve around this word. I talked a lot about my word of the year for 2025 (which is "peace") in this episode of the Kate Languages podcast, and for me this is a great way of choosing a goal that I can stick to. A huge number of my decisions throughout the year will be made with the word in mind. When I think about how I'm spending my working day, my free time, what I spend my money on, etc, I do it through the lens of my word of the year. Does this work/activity/new purchase bring peace into my life? If not, chances are I won't do it!

2. Atomic habits. If you haven't read the book by James Clear, drop everything and get your hands on it now! It's one of those books that is a total game changer for habit forming. Start small, tack habits onto other things that you do every day, and build from there. A great example for me is going for a walk in the mornings. My word of the year last year was "strength" and I felt that going for regular walks was a way of achieving more physical strength. On my way home from dropping my son off at school, I pass a beautiful nature reserve which has some great footpaths. I decided to stop there on the way home once a week and do at least a 5 minute walk. The walks have now grown to 15-30 minutes and I go at least 2-3 times a week.

3. Celebrate and reward small wins along the way. I'm a big believer in treating yourself when you achieve something! Ideally, motivation should always be intrinsic (meaning we do things because we want to, not for an external reward), but sometimes we need a bit of an incentive to get us going! A couple of years ago, I was struggling to finish my KS3 workbook series, so I told myself I'd buy a fancy Diptyque candle when I completed the last one! It's such a good candle that I still have it, and it reminds me of my achievement whenever I light it. Candles might not do it for you, so how about a massage, solo trip to the cinema, or perhaps a cute new notebook?

Do you use any of these to help you set and stick to your goals? If not, which one could you implement today?