How I Plan My Year: A Step-by-Step Guide to Owning 2025
Every year, people slide into my DMs asking, “How do you plan your WHOLE year? How do you make it all work?” And honestly, it’s one part espresso, one part strategy, and a whole lot of sticky notes consistency.
Planning my year is how I build the framework for the life I want—it’s a salad of ambitions, reflections, and stubborness.
If you’re ready to create your most intentional year yet, here’s how I do it.
(Bear in mind this is one long ass post, but it’s worth it babe.)
Why Do I Even Bother With Goals?
Let me set the scene for ya.
Imagine waking up in a crisp December, scrolling through your highlights reel (your photos, journals, or even your brain memories), and realizing this was the year I lived my dreams.
That’s what goals are for—not just to check some damn boxes on a list, but to create a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and just fucking magical.
Here’s why goals are non-negotiable for this plan:
They keep you focused.
Without a target, how do you know where to aim?
They measure your glow-up.
Milestones let you track how far you’ve come.
They fuel your fire.
Nothing beats the rush of saying, “Dang, I really did that.”
They prioritize what matters.
Life gets busy—your goals remind you to choose you.
Step 1: Dream Big, Then Break It Down
Okay, first things first: we’re dreaming big here.
Grab your journal, a cozy blanket, and maybe definitely a hot drink, and imagine what “success” looks like for you at the end of 2025.
Be specific. What does your personal life look like? How are your relationships? What are you proud of in your career? How’s your health? How’s that gawk gawk game?
For me, I imagined:
A strong bond with my son and partner.
500K followers on Instagram and TikTok, creating a space where my community thrive and social media income has replaced my 9-5
Finishing my novel (Talisman and the Cave of Dragons) and pitching it to publishers.
Feeling strong enough to do 10 pull-ups and run 2 miles without stopping.
Now that you’ve visualized your dream year, break it into clear goals. Use the SMART framework. I learned this shit in 9th gradde and have been using it ever since lol.
SMART:
Specific: What exactly do you want?
Measurable: How will you track it?
Achievable: Be ambitious, but keep it realistic.
Relevant: Does it align with your vision?
Time-bound: Set a deadline.
Step 2: Find Your 4 Pillars—Your Foundation for the Year
You gotta start identifying the areas of life that matter most to you. This is the foundation you’ll build everything else on.
These pillars will guide your goals, keep you focused, and help you create a year that feels purposeful and balanced.
Here’s how to discover your unique pillars and make them work for you:
Hol Up Bihhhh— What are Pillars?
Pillars are the broad categories that represent your core priorities. These are the areas you’ll focus on improving or maintaining throughout the year. They seriously should reflect your values, the vision you have for your life, and the things that light you up or bring you peace. Not ya momma, not ya man, YOU.
How to Choose Your 4 Pillars
Start With Reflection:
Ask yourself:
What do I want more of in my life this year?
What areas feel neglected and need more attention?
What makes me feel fulfilled and happy?
Your answers will help you pinpoint the categories that deserve your energy.
Look at the Big Fucking Picture:
Think about the major areas of life. Which ones resonate with you? Examples include (And this is definitely Tony Robbins inspired lol):Health and Fitness: Feeling strong, healthy, and energized.
Relationships: Strengthening bonds with loved ones or building new connections.
Career or Purpose: Growing professionally or pursuing your passions.
Finances: Creating financial stability and freedom.
Emotional Well-being: Prioritizing mental health, self-care, or joy.
Spirituality: Deepening your faith or finding meaning in life.
Personal Growth: Learning, exploring, or developing new skills.
Be Honest With Yourself:
You can’t focus on everything at once. Choose the areas that feel most important right now, even if that means saying no to other things. This doesn’t mean other areas don’t matter—it just means you’re putting your energy where it’s needed most.
Defining Your Pillars
Once you’ve identified your 4 pillars, take it a step further by defining what each one means to you.
Here’s an example (using mine <3) of how to flesh them out:
1. Health and Fitness
Why it’s a pillar: “I want to feel strong and capable, and I know my energy levels affect every other part of my life.”
Goals for this pillar:
Start a workout routine I enjoy.
Order Cook more meals at home to improve my nutrition.
Prioritize sleep and recovery.
2. Emotional Well-Being
Why it’s a pillar: “I must feel balanced and at peace to handle life’s shit and stay focused.”
Goals for this pillar:
Start journaling or meditating daily.
Set boundaries to protect my time and energy.
Incorporate more joy and fun into my routine.
3. Career and Purpose
Why it’s a pillar: “I want to grow professionally and work toward my long-term goals.”
Goals for this pillar:
Take on new challenges or learn a new skill.
Set specific career milestones for social media.
Work on a passion project that excites me.
4. Relationships
Why it’s a pillar: “The people in my life bring me so so much joy, love, and support, so I want to nurture those connections.”
Goals for this pillar:
Spend more quality time with loved ones.
Practice better communication and active listening.
Make new friends or deepen existing relationships.
Tips for Choosing Your Pillars
Limit It to Four:
Focusing on too many areas can spread you too thin. Stick to four so you can give each pillar the attention it deserves. You been shit all this time, don’t try and be a superhero now.Let It Feel Right:
Don’t overthink it. If something feels important to you, that’s reason enough to make it a pillar. Our subconcious is POWERFUL, listen to your gut boo.Be Flexible:
Your pillars can evolve. If halfway through the year you realize one needs to change, that’s okay. Life is about growth. You’re not a tree, if something doesn’t make you happy, you can move.Use Them as a Guide:
Once you’ve picked your pillars, use them to filter decisions and set goals. Ask yourself: “Does this align with one of my pillars?” If it doesn’t, it might not be worth your time.
Your Turn
Take some time to reflect and write down the four areas that matter most to you this year. Once you’ve got them, you’re ready to start building your goals and habits around them. With your pillars in place, everything else will feel so much clearer—and you’ll be one step closer to owning 2025.
Bookmark this page and come back later when you have it down babe!
Step 3: Flesh Out the Year
This is where your vision for the year becomes actionable. Cuz we are DOERS baby!
By breaking your year into manageable chunks—quarters, months, and weeks—you create a clear GPS system for achievement.
1. Break the Year Into Quarters (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4)
Think of each quarter as a chapter in your year-long story. Assign a specific theme or focus for each quarter that supports your overall vision. Themes help you concentrate on one major priority at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
Examples of Quarterly Themes: (Using Mine)
Q1: Laying the Foundation
Focus on building habits, routines, and momentum.Q2: Building Momentum
Push harder, refine your systems, and expand your efforts.Q3: Expanding Your Reach
For me, this is about scaling, growing, & exploring new opportunities.Q4: Achieving and Celebrating Success
Reflect on your wins, tie up loose ends, and start setting intentions for next year.
2. Set Quarterly Goals
Now we start getting into the nitty gritty and seing just how achievable this shit is.
For each quarter, define SMART goals (remember those?) that align with your yearly vision. These goals will be stepping stones toward your annual targets.
Examples of Quarterly Goals: (Using ine, you should get that by now lol)
Q1: Laying the Foundation
Health: Run 1 mile nonstop by March.
Professional: Post 45 Instagram reels and gain 10K followers.
Personal: Plan 4 big family activities (e.g., game nights or outings).
Financial: Save $1,500 and stick to a monthly budget.
Q2: Building Momentum
Health: Progress to 5 pull-ups in a single set.
Professional: Collaborate with one major brand and grow your audience by another 20K.
Personal: Go on a weekend getaway with your partner.
Financial: Launch a side hustle or e-book and generate $1,000 in sales.
3. Create Monthly Plans
Now break down your quarterly goals even smaller into monthly tasks. These smaller, actionable steps will keep you moving steadily toward your quarterly objectives.
Example for January (Q1 - Laying the Foundation):
Health: Follow a consistent workout routine (4 times a week) and run a total of 1 mile cumulatively.
Professional: Post 15 reels, experiment with Instagram Live, and pitch to 10 brands.
Personal: Write 12,000 words of my book (Talisman and the Cave of Dragons).
Financial: Save $500 and track all expenses.
Example for February (Q1 - Laying the Foundation):
Health: Progress to running 0.5 miles nonstop and complete Level 2 of your workout routine.
Professional: Post another 15 reels, gain 10K followers, and secure 1 brand collaboration.
Personal: Add 11,000 more words to your book and plan a creative date night.
Financial: Explore affiliate marketing and generate $300 in sales.
4. Weekly Breakdown
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!!!
Take those monthly tasks and break them into bite-sized weekly action items. This is where the magic happens bihhhhh—small wins EVERY week add up to big results over the year.
Example for Week 1 (January):
Health: Do two workout sessions and run 0.25 miles cumulatively.
Professional: Post 3 reels, pitch to 3 brands, and start planning an Instagram Live session.
Personal: Write 3,000 words of your book and plan a family game night.
Financial: Create a detailed monthly budget and save $125.
Example for Week 2 (January):
Health: Add one more workout and increase running intervals to 0.5 miles.
Professional: Post 4 reels, host your Instagram Live, and pitch to 3 more brands.
Personal: Write another 3,000 words and schedule a sexy date night.
Financial: Track expenses and earnings, and save another $125.
Repeat this process for each pillar—and by the end of the year, you’ll have built something extraordinary.
Step 4: Track Progress—Stay on Top of Your Goals
Tracking your progress is the secret sauce to turning your plans into reality. Celebrating your wins, learning from setbacks, and staying flexible is crazy important.
Here’s how to make tracking your progress easy as lemon pie:
1. Use Tools to Stay Organized
The right tools will keep you on track and help you see how far you’ve come. Find what works best for you—whether it’s a planner, a journal, or a digital app.
Options for Tracking Your Progress:
Journals: Use a daily or weekly journal to write down your wins, challenges, and reflections.
Example: At the end of each week, jot down three things you’re proud of and one thing to improve.
this is the one I use, I got it from Aldi lol
Planners: Block out time for your tasks and goals, and check them off as you go.
Example: Use color-coded sections for each pillar (health, relationships, career, finances).
I actually use Google Calendar for this
Apps and Tools: Use apps like Notion, Trello, or Google Calendar to track your goals and milestones digitally.
Tip: Whatever tool you choose, make it something you’ll actually use and enjoy checking in with regularly. Don’t be dumb and buy a bunch of stuff because some vlogger girly did it, baby do what YOUUUUU need— what you can afford, and remember plain ol’ Microsoft Word or a dollar store composition notebook will work JUST FINE.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Listen here— We are recognizing ALL the little steps along the way. Celebrating these small wins keeps you motivated and reminds you that you’re moving forward, even if it’s one little ass step at a time.
Ideas for Celebrating Your Wins:
Weekly Wins: Reflect on what you accomplished each week, no matter how small.
Example: “I posted three reels, and one of them got 10 comments!”
Monthly Check-Ins: Treat yourself when you hit a monthly goal.
Example: You saved $500 this month? Grab your favorite latte (i do this every day tho that’s my problem) or buy that cute planner sticker set.
Quarterly Rewards: Celebrate bigger achievements with something special.
Example: Finished the first draft of your novel? Plan a fun day trip or splurge on a fancy dinner.
Tip: Write down your wins somewhere visible—like a journal or a sticky note on your mirror or a vision board—to remind yourself how far you’ve come.
3. Adapt as Needed
Life doesn’t always (never evers) go according to plan, and that’s okay (I guess). So yeah, tracking what we did is important, but honestly not nearly as important as remembering we’re human.
How to Reassess and Tweak Your Plan:
Monthly Reviews: At the end of each month, ask yourself:
What worked?
What didn’t?
What needs to change?
Example: Maybe you planned to run 3 times a week, but it felt overwhelming. Adjust to twice a week and see if that works better boo!
Quarterly Realignments: Every three months, step back and look at the big picture. Are your goals still aligned with your priorities? Do you need to shift your focus?
Example: If a health goal isn’t progressing, consider switching up your workout routine or getting support from a trainer or friend.
Be Kind to Yourself: Progress isn’t linear, and setbacks don’t mean failure. Give yourself permission to pivot without guilt.
4. Create a Ritual for Progress Tracking
Make tracking your progress a consistent and enjoyable ritual. This could be as simple as a Sunday reflection session with a cup of tea or a monthly journaling night with your favorite playlist. Or go all out bougie, call your friends and yap all night with pizza and wine. YOU are the main character here
Sample Ritual for Tracking Progress:
Reflect: Write down what you accomplished this week or month.
Celebrate: Acknowledge your wins and thank yourself for showing up.
Adjust: Note what you’ll tweak moving forward.
Plan: Write down your priorities for the next week or month.
Tip: Turn this into a moment of epic self-care—light a candle, play music, you are changing your life.
Step 5: Align With Your Strengths—Work Smarter, Not Harder
Here’s a little bonus secret for making it this far: You already have everything you need to crush your goals.
The key? Working with your natural strengths instead of fighting against them. You know, the stuff you’re naturally good at—creativity, problem-solving, or being the person who always gets things done. When you lean into those strengths, you’re doing it in a way that feels like you.
Start By Knowing Your Strengths
Take a second to think about the things you’re an absolute MONSTER. These are the skills and qualities that people always compliment you on, the things you can do without even thinking. If you’re not sure, here are a few questions to spark some ideas:
What comes super easy to you? Maybe you’re great at organizing chaos or coming up with fresh ideas on the fly.
What do people always ask for your help with? That’s usually a clue about your hidden superpowers.
When do you feel most in your element? Pay attention to the moments when time flies, and you’re in the zone.
How I Use My Strengths to Slay My Goals
For me, creativity is my not-so-secret weapon. I literally thrive when I let my imagination run wild.
Another big strength? Strategy. I love breaking down big goals into actionable steps and finding the most efficient way to get things done. (hahaha could you tell?) It’s like solving a puzzle, and it makes me feel like I’m in control of my plans. Yes there may be some trauma lol.
Aligning Strengths to Your Goals
Here’s the yummy part: When you use your strengths intentionally, your goals stop feeling like a evil struggle and start feeling like a natural part of your life.
1. If You’re Creative
Use your imagination to make your goals exciting.
Example: Turn your fitness plan into a game with themed challenges or rewards.
Brainstorm unique solutions when things get tough.
Example: Can’t find time to work out? Get creative with “fitness breaks” during your day.
Sounds cheesy until it works, trust me.
2. If You’re a Planner or Strategist
Map out your goals step-by-step.
Example: Break a big project, like writing a book or saving money, into smaller milestones.
Anticipate obstacles and plan for them ahead of time.
Example: If weekends are your downfall for sticking to your budget, create a specific plan for handling temptations.
3. If You’re Action-Oriented
Focus on momentum. Start small and build from there.
Example: Commit to 5-minute tasks that grow over time, like writing one page of your book a day.
Don’t overthink it—just start.
Example: Want to grow your social media? Post that reel today, even if it’s not perfect.
4. If You’re Detail-Oriented
Put your hands in the dirt.
Example: Track your progress with spreadsheets or apps. Seeing the data can keep you motivated.
Use your precision to perfect your craft.
Example: Fine-tune your writing, workouts, or budget plans with your sharp eye for detail.
Firm believer that your strengths are your shortcut.
It makes everything feel a little lighter. You’re not forcing yourself into someone else’s system or fighting against your natural instincts—you’re leaning into what makes you you.
So as you tackle your goals, ask yourself: How can I use what I’m naturally good at to make this easier, more fun, and more fulfilling? When you figure that out, there’s no stopping you babyyyy!
Step 6: Your Best Year Yet
Alright, friend, we’ve laid it all out—goals, pillars, plans, strengths. Now it’s time to make it happen. I hope this guide gives you all the inspo and confidence you need to step into 2025 like the fucking powerhouse you are.
And listen, whether your goals are big, bold moves or quiet, personal wins, every single step counts. There is no goal too small.
You wanna save $50 this month? That’s a win.
You wanna start walking 10 minutes a day? That’s a win.
You wanna take one deep breath when the day feels heavy? That’s a win.
This year is about building the life you deserve, piece by piece, at your own pace. Be patient with yourself, celebrate every milestone (big or small), and don’t forget—you’re already doing amazing just by showing up today. Just by reading this.
Here’s to you making 2025 the year you love, grow, and shine like never before.
You’ve got this, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way. Let’s fucking goooooooooooooooooooo
