Creating a Year of Intentional Progress

As 2024 closes, we’re inundated with the newest planners, questions about resolutions, and, potentially, dreams of how the new year will bring the best versions of ourselves.

Let’s approach this differently this year. Instead of simply listing resolutions that fade by February, let's commit to a more thoughtful and intentional process—one that embraces clarity, reflection, and actionable systems to ensure progress.

Reflect

Every January, I sit down with my goals from the previous year to review and add commentary. It feels like I’m an editor of my own story. Some goals were met with success, others fell short, and a few were deliberately left behind. And that’s okay.

Sometimes, there are goals I didn’t achieve and consciously chose not to pursue. Maybe they didn’t align with my evolving priorities or circumstances. I note why these no longer fit. This practice allows me to honor my growth and avoid unnecessary guilt.

Sometimes, there are goals I didn’t achieve but still deeply want to. The ones that deserve a second chance. For those, I dive deep: What got in the way? What competing priorities took center stage? What behaviors or systems do I need to change to make these a reality in the coming year?

And then, of course, I celebrate. The goals I did achieve—big or small—deserve acknowledgment. I take time to reflect on how those wins made me feel, the impact they had on my life, and the steps that made them possible.

Spend time celebrating wins, acknowledging what you accomplished, and reflecting on why some goals weren’t completed this year.

Here’s a quick checklist to guide your reflection:

• What did you accomplish?
• How did you engage or support your mentee or peers?
• How did you intentionally network or foster professional connections?
• How did you support or enhance the experience for your club members?
• What initiatives or programs did you implement to improve the club?
• What steps did you take to learn or develop professionally?
• Which accomplishment are you most proud of?
• What was the best thing that happened this year?
• What have you learned?
• What brought you joy?

Reflection sets the stage for clarity, and clarity leads to direction.

Clarity Leads to Direction

To set goals, you need clarity—both personally and professionally. These two aspects of life are deeply intertwined, and achieving balance requires intentionality across the board. Without clarity, broad, existential questions like “What should I do with my life?” or “Is there meaning to what I do?” can leave you feeling stuck.

Instead of getting bogged down by the enormity of those questions, let’s shift to something more actionable and playful. Grab some post-its or a notebook—keep this as tactile as possible to encourage creativity and focus. Start brainstorming with these prompts:

• What experiences would you like to have more of this year?
• What goals are significant to you?
• What would it look like if this year went perfectly?
• What five words describe you best?
• What were your biggest obstacles, and how can you overcome them?
• What are your main points for self-care and self-growth?
• How do you want to feel?
• Identify a theme and vision for the year.
• What does life look like in 3-5 years – personally, professionally, and socially?

Answering these questions helps you uncover what truly matters to you. It’s not about setting goals for the sake of it—it’s about aligning your ambitions with your values and vision for the future.

Organize and Prioritize

Once you’ve brainstormed, it’s time to organize your thoughts and prioritize. Begin by categorizing your ideas into buckets: career, personal growth, relationships, health, finances, and so on. Within each category, identify one or two key goals that resonate the most. These should be goals that feel both meaningful and achievable.

To refine your goals, explore different goal-setting methods. Here are a few to consider:

• SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
• PACT goals: Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, Trackable.
• FAST goals: Frequently discussed, Ambitious, Specific, Transparent.
• Habit-based goals: Focus on the routines and behaviors that lead to success.
• Outcome goals: Things you want to achieve, such as losing five kilograms in a month.
• Performance goals: Focused on what you need to do to accomplish your outcome goals, such as running daily for twenty minutes.
• Process goals: Concentrate on how you do something rather than what you do.

Each goal may follow a different method, that’s ok!

Tie each goal back to your theme or vision for the year. For example, if your theme is "Growth," you might set a performance goal like: "Practice public speaking monthly to enhance communication skills," or you might set a club-specific goal like: "Host one innovative member event each quarter to increase engagement and satisfaction."

Identify your three “wildly important goals” (WIGs)—the ones that will have the most significant impact on your year. These goals should:

1. Align with your values and vision.
2. Challenge you to grow.
3. Be broken down into actionable steps.

For each WIG, establish habits and quick wins to build momentum. For example:

WIG: Improve fitness by running a 10K race.

• Habit: Run three times per week.
• Quick Win: Sign up for the race and complete a 2K run this week.

Systems for Success

Goals determine your direction, but systems are the engine that propels you forward. For every goal you set, think about the systems or habits you need to establish to achieve it.

If you’re a club manager, your goal might be to improve member retention by 15%. Your system is implementing weekly member engagement strategies and monthly feedback reviews.

If you’re a chef, your goal might be to redesign the club's menu. Your system is dedicating time each week to test new recipes and gather member input.

If you’re focused on being healthy, your goal might be to improve your health metrics. Your system is committing to 30 minutes of daily exercise, tracking your meals and water intake, and scheduling regular health check-ins.

If you’re an entrepreneur, your goal might be to build a thriving business. Your system is the sales and marketing process you refine daily.

Regular check-ins are an essential part of your system. They keep you accountable and ensure your goals remain relevant. Here’s how to structure your systems and check-ins:

• Intentional Habits: Build small, consistent actions into your daily routine that directly support your goals.
• Weekly Check-Ins: Review your progress, adjust your schedule, and set intentions for the week ahead. For example, as a club manager, you might review weekly member satisfaction reports and refine your approach based on trends.
• Monthly Reflections: Reflect on the bigger picture. Are you on track? What adjustments do you need to make? Celebrate milestones. For example, assess progress on long-term goals such as staff training or club renovations, and celebrate key achievements with your team.
• Quarterly Reviews: Dive deeper. Assess whether your goals still align with your theme and vision. Reassess priorities and update your plan if needed. Use this opportunity to evaluate whether your systems are effective and make necessary adjustments.
• Accountability Partners: Share your goals with someone who can keep you accountable, such as a mentor, colleague, or coach. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your progress and challenges. For example, as a general manager, you might align with a board member or a trusted team leader to review club initiatives.
• Celebrating Accomplishments: Recognize and reward your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrate milestones by treating yourself or acknowledging your team’s contributions.

Being specific with systems ensures your goals remain actionable and achievable. Combine your systems with a framework for regular evaluation and accountability to stay on track throughout the year. Remember, the goal points the way, but the system gets you there.

As you prepare for 2025, remember that goal setting is about more than achieving milestones. It’s about intentional living—creating a life that reflects your values, aspirations, and the person you want to become. By reflecting on the past, gaining clarity, brainstorming freely, and implementing supportive systems, you set yourself up for a year of growth and fulfillment.

This year, let’s approach goal setting as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Adjust as needed, celebrate your wins, and don’t be afraid to reimagine your path. After all, the best goals aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress.

Michelle Cocita , is director of organizational strategy at Strategic Club Solutions .