As 2025 has arrived, so have the usual New Year’s resolutions. However, traditional resolutions are not the best option for accomplishing goals this year. Most of the time, resolutions are too vague and lack strategies for following through.  

To achieve goals, you need to set them first. A good way to set or think of goals is to create a vision board of what you want throughout the year. For example, if someone wanted to travel more in the new year, they would put pictures of airplanes, suitcases, and their preferred destinations. You could put a graduation cap on there if you want to succeed in school or graduate, gym equipment, and healthy foods if that’s one of your goals; it’s really up to you. Vision boards are great for multiple goals or even just one since there are no official rules to make one. 

Once you have a vision board made or goals thought out, there’s no way to accomplish them on their own. It’s necessary to plan how the goals will be achieved. You can’t just say you will have all A’s on a report card and make them appear. For instance, if that is one of your goals, you can make a dedicated study space to limit distractions and maximize the work you complete. You could also write down your assignments or tasks, and when they’re due on a calendar, so you’ll know how long you have to spend on each item. 

Anyone can make a vision board and plan how they will achieve their goals, but a certain amount of discipline and determination is needed. One day at the gym will never make a big enough difference; the person has to stick to their plan for longer than a week. Physical results will be noticeable within eight to twelve weeks (about three months). One day of studying won’t make a difference in your grades; you have to just stick with it. 

To help obtain discipline and stay motivated, put the vision board or subtle reminders of the gym or school in your room, phone, kitchen, etc. If you want to achieve specific goals but might forget them a week or two into the year, it’s best to have reminders like that to keep you on track. It’s also best to keep the mindset that you can achieve whatever goal. 

Throughout the year, remember to stay disciplined and on track for your goals, and you will see the results you want. It’s your life; you can do whatever you want to achieve if you stay disciplined and have a good mindset.