Ready, Set, Thrive: Preparing to Tackle Your Goals for the New Year

OMG...can you believe we’re just days away from a brand-new year? There’s something so exciting about the fresh start January 1st brings. It’s like the ultimate Monday, but without the dread—just endless possibilities and a blank slate to create whatever you want for yourself.

Now, let’s get one thing straight: we’re not here to talk about “resolutions.” (Don’t love that word—feels too rigid and fleeting, doesn’t it?) Instead, we’re going to focus on goals. Goals feel intentional, empowering, and flexible—something you can work toward all year long, not just for a few weeks in January.

I want to share some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you not only set meaningful goals but also use these last few days of the year to prepare yourself to hit the ground running when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Let’s do this!

Reflect on the Past Year

Before you dive into planning for the year ahead, take a moment to look back. What worked for you in 2024? What didn’t? Did you try something new that you loved—or maybe realized something wasn’t for you?

For me, reflecting is all about gratitude and learning. I like to grab my journal and jot down the highlights of the year—big wins, small victories, and even the lessons from the challenges I faced. This exercise helps me see how far I’ve come and gives me clarity on what I want to carry forward or change in the year ahead.

Get Specific with Your Goals

When it comes to setting goals, the more specific, the better. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” think about what that means for you. Is it committing to three workouts a week? Drinking more water? Meal prepping on Sundays?

One of my goals this year is to incorporate more outdoor activities into my fitness routine. It’s not just “I want to be outside more”—it’s “I want to schedule two outdoor workouts or activities every week, like a beach walk or a bike ride.”

Your goals can be about anything—fitness, nutrition, self-care, career, travel, relationships. The key is to make them clear and actionable so you know exactly what you’re working toward.

Break It Down

Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, manageable steps. If your goal is to run a 5K, start with shorter runs and gradually build up your distance. If you want to eat healthier, maybe your first step is swapping one processed snack for a whole food option each day.

For example, one of my personal goals this year is to stay more consistent with my stretching routine. Instead of overwhelming myself with a “daily stretching goal,” I’m starting with 10 minutes of stretching three times a week and building from there. Progress, not perfection, is the name of the game!

Create a Vision Board

I’m a big believer in the power of visualization. There’s something magical about seeing your goals and dreams laid out in front of you. Grab a corkboard or poster board, some magazines, and start cutting out images, quotes, and words that resonate with your goals.

Whether it’s pictures of healthy meals, scenic travel destinations, or motivational quotes, a vision board keeps you inspired and focused. Hang it somewhere you’ll see it every day as a reminder of what you’re working toward.

Use the Final Week to Prep

The last week of the year is the perfect time to set yourself up for success. Here’s how I like to prepare:

• Clean and Organize Your Space
  A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind. I take this week to organize my workout gear, clean my kitchen, and get my planner ready for the year ahead.

• Stock Up on Essentials
  Whether it’s groceries for healthy meal prep, a new water bottle to help with hydration, or fresh workout clothes that make you feel amazing, get everything you need in place.

• Schedule Your First Week
  One of the biggest mistakes we make is waiting until January 1st to start planning. Get your first week’s workouts, meals, and self-care activities scheduled now so there’s no guesswork when the new year starts.

Build Accountability

Accountability is huge when it comes to staying on track with your goals. Share your goals with a friend, partner, or even a workout buddy. Better yet, make it a shared experience!

For example, if your goal is to attend more fitness classes, invite a friend to join you. Knowing someone else is counting on you makes it so much easier to show up. I’ve also found that sharing my goals with my spin and fitness community creates an amazing sense of support and encouragement.

Celebrate the Small Wins

It’s so important to celebrate every step of the journey. Big or small, every win matters. Did you show up for your first workout of the year? High five! Cook your first healthy meal? Amazing! The more you acknowledge your progress, the more motivated you’ll be to keep going.

I like to reward myself with little things—maybe a new pair of leggings, a smoothie from my favorite spot, or even just taking a moment to reflect on how proud I am of myself. Find what feels good for you and celebrate along the way.

Stay Flexible

Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. That’s okay! Goals aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress. If you miss a workout or slip up on your nutrition plan, don’t sweat it. Just get back on track and keep moving forward.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to treat myself with kindness. A setback isn’t a failure—it’s just a part of the process.

Let’s Crush 2025 Together!

The start of a new year is such an exciting time, and I can’t wait to tackle my goals alongside you. Remember, it’s not about resolutions—it’s about setting meaningful goals that align with your values and your vision for the future. Use these last few days of the year to reflect, plan, and prepare, and you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when January 1st rolls around.

Here’s to an amazing 2025 filled with growth, joy, and plenty of sweaty smiles. Let’s do this!

As always, thank you so much for spending a few minutes of your time with me today! Don’t forget to check out my Class Schedule for all my upcoming locations and times — I’d love to see you in class! And if you’re curious about any of my go-to products or recommendations, head over to the My Favorites page where I answer all your most frequently asked questions about what I use and love. Until next time...

...stay happy and healthy!