Guilt free motivation - setting epic goals for 2025
A practical, guilt-free way to use this natural window for goal setting and set yourself up for an epic 2025.
I’m on holidays—hopefully, you are too! But I couldn’t resist interrupting the break to bring you some guilt-free motivation for the new year. Let’s face it, the New Year often comes with the pressure to reflect on the year gone by, inspired (or maybe daunted) by those beautifully curated Instagram posts. If you’re not one of those people, you’re in good company (I’m not either - just authentic me).
Instead of adding to the noise, I want to make this refreshingly simple—no fluff, no woowoo. Just a practical, guilt-free way to use this natural window for goal setting and set yourself up for an epic 2025.
Here’s a snippet from my upcoming book, Prime Time, about the importance of goal setting in the second half of life:
“Scientifically, a goal is recognised as a desired outcome that wouldn’t happen without some form of intervention. IThat is, it’s a detour from the path of least resistance in our lives. That makes them pretty important if we’re trying to be active about what happens in our lives. But when you really dig down, goals are even more important than that.
When we set a goal, we’re really saying to ourselves that we want to put the effort in to achieve something that hasn’t happened yet and isn’t likely to happen on its own.”
So as you ease into 2025, think about what outcomes you want to nudge into existence. Keep it practical, make it meaningful, and let’s make this year one to remember.
Reflecting and setting some epic goals
As 2024 winds down, take a moment to look back—whether it’s been a year of exciting wins or a time of learning and growth.
2025 is your opportunity to build on what worked, pivot from what didn’t, and focus on creating a year that’s bigger, better, and perfectly aligned with the life you want.
The key? Be your own driver. No one else is steering the wheel of your life—this is your journey, your choices, and your opportunity to shape the year you truly want. Own what comes next and make it nothing short of epic.
How can you make that happen?
Start by asking yourself: Where do I want to be this time next year? Picture it. Imagine the life, the lifestyle, and the warmth that surrounds you. Get clear on that vision—whether it’s metaphorical or literal—and then work backwards. Be realistic and optimistic at the same time.
What choices will you need to make differently to bring that vision to life?
Maybe it’s setting the wheels in motion for retirement.
Maybe it’s leaning into your Prime Time and continuing to work on projects you’re passionate about.
Maybe it’s choosing to spend time with loved ones to build stronger bonds.
Or maybe it’s getting your financial gears in order, shifting your investments, and ending 2025 feeling more secure and in control.
They’re your goals, and if you don’t set them, you can’t aim for them. So take the time to dream big, map it out, and make those goals as epic as you are. Here’s to a brilliant new year ahead—let’s make it count.
Here’s a simple little six question quiz to get you thinking about the year ahead.
I’ve built you a simple quiz to help with your goal setting. Take a moment to reflect and answer these questions honestly—there’s no right or wrong answers, just a chance to get clear on what matters to you in 2025. It’s just 7 questions — designed to get you thinking about what’s important to you.
I wish you a truly happy New Year—here’s to making 2025 nothing short of epic together! Got a goal you want to share? Tell me in the comments here…
Many thanks! Bec Wilson
Author, podcast host, columnist, retirement educator, and guest speaker
And a note - this is the international edition of the Epic Retirement Newsletter. For our Australian edition, please visit here.