By Dr. Mayowa Onayo

Now that we’re in the second month of the year, the excitement of seeing a new year might have faded. But you should never let the routine of everyday life prevent you from pursuing growth. After all, meaningful change doesn’t come from rushing into resolutions; it comes from regularly reflecting on your journey and making intentional decisions each day about where you want to go next.

That’s why I wrote this article—to help you reflect on last year’s wins and challenges, and make clear concrete plans for progress this year.

How Do You Begin?

First, you need to identify all areas of your life and critically evaluate each one. Did you improve, decline, or stay the same? Secondly, assess which category or categories will be a priority this year. This is important because something that was important to you in 2024 might not be as important now. Life changes, and so do the things you need to focus on.

Here’s how to review and set goals for 5 of the most important aspects of your life:

1. Spiritual Growth:

As a child of God, you should prioritize spiritual growth. To grow spiritually and remain spiritually healthy, you must devote regular time to studying the Bible, praying, fasting, and fellowshipping with other believers in the local church. But how do you know what spiritual goals to set? Answering the following questions would help:

• How was my relationship with God in 2024?  

• Was I consistent in daily Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship?  

• Was I consistent in sharing the gospel with others (evangelism)?  

• What changes will I make in 2025 to engage in all the aforementioned spiritual disciplines regularly?

2. Academic Standing:

If you’re a student reading this, you might be aiming for straight A’s and perfect scores—I was once in that position too, so I get it. However, it’s important to understand that education is about more than just grades. It’s about gaining knowledge and seeking opportunities for practical experience. 

To reflect on what went well in 2024 and figure out what you need to do differently this year to improve your academic standing, ask yourself these questions:   

• Did I improve my skills and expand my knowledge in 2024?  

• What can I do differently to get better grades this year? Do I need a new study buddy? Or should I schedule library study sessions 3 times a week to avoid distractions?  

• How can I secure a paid/unpaid internship this summer that’s relevant to my field of study?

Even if you’re no longer in school, lifelong learning is essential for personal growth. This doesn’t always mean formal education; it can also involve taking online courses, acquiring relevant professional certifications or reading more relevant books to expand your knowledge.

3. Health and Fitness:

Health and fitness naturally come to mind during any period of reflection. Last year, I began with the intention of getting fit, but along the way, I became inconsistent and wasn’t able to achieve my goal. 

At first, I felt like I had failed. But when I took a moment to think about it, I realized how important rest and recovery are. Now, instead of pushing myself too hard with a tough workout plan, I’m focusing on making small, consistent changes that will gradually improve my health and fitness.

So to review your health and fitness in 2024 and set goals for 2025, answer these questions: 

• What health goals did I set last year?
• What enabled or hindered me from achieving those goals last year?
• What specific health and fitness goals do I want to achieve in 2025, and what actions will I take to reach them?

4. Personal development:

Personal development is the process of improving yourself in different areas to become a more well-rounded, skilled, and confident person.  It goes beyond having perfect grades and includes growth in areas like emotional intelligence, self-discipline, leadership, time management, and communication. 

Answer the following questions to help you set the right personal development goals for the year: 

• What new skills or habits do I want to develop this year to become a better student and person?
• How can I improve my time management to balance school, work, and personal life more effectively?
• In what areas of my life do I need more self-discipline or emotional control?
• What steps can I take to improve my communication skills with classmates, professors, and brothers and sisters in Christ?

5. Finances:

God provides for our needs and gives us the ability to earn. However, He also expects us to be wise with our finances. A close friend of mine took budgeting seriously in 2024. Even though her income didn’t increase, sticking to a consistent savings plan made a big difference in her financial stability.

Answer the following questions to help you set the right financial goals this year:

• Did I stick to a budget or plan for saving money in 2024? If not, what kept me from following through?  
• How much did I save compared to what I planned or hoped for last year?  
• What spending habits do I need to change or improve to reach my financial goals this year?  
• What new income opportunities (like part-time jobs, freelancing, or internships) can I explore to help me meet my financial goals?

I know this might feel like a lot, but if you’ve never set goals this way before, it’s probably just because you haven’t looked at them from this angle.  

Why not give it a shot? You might be surprised at the results you get this year. And if you want some extra motivation, share this post with a friend and work on your goals together. This way, you can keep each other accountable and lift each other when things get tough.  

Most importantly, remember this: setbacks will happen, but the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Keep going!