Setting Overall Wellness Goals
As the year winds down, many of us reflect on what has passed and dream about what’s to come. December is the perfect time to start preparing your goals for the next year, ensuring that your intentions align with your core values and set you up for overall wellness. As someone who begins planning the next year’s goals in November and revisits them in May to prepare for the second half of the year, I know the power of being intentional about aligning goals with who we truly are. The more intentional I am about my goals, the more I’ve seen my life change for the better.
Let’s dive into how you can organize your 2025 goals across six key areas of wellness—spiritual, mental and emotional, physical, financial, relational, and occupational health. But before we get into the specifics, we need to talk about core values because any goal you set must align with your values to have lasting impact.
What Are Core Values, and Why Do They Matter?
Core values are the deeply held principles that guide your decisions, behavior, and priorities. They reflect what truly matters to you, whether it’s integrity, family, compassion, creativity, or growth. When your goals align with your core values, they feel purposeful and authentic and you will be more likely to achieve them. But when your goals contradict your core values, they can leave you feeling unfulfilled, unaligned, or disconnected, no matter how much “success” you achieve. In all actuality, you will never achieve real success until your goals are aligned with your core values.
Before setting goals, ask yourself, “Do I know my core values?” If the answer is no—or even a hesitant yes—it’s worth taking time to identify them. It’s okay if the answer is no or you are unsure, you are here reading this because you are ready to explore your core values and take your goals to the next level. Understanding your core values will ensure your goals resonate with your identity and inspire sustainable growth.
Your core values may evolve over time as you grow and gain new life experiences. The more you learn about yourself and the world, the more your perspective shifts. What you valued deeply a decade ago may no longer hold the same significance today, and that's okay. Growth and self-discovery naturally refine what matters most to you, allowing your core values to adapt to your current season of life.
Top 20 Core Values
Just to get us started, I have listed what I believe are the top 20 most common core values to inspire your reflection. There are many many core values so feel free to explore even greater.
Integrity
Faith
Honor
Family
Compassion
Honesty
Courage
Respect
Responsibility
Generosity
Health
Loyalty
Growth
Authenticity
Connection
Leadership
Kindness
Excellence
Peace
Gratitude
Take time to identify the values that resonate most with you. Write them down, narrow them to your top five, and use them as a filter for setting your 2025 goals.
Setting Goals for Overall Wellness
When setting goals, focusing on six key areas of wellness can help you create a balanced and fulfilling life. These areas provide a solid foundation for holistic growth and well-being. Based on my experience, here’s an effective approach to organizing your 2025 goals in each of these essential categories:
1. Spiritual Health
Disclaimer - I am a believer in Christ so this section will be based on that. If you are not a believer in Jesus you want to find what works for you!
For me, spiritual health is the wellness of my spirit, connecting to God through faith, prayer, meditation, and reading my bible.
Ideas for spiritual goals:
To start, dedicate 10 minutes daily to meditation or prayer (over time you want to increase this practice).
Read consistently, read your bible.
Read biblically sound books.
Attend church consistently
Volunteer at your church and or do some community outreach.
Attend a retreat to strengthen your faith.
Complete yearly, quarterly or monthly fast.
2. Mental & Emotional Health
Your mental and emotional health determines how you handle stress, process emotions, and maintain a positive outlook.
Ideas for mental and emotional health goals:
Start therapy and/or join a support group.
Practice journaling to process emotions and track progress.
Read daily.
Commit to reading one book per month that inspires or uplifts you.
Reduce screen time to improve mental clarity.
Regularly schedule a day for the 3 Rs… Relax, Rejuvenate and Release.
3. Physical Health
Taking care of your body is essential for energy, focus, and long-term wellness.
Ideas for physical health goals:
Exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week.
Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.
Commit to a balanced diet with fewer processed foods.
Schedule routine medical check-ups.
4. Financial Health
Financial health involves managing your resources to reduce stress, build security and build wealth.
Ideas for financial health goals:
Create a monthly budget and stick to it.
Apply the 70/30 rule to your life.
Live on 70% of your income, save 20%, and return 10% tithes
Use the snowball method to pay your debt down.
Start or grow an emergency fund.
Create multiple income streams.
5. Relational Health
Healthy relationships are vital for emotional support and personal growth.
Ideas for relational health goals:
Schedule a monthly date night and family night.
Set aside time weekly to call or visit loved ones.
Practice active listening in your conversations.
Resolve conflicts by seeking understanding over being right.
Self-reflect on your current relationship ensuring that you have defined, discerned, aligned, assessed, and properly activated them.
I highly recommend a book called Relational Intelligence by Dr. Dharius Daniels.
6. Occupational Health
Occupational health focuses on finding purpose and satisfaction in your work.
Ideas for occupational health goals:
Learn a new skill relevant to your field.
Get a certification or degree in your field of choice
Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
Seek mentorship and/or provide mentorship to others.
Aim for a specific promotion or career milestone.
Review Your Goals
Once you’ve set your goals, it’s crucial to revisit them regularly. This is where my practice of a May review comes in handy. By midyear, you’ll have a clear sense of what’s working, what’s not, and where you may need to adjust.
Reflect on progress: Celebrate wins, identify roadblocks, and note lessons learned.
Realign with your core values: Are your goals still aligned, or do they need tweaking?
Adjust for the second half of the year: Shift your focus to areas that need more attention.
A May review helps ensure that your goals remain relevant and allows you to recalibrate for the rest of the year.
Practical Tips for Goal-Setting
Write It Down
Studies show that writing down your goals increases your chances of achieving them. Use a journal, planner, or digital tool to track your progress.
Make Goals SMART
Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “Get healthier,” set a SMART goal like, “Exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week.”
Break Them Into Steps
Large goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, actionable steps to make progress manageable.
Create Accountability
Share your goals with a trusted friend, family member, or coach. Regular check-ins can keep you motivated and on track.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge your progress along the way. Celebrating small wins builds momentum and keeps you motivated.
Questions for Reflection
Do your goals align with your core values?
Are your goals realistic yet challenging enough to inspire growth?
What potential obstacles might arise, and how will you address them?
How will achieving these goals improve your overall wellness?
Looking Ahead to 2025
Organizing your 2025 goals is about more than writing a list—it’s about creating a roadmap that reflects your deepest values and aspirations. By focusing on spiritual, mental and emotional, physical, financial, relational, and occupational health, you can cultivate a year that feels aligned, intentional, and fulfilling.
Remember to begin with your core values, revisit your goals in May, make needed adjustments, and celebrate every step along the way. Here’s to a year of growth, wellness, and success!
What goals are you setting for 2025? Share them in the comments, and let’s inspire each other to make the coming year our best yet!
Here are some great resources to help you reach your goals.
Relational Intelligence by Dr. Dharius Daniels.
(This post contains affiliate links to Amazon that I make a small commission from with no extra costs added to you.)
Until Next Time,
TakillaRene
Xtreme Audacity
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