Every year, my husband and I would set aside time to reflect on how the year went compared to how we wanted it to go. Normally, we’re focused on looking ahead—rarely looking backwards. That’s a great way to live, but I’ve learned that pausing to reflect on what went right and what didn’t is one of the most powerful ways to set up the next year for success.

Most people dive into New Year’s resolutions, but here’s the truth: about 80% of resolutions are broken by February. Just look at all the exercise equipment that ends up on Marketplace in February and March! Over time, I’ve found there are more wins than losses when you focus on goals rather than resolutions. Goals are harder to break, and besides, focusing on the positive rather than breaking a negative is so much better for the soul.

When our boys were younger, my husband and I would head to a playground and let them burn off some energy while we sat on a bench with an Excel spreadsheet, jotting down our reflections and ideas for the year ahead. If the weather didn’t cooperate, we’d use a free McDonald’s play area to get it done. Those moments weren’t fancy, but they were intentional—and they made all the difference.

Here’s how you can make this reflection time meaningful for your family and set real goals that stick.

Step 1: Reflect as the Leaders of Your Household

Reflection doesn’t have to be a full family event—especially if your kids are younger or if schedules make it tricky to gather everyone. Start by taking a moment with your spouse or co-parent to reflect as the executives of your household. You’re the ones leading the family, and this is your time to take stock of what’s working, what’s not, and how you want to steer things moving forward.

If your kids are older, it’s a great idea to include them in this process later. They can share their perspectives and ideas during a separate family conversation. But as parents, taking this initial moment to connect and align your vision is the foundation for setting your family’s goals for the year ahead.

Pro Tip: Create a comfortable, focused space for your reflection time. Whether it’s over coffee, after the kids are in bed, or during a quiet weekend morning, the key is carving out time to think and talk without distractions.

Step 2: Use a Simple Framework

When reflecting, I like to keep it simple. Guide your conversation with four key questions:

1. What were our wins?
   Celebrate what went well, from major family milestones to little moments of joy.
2. What brought us joy?
   Reflect on activities, traditions, or unexpected moments that created lasting memories.
3. What did we overcome?
   Take time to acknowledge the challenges your family faced and how you grew through them. Overcoming obstacles builds strength, resilience, and connection.
4. What did we learn?
   Discuss lessons from the year that shaped your family. This step helps everyone find value in both the wins and the struggles.

Pro Tip: Write these reflections down. Whether it’s a journal, a spreadsheet, or even sticky notes on the fridge, having something to look back on next year is incredibly rewarding.

Step 3: Look Ahead with Hope, Prioritize, and Write It Down

Once you’ve celebrated this year, it’s time to focus on the future. Start dreaming and planning for what’s ahead by asking:

• What are we excited about in 2025?
• What goals do we want to set as a family?
• How can we better support one another next year?

As you create your list of goals, take a moment to prioritize. What are the non-negotiables for the year? These are the must-dos or most important areas where you want to focus your energy. You could color-code the list, use stars, or find your own creative way to mark these priorities. Having an overall list of what you want to accomplish, along with clearly defined priorities, will help guide your family and ensure your focus stays on what matters most.

Now, here’s the fun part—there is something magical about writing down your goals. 99% of the time, we’d lose our list or forget to keep track of it, but when we’d find it again, there was always progress on the list. Writing it down matters because it makes it real. But even more powerful than the list itself is the family’s intention and agreement about what will be. That shared commitment is what creates real momentum and results.

Pro Tip: Goals don’t need to be overwhelming. Focus on positive steps forward. For example, instead of “no screens at dinner,” try “more family dinners where we talk about our day.” It’s easier to stick to something that adds joy than something that feels restrictive.

Why Goals Work Better Than Resolutions

Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about creating a roadmap for what’s next. By celebrating your family’s wins, acknowledging what you overcame, and learning from the challenges, you’ll set the stage for a purposeful and connected year ahead.

Want to make your 2025 planning even easier? Download our Family Goals 2025 Guide and join us for our upcoming webinar. Together, we’ll create a clear, positive vision for your family in the new year!