5 Lessons from My Most Successful Year

If You Know Me, You Know I’m a Goal Setter. Since 2010, I’ve been setting and tracking goals. After nearly 15 years of this practice, I’ve learned a lot about setting goals and building habits and processes to achieve them.

Every year, I approach goal-setting with the same excitement as a runner at the starting line. But for me, it’s not just about ticking off boxes—it’s about aligning my life toward growth and fulfillment in the areas that matter most: Faith, Fitness, Family, Friends, Career, Intellectual pursuits, Fun, and Finance.

As December rolls around, I reflect on the journey—what went well, what could’ve been better, and how much I’ve grown. The lessons have been incredibly profound this year, and I’m thrilled to share them with you in the hope they’ll inspire you to make 2025 your best year yet.

And if you’re ready to crush 2025, I’m hosting a half-day event designed for people who struggle with goal setting and winning their year. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with crystal-clear goals and a roadmap to achieve them. Check the link to register and start your year with purpose and momentum!

1. The Power of Weeks

In the past, I tracked my goals every month. The problem? Months ended on different days, and if I missed my review window, another month slipped by without reflection or course corrections.

This year, I tried something new: weekly reviews. Every Sunday evening, I’d check my goals against my monthly plan and recalibrate as needed. If I missed a week, no problem—I could catch up the following Sunday. This simple change closed the gap between review and recalibration.

The results? Phenomenal. We sold our home, moved provinces, quit my job, ran two marathons and over twenty half-marathons, earned certifications in Project Management and Maxwell Leadership, wrote around 50 blog posts, and spent more quality time with my boys and husband. The list goes on! Weekly planning created momentum, consistency, and discipline to stay on track, especially when life threw curveballs.

“What gets measured gets managed. What gets managed gets improved” — Peter Drucker.

Ask yourself: Are you breaking your goals into manageable weekly milestones?

2. The Power of Accountability

This year, our pastor announced he’d be reading through Paul’s epistles and invited the congregation to join him. I eagerly asked to be added to his Joy Group, thinking I’d just read and carry on with my life. But it turned out to be more than that. We had a platform for sharing our insights and encouraging each other. At first, I read without posting, but as I saw a few ladies posting daily, their consistency encouraged me to move from the sidelines to the front, and I started contributing, too. For the first time, I stayed consistent with my Bible reading plan for an entire year! I couldn’t have done this alone. The women in the group and their commitment to show up pushed me to keep going. I showed up because they showed up, and we kept the fire going by encouraging each other.  

I also joined a walking group with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. Being part of this group gave me the accountability I needed to walk—even on those bitter cold nights. Since our goal was 5k, I found myself walking on days I did my weight training. As a result, I moved more consistently this year than ever before.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb.

Who are the people who challenge you to be your best self, and how can you intentionally nurture those relationships?

3. The Power of Giving Up to Grow Up

After 20 years in the corporate world, I always dreamed of training and coaching others in leadership and personal development. But fear held me back — a steady paycheck felt safer than chasing an audacious goal.

When we moved to Calgary, things didn’t go as planned, and I had to quit my job. It was the most challenging and most liberating decision I’ve ever made. Reflecting on these past few weeks, I can’t see the entire road ahead, but I am stepping out, taking one step forward at a time. I’m learning and daring to see beyond my doubts. My vision of transforming those around me propels me to keep moving forward. I’ve had to let go of things I once held dear to achieve the greatness I believe I’m called for.

“You can’t discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” — André Gide.

Think about it: What do you need to let go of to grow into the person you were meant to be?

4. The Power of Daily Action

This year, I set a bold goal: work out every day for 365 days. No more counting days or wondering if I’d hit my target of five weekly workouts. I decided, “I’m someone who works out daily.”

It simplified everything. There was no mental debate. On a rainy day, a snowstorm, or when my motivation was low, I laced up my shoes because that’s what I do. The consistency was freeing. My body grew stronger, and my mind grew tougher. I am happy to report that I have missed 9 days of workouts so far.

“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” — Marie Forleo

What daily habit could transform your life if you committed to it fully?

5. The Power of Letting Go and Letting God

I adore my boys, but my role as a mother changes as they grow into young adults. Sometimes, my love can feel suffocating. Learning to parent adult children is very different. If I keep protecting them and expecting them to make no mistakes, they won’t grow.

The image that has helped me the most is Michelangelo’s Pietà — Mary’s helplessness in the face of Jesus’ suffering. It reminds me that I can’t fix everything for my children. My role was to raise them; now, I must let go and let God take over. My children will make mistakes, just as I have. They will not be perfect, just as I am not perfect. They will be tested just as I was, but it’s through these challenges and trials that they’ll become stronger men. Removing obstacles would only make them weak. I need to trust God and release them into His hands. Though I’m still learning, I’m practicing releasing control and trusting God’s plan.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” — Corrie ten Boom

Are you trying to control too much? What might happen if you let go and trust the journey?

Closing

As I reflect on this year, each lesson has profoundly shaped my journey—whether it’s the power of weekly reviews, accountability, giving up to grow up, daily actions, or letting go and trusting God.

As you embark on your journey and step into the new year, the choices we make today, the habits we cultivate, and the relationships we nurture will determine the growth we experience tomorrow.

I encourage you to embrace the power of small, consistent steps. To find people who challenge and support you. And to take action every day, no matter how small, toward the life you want to create.

What bold step will you take today to grow into the person you’re meant to be? What goal do you want to achieve this new year?

If you’re ready to crush 2025, join my half-day event designed to help you overcome the struggles of goal setting. You’ll leave with actionable goals and a clear roadmap for success. Check the link to register and start the year with intention and confidence!