Goal Setting Done Right: Tools and Tips to Achieve Your 2025 Vision

When it comes to New Year's resolutions, it’s unfortunately easy to make vague plans or fall off track. That’s why we’ve formulated some actionable strategies for setting goals—and sticking to them—with tools like vision boards, apps, and planners, and utilizing simple strategies like sound and breathwork.

First, Use Sound to Help Center Yourself

Overwhelmed by the thought of setting (and keeping) goals in the first place? Something as simple as the vibrations of sound can help you stay calm and focused. 

“The vibrations of sound during a sound bath create a calming atmosphere that resonates with your body’s natural rhythms, helping to melt away tension and quiet a busy mind,” says Lauren Hersh, co-owner of Official Ritual’s, a gong and sound-healing space in New York City. “As the soothing sounds wash over you, they gently guide your brainwaves into a relaxed, meditative state, bringing a sense of peace and clarity. This process not only eases stress but also helps you feel more focused, balanced, and present in the moment.”

Located in New York City? Try one of Official Ritual's House Rituals on site. Located at 112 West 17th Street, Official Ritual offers Signature Sound Meditation, a Gong Temple, a Breathwork Journey, Afternoon Tuning & Restore, Morning Sound Meditation, and more. All Rituals take place in a device-free, Reiki-charged setting meant to reset your nervous system and leave you feeling recharged and ready to face anything—including setting and sticking to 2025 wellness goals. 

If you're not local to NYC or can't make it to Official Ritual in person, try incorporating sound and breathwork into your routine at home. “[Carve] out a quiet moment each day to focus on your breath—just a few deep, mindful inhales can help you feel more grounded,” Hersh says. “You can also bring in some soothing sound, whether it’s a calming playlist, crystal bowls, or even nature sounds, to set the mood.” Take it one step further and try to recreate some of Official Ritual's atmosphere at home. “[Create] a cozy, quiet space where you can truly unwind—whether it’s with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, or a few favorite plants,” Hersh tells us. “Play soothing sounds from a singing bowl or a calming playlist to fill your space with gentle vibrations. Take a few minutes for deep, mindful breathing to reset and center your energy.”

Create a Vision Board

Welcome to 2025—where vision boards can be done either digitally or on paper. Whatever route you choose, start by writing out everything you want to achieve this year. Then, break out each goal into a specific area of your life. For example, career, family, relationships, finances, etc. Organize your intentions and search magazines, newspapers, and favorite sites for images that illustrate your end goals. If you’re going digital, keep it simple by copy/pasting images and phrases into Word or PowerPoint or go one step further and use a template from sites and apps like Etsy, Canva, PicMonkey, Visuapp, or Pinterest. 

With digital, you could keep a copy handy on your phone where you’ll always see it (new home screen idea!). Whether you’ve picked digital or paper, we recommend printing your vision board out and hanging it somewhere central in your space. 

Use Digital Tools

Even if you’ve vowed to spend less time on devices this year, having phones around is a fact of life for most of us. Use your screen time for something good by downloading apps that help set healthy goals instead of mindlessly doom scrolling. 

Way of Life helps you track habits, both good and bad, using charts, graphs, and daily reminders to log your progress. If you’re looking for a more playful approach, Habitica “gamifies” your life with retro video game-like rewards (think pets and magic skills!) and punishments, along with customizable avatars. For those who love data, Strides is a goal-tracking app that lets you monitor multiple habits and sends reminders to stay on track. Want to know exactly how you spend your time? ATracker breaks it all down to help you avoid distractions. 

Coach.me leverages psychology and behavioral science and even lets you hire a coach for a small fee through the app. If managing a growing to-do list is your struggle, Todoist offers a great solution for keeping everything organized. And for users seeking an AI-powered approach to goal-setting, Dreamfora is the perfect choice.

Best Planners

Even though apps and digital tools are great for goal-setting and keeping organized, there’s something to be said for going the old-fashioned route and writing your goals down (even if your goals are as simple as keeping up with your meetings and appointments this year!). 

The Clever Fox Planner PRO Dated Weekly & Monthly Life Planner to Increase Productivity, Time Management and Hit Your Goals ($38.49) helps you set overarching goals and visions for your year, then incorporates them into your daily life. Plus, there's stickers and other fun extras! 

If you’re looking for a planner that’s as colorful as it is functional, try any of the planners from Erin Condren Designs (prices vary). Inspirational quotes and funky stickers make setting goals fun and there's different layout options (weekly vertical, weekly horizontal, or hourly) to choose from.

For those who love the satisfaction of crossing off your to-do list on paper, ban.do Undated Daily To Do Planner ($24.95) is an organized place to write down your tasks. This planner even includes a "Priorities" section that reads "At Least Do This" to help you hone in on tasks and feel accomplished even if you can't tick larger tasks off your to-do list each day. Plus, there's a schedule and shopping list section. 

Struggling with overwhelm as you set 2025 goals? Try the 5 Second Journal ($17.77), from motivational speaker Mel Robbins. This detailed planner plots out a comprehensive schedule of your day, and promises to build your confidence as you focus on accomplishing your most meaningful tasks. There's also a grid section where you can brain dump anything that comes to mind. 

Take Advantage of Related Amenities

Whether your goal is to get to the gym more or explore your area, Related offers amenities to help you thrive this year. Residents can enjoy savings on certain wellness offerings, such as memberships to Equinox, on-site yoga rooms, and bike shares. Related properties also boast green spaces and co-working lounges. 

For those looking to get out and about, Related provides exclusive events, partnerships, and information to help you experience your city on a new level. And if you welcomed a four-legged friend over the holidays, take advantage of Related’s pet-friendly services, including doggy daycare with playgroups, dog walking, and training. 

The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news, and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.