As we begin the new year, it's time to focus on what you really want to achieve. We usually start with resolutions that we don't keep. So how do we decide meaningful goals and really stay on track? The answer: reverse engineer your year.

I was introduced to “reverse engineering” your goals by a friend who is also a business consultant, and now, as part of a business growth strategy, I guide entrepreneurs in break their goals and create a clear, actionable plan for the coming year.

Begin with the end in mind

Photo December 2025. What do you want to have achieved?

Write it down. Be specific.

Whether you're launching a new product, growing your business, writing a book, hitting six-figure income goals, building a personal brand or giving a TEDx talk, clarity is key. You want to imagine yourself as having already achieved your vision. What do you think? where are you Who are you surrounded by?

A clear and concrete vision of what success looks like for you and your business provides a measurable objective and keeps your efforts focused.

Related: Reverse engineering your business plan: Success starts with the bottom line

Define your non-negotiables

Your non-negotiables are the core habits, activities and commitments that form the foundation of our success. They ensure that our goals and daily decisions/habits are aligned. Before you dive into planning, identify what really matters—things like spending time with family, investing in professional development, and devoting time physically, mentally, and emotional well-being.

So what should you prioritize to make your goals achievable? Maybe it's running out of time for strategic planning, going to the gym, taking a course or staying consistent with your morning routine. Maybe it's hiring the right support, like a coach or assistant. It can also mean focusing on building your personal brand, creating content or investing in growth strategies.

By identifying these now, you'll create a clear filter for every decision you make throughout the year, ensuring you stay aligned with your ultimate goals.

Related: 5 Goal Setting Strategies That Drive Success

Break it down: Quarterly/monthly/weekly framework

Big goals can feel overwhelming. The solution? Divide the year into four quarters, each with clear and actionable milestones. Treat each quarter as its own mini-project with mini-goals

Quarterly goals: Focus on what needs to happen over the next three months to get you closer to your ultimate goal. What steps do you need to take to reach that big goal? What skills or certifications do you need?

Monthly goals: Break each quarter down into smaller, specific monthly goals. These should be measurable actions that build momentum without leading to burnout. For example, if you are growing your business, the goal might be to add two new customers. Writing a book? Commit to completing two chapters. Start a program? Outline the framework and complete the next module.

Weekly action plans: To achieve your monthly goals, plan weekly action steps that focus on the top priorities for that week. By narrowing your focus to just a few top priorities each week, you'll take steps that move you closer to your big vision.

Related: How to Strategically Plan for 2025 as a Business Owner | The entrepreneur

Weekly reviews: The course is accurate as needed

Each week, take time to reflect and adjust:
1. What have you achieved this week?
2. What got in the way?
3. What worked and what didn't?
4. What will you do differently next week to stay on track?

By staying consistent with weekly reviews, you'll catch small problems before they become big ones.

Monthly reviews: Track your progress
End each month by looking at what you've accomplished and planning what's next:
– Did you reach your monthly target(s)?
– Where did you get the momentum?
– What distracted you?
– What changes should you make for the next month?

Reflecting on each week and month will help you recognize your progresslearn from challenges and gain clarity about the way forward.

Quarterly Reviews: Refocus and Reorganize
At the end of each quarter, take a step back to appreciate the bigger picture. Quarterly reviews allow you to assess your progress toward your year-end goals and make necessary adjustments.

Ask yourself:
– What milestones have you reached this quarter?
– What slowed you down?
– Are your goals and priorities still aligned with your vision?
– What do I need or who do I want to connect with to achieve my goals?

Use this time to reset and realign so that each new quarter builds momentum toward your larger goals.

To make this process easier, I give my clients a quarterly planning journal. It's designed to help them stay on track by outlining their goals for the quarter, month and week. It includes space for weekly time blocks, as well as areas for weekly, monthly and quarterly reviews. If you don't have a quarterly goal planner, use a notebook or a weekly/monthly planner to set your goals and track your progress. The tool itself is not as important as creating a system that works for you.

Related: Goal setting strategies and actions to take to achieve each goal

Focus on actions, not just results

The goals are big, but they are not achieved is accomplished without sustained action. Build systems that make progress inevitable. You can do this by blocking time for priorities and adjusting accordingly. Don't wait until the end of the year to see if something isn't working. Adjust as you go.

1. Celebrate victories, big and small. Entrepreneurs are notorious for moving poles and ignoring their progress. Don't do this. Celebrate the small wins, ongoing efforts, and milestones along the way. This doesn't mean throwing a party every time you send an email, but taking a moment to acknowledge progress. It matters.

2. Stay flexible without losing focus. Your 2025 plan may need adjustments along the way. Regular reviews keep you flexible and focused. The key is to adjust your approach while staying aligned with your goal(s).

3. Forget resolutions. Focus on creating a clear vision, breaking it down, and taking consistent, focused action. Build your opposite year and make 2025 your most impactful year yet. The most important thing is to start. What is your first step?