It’s December—my favourite month of the year. But December also brings that unavoidable task: setting goals for the year ahead. The ones you need to set but don’t necessarily want to commit to. By the time you cross your forties, your mum’s voice mingles insidiously with your conscience into a persistent, nagging force that pushes you toward ‘doing the right thing.’
And that force is now reminding me that as a go-with-the-flow person this task though painful, is paramount. I thought the whole thing would get easier with age. It doesn’t.
And so here I am, listing my goals for 2025, while trying to keep it simple.
First up — Personal Goals
Goal No 1: Exercise Consistently (Five times a week)
My fitness routine in 2024 was as reliable as my ability to remember why I walked into a room. In 2025, I’m aiming for consistency. Not gym-junkie levels, but enough that I don’t wheeze after climbing two flights of stairs. I’ve already enrolled in an online yoga class—the daily WhatsApp ‘ticks’ are surprisingly motivating. I’ve also invested in cool (Gen X cool, okay!) workout clothes and downloaded audiobooks for my walks. Half the battle won, right?
Goal No 2: Call My Family More Often
If 2024 taught me anything, it’s the value of family—not just my immediate bubble, but my extended tribe: cousins, aunts, uncles, and aunts multiple times removed. Life is too short to wait for occasional meetups. This year, I’m reaching out, connecting, and keeping in touch more often.
Goal No 3: Step Out More With N (And Actually See the Sights)
Netflix marathons and long chats are great, but there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. When H left for college, I realised how much I regretted not stepping out more often (In fact there’s a whole blog post worth of regrets). So, in 2025, N and I (and H, whenever he’s home) are swapping ‘Stay In and Chill’ nights for ‘Step Out and Explore’ days. Museums, parks, shops, restaurants—we’re doing it all. (Note to self: restaurants might clash with Goal No 1.)
Creative Goals
Creatively, I faltered this year. But 2024 was a tough one, so I’m cutting myself some slack. For 2025, I want to push my boundaries—even if it’s in small, meaningful ways.
Goal No 1: Write More Fiction (A Lot More)
Once upon a time, I loved writing creative fiction. Then life got in the way, and I almost gave it up completely. Not anymore. The stories waiting in my head are getting restless. It’s time to set them free. Here’s hoping they’re as good on the page as they are in my imagination.
Goal No 2: Blog More About Books
Books have been my lifeline this year, but I haven’t shown them the love they deserve. Instagram is great for quick snapshots and 100-word captions, but diving deep into a book— analysing its characters, themes, and endings—that’s a joy I want to share more of. So, brace yourself for heartfelt odes to underappreciated authors and the occasional rant about disappointing finales.
Goal No 3: Merge My Blogs (Finally)
I have two blogs. Think of them as siblings who haven’t met in decades. In 2025, it’s time for a family reunion. Merging them will be challenging, but I’m hoping it results in something cleaner, more cohesive, and far less confusing for readers. New year, new blog, better me (hopefully).
So, there you have it—my ambitious plans for 2025. Will I tick off all these goals? Maybe. Will I stumble along the way? Absolutely. But progress, not perfection, is the aim. Here’s to a year of moving forward, creatively and personally, one step at a time.
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This post was prompted by the #BlogchatterWrapParty. I’m ever so grateful for the good folks over at Blogchatter who always pull me out of my lazy slumber and help me focus on my journey with words.
Best of luck with all your goals! I’m working on pushing some of my boundaries this year, too. At the same time, there are a few areas which I definitely need to ease up on, just to give myself some time and space to distribute my attention more evenly. I hope you achieve everything you hope for this year!
Damyanti Biswas recently put up this amazing post…How Do You Deal with Online Distraction?
Wishing you all the best too Damayanti. Hope 2025 sees you happy, peaceful and at your creative best.
I haven’t gotten to set my goals for 2025. I think it will happen only in 2025 as I’m busy with my sister and niece’s visit at this moment.
I’ve merged my blogs early 2024 and it felt good to finally have done so.
Wish you a wonderful 2025, Tulika. ❤️
Vinitha recently put up this amazing post…Fiction Monday – 232
Thanks Vinitha. Will reach out for help for the merger.
That’s brilliant that you want to merge your blogs! Looking forward to reading all that you write and read in the new year <3
Thanks Suchita. It’s been on the agenda for a while. The cost is somewhat prohibitive, which is what’s holding me back. Hoping to go ahead this year.