Goals vs Habits And a Check In on Both

Reality Check: How are you doing on your goals and habits as January comes to a close?

They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. I don't know if I agree with that - certainly three weeks is a good start to get a new habit rolling, but I know I personally need a lot longer to make changes that really stick.

Goals and habits seem very similar, and both certainly are aimed at driving personal progress, but they play different roles: 

Goals are specific achievements you aim for within a set timeframe, for example, "I will lose 10 pounds in 3 months" or "I will save up $5,000 by the end of 2025". Goals provide direction and motivation, serving as the what and why of your progress. Goals are results-oriented and time-bound.

Habits, on the other hand, are behaviors or routines that you incorporate into your daily life, like exercising each day or saving a portion of each paycheck. Habits focus on the how, helping you build a sustainable process that supports long-term success. Habits are process-driven and ongoing.

The most effective approach is to set clear goals and then break them down into bite-sized, actionable habits, and of course to track your progress in your planner so you can make adjustments as needed. 

My main goals this year are health-related. Midway through 2024 I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic so one of my big goals is to get my blood sugar under control by the time I'm due for my next lab tests. Habits which support that goal consist of all kinds of lifestyle changes. I've been using a few of the newer Filofax Lifestyle refills to track these changes, particularly the Wellness Tracker and Meal Planner inserts.

My tabs, including "Wellness"

Weekly Menu Planner

Back of Menu Planner has Shopping List, Wellness Tracker on Right

What goals did you set for yourself for 2025? Were there any habits that you decided to break? Any new habits that you've set out to incorporate into your life? 

How do you track your goals and habits in your planner?