Hello my lovely people, hope you’re gently emerging from your indulgence-coma. I am approaching the start of this year with strict take-your-time vibes.
I’m not a massive of New Year’s resolutions but I do like to write a list of goals each year – inspired by the genius Gretchen Rubin. And because I know that when things are pretty, they are more likely to inspire, I made a couple of free printables for myself and you all. Scroll down to download the 25 for 25 free printable.
What is the “25 for 25” List?
Gretchen Rubin’s 25 for 25 list (and “23 for 23” list 24 for 24″) is an annual happiness-boosting exercise where she encourages people to create a list of goals or experiences they want to achieve in the upcoming year. The idea is to use the year as a structure for setting meaningful, manageable, and enjoyable goals. I 100% encourage you to do a deep dive into the resources on her website. Here’s how it works:
- Personalised Goal-Setting: You create a list of 25 things you’d like to accomplish in 2025. These can range from big goals (like saving for a house) to smaller, enjoyable tasks (like trying a new recipe).
- Variety is Key: The items on the list don’t all have to be serious or ambitious—they can include fun or quirky goals, like having a picnic or going to a cafe you’ve never visited.
- A Balance of Challenge and Fun: The list encourages a mix of goals that stretch you (e.g., running a 10k) and goals that simply bring joy (e.g., watching the sunrise once a month).
- It can be stuff you already do: You don’t need to put new stuff on there, you can also use the list to celebrate what you already achieved (e.g., create a magical Chrissy for the family) or things that you hate (e.g. go to the dentist).
Examples of Goals for a “25 for 25” List
- See the cousins 15 times
- Organise and declutter one area of your home.
- Read 12 books in a year (one per month).
- Go on a day trip somewhere new.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Go on 6 walks with friends.
- Try a new activity, like yoga or ceramics.
- Write a letter.
- Make a vision board.
- Pay off a debt.
- Create a digital photo album or scrapbook.
- Complete this printable declutter checklist.
- Put $x in your superannuation account.
- Watch a classic movie you’ve never seen.
- Plant a small garden or buy a houseplant.
- Frame some family pics.
- Spend one full day exploring your local city like a tourist.
- Host a dinner party.
- Get Botox.
- Get a skin check.
- Put all your cards in a digital wallet or app.
- Find an organiser, cleaner or handyman to work with.
- Bake something from scratch.
- Spend a day in nature.
- Buy the perfect little black dress.
But be careful what you wish for, one year I put ‘dramatically underschedule my kids’ and that year was… 2020. We certainly did achieve that one during our 3 month lockdown.
What’s the point?
Good question – the point is whatever you want it to be.
I find booking medical appointments hard, often a year will go by and I’ll have avoided going to the dentist or getting a skin check. If I put these things on my list, they are more likely to get done. So it can be super functional.
When I first started writing these lists, I aimed high with the understanding that I wouldn’t achieve all of my goals but would at least achieve some, which was what I wanted and it worked. Those lists were more inspirational. Post COVID and new-house-new-business-build I wanted my list to remind me to do simple and nourishing things for myself and my family, that list was rejuvenating.
In early 2023 I was in burnout mode so I used my list to celebrate the things that I was smashing – like being the family magic maker and getting the kids to school, sports and life everyday.
My friend’s list this year is just 25 books. It can be whatever you want.
Rubin’s method emphasises clarity, motivation, and joy, aligning with her philosophy that small, intentional steps can lead to greater happiness. So that’s what I’ll be doing this year.
Click the image below to download your list.
While I have you here, please peruse my other blog posts and resources – like this Step by Step guide to Cleaning a Verry Messy House. And don’t forget to swing past the Finding Organisation Shop.