Turning Toward Possibility

As we approach the final days of this year, I find myself thinking less about what has come to pass and more about what lies ahead. This year lay the groundwork for what’s to come. Massive changes, accomplishments and revelations enriched my year. The new year feels inviting, like what happened this year has nothing on what’s coming. This year was a year of gentle planning, praying and shifting to make room for the new. This year, I had the space to dream freely, to envision what could be and to align those dreams with action. The new year is inviting reflection, intention and execution.

The idea of goal-setting can feel overwhelming. Believe me, I know. We can sometimes think of it as listing down achievements and milestones to check off. But if there’s anything that this year has taught me, it’s that meaningful goals aren’t about perfection. They’re about intention, alignment and gradual, steady progress. Goals are about developing healthy habits, nurturing creativity and prioritising joy alongside ambition.

Setting Intentions, Not Just Goals

When setting goals, the first thing I like to think about is intention. They are gentle yet purposeful. They describe how I want to show up in life and in my work. Intentions answer questions like: how do I want to feel? How do I want to spend my time? What kind of creative or personal experiences do I want to explore?

One example of an intention could be “to prioritize daily practice, even if it is just a few minutes of writing or sketching.” From this intention, specific goals can be naturally made, like completing a writing project, finishing a book I’ve been meaning to read or starting a new series of blog posts. The key is to let intention guide the “why”, while the goals define the “how.”

Balancing Dreams and Reality

One challenge that we come across when we plan is balancing aspiration with realism. We can dream as boldly as we like, but without small, actionable steps, big ambitions can feel paralysing. I like to break down larger goals, as this allows me to celebrate progress, no matter how incremental, instead of only fixating on the final outcome.

For example, a goal of writing a novel can be broken down into:

1. Brainstorming characters and plot.
2. Writing 500 words a day.
3. Completing the first draft by mid-year.
4. Setting aside time for revisions in the months that follow.

Reflective Prompts for the Year Ahead

In order to deepen planning and reflection, I find it helpful to use prompts that help me clarify priorities:

• What lessons from the past year will I carry forward?
• Which habits nourished me, and which drained me?
• What new skills, knowledge, or experiences do I want to explore?
• How can I cultivate more joy, presence, and creativity in my daily life?

Answering these questions encourages mindfulness, gratitude and alignment with personal values.

Nurturing Creativity and Consistency

For a neurodivergent creative like me, balancing inspiration with action is imperative. The new year is the perfect opportunity to set routines that encourage regular, consistent creative work without hindering spontaneity. This could mean:

• A weekly reflection or journaling practice.
• A daily writing or reading habit, even if brief.
• Scheduling deliberate breaks to recharge and gather new ideas.

Consistency isn’t about rigidly sticking to a schedule. It’s about trusting the process, showing up even when motivation is low and trusting the small efforts that build up over time.

Embracing Flexibility and Openness

Life is unpredictable. Goals can change; sudden opportunities could come that could mean that we need to adjust. This is part of the beauty of setting intentions: it is adaptable, allows for creativity, exploration and growth, rather than demanding perfection.

Final Thoughts: A Gentle Invitation

As I plan for the year ahead, I remind myself that this is a personal journey. Each step, each small choice, each moment of focus is bringing me closer to the life and creative path that I envision for myself. I invite you to do the same. Dream boldly, act gently and embrace the unfolding process with curiosity and warmth.

By combining reflection, intention and actionable steps, the new year will become an amazing opportunity to grow, create and live meaningfully.

What actionable goals have you set for the new year?

Feel free to share some of them!

If you enjoyed reading this post, have a look at my other post Year-End Review: What The Bibi Edit Taught Me in 2025 or 5 Creative Habits That Help Me Balance Work, Uni, and Blogging.

Have a happy new year, see you in the next one!

Bibi x