As we near the end of 2024, it’s natural to start thinking about what’s next. The New Year’s buzz has people setting goals and making resolutions—but how often do those plans fizzle out by February? If you’re ready to break that cycle and make 2025 your year, here are three essential steps to ensure success for possibly the first year EVER.
1. Focus on First Principles, Not Outcomes
Getting caught up in the big goals is easy: “I want to be fitter and stronger” or “I want to lose weight.” But the real progress comes from breaking those goals into actionable steps.
Take the example of getting fitter. Instead of fixating on the outcome (which, by the way, is an immeasurable outcome, to say the least), focus on the principles:
- Make the Commit to working out at least four times a week.
- Decide whether you’ll prioritise morning workouts or hit the gym after work.
- Plan to make those workouts non-negotiable.
Executing these smaller, measurable actions takes care of the bigger goal. Don’t just dream about the destination—map out and follow the road to get there.
2. Set Measurable Metrics (and Make Them Public)
Metrics matter. The benchmarks tell you whether you’re progressing or just treading water. But the catch is you have to pick clear, visible, and meaningful metrics.
For example, instead of vague goals like “running faster” or “losing weight” (numbers only you see), set goals that you can share with others, such as “to run 10km under 50 minutes” or “lose 5kgs by March 1st.” Why? Because nothing will motivate you quite like public accountability.
Announcing your goals to friends, family, or even your social media followers creates external pressure to perform. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but that’s where the magic happens. Don’t hide your ambitions—own them.
Take inspiration from greats like Victor Hugo, the author of Les Misérables, who famously locked away his clothes to force himself to stay indoors and finish writing. It is probably better to take the approach of modern authors like Tim Ferriss though, who set financial stakes with friends to keep himself accountable for completing his projects.
Whether you go as extreme as Hugo, opt for a high-stakes bet with your mates, or have the opportunity to voice your goals to friends, External motivation can push you past resistance and toward success.
3. Stop Looking for the Easy Way Out
This might sting, but hear me out. Most people sabotage their success by choosing the easy path.
- “I think I’ll just start running.”
- “I’ll save money and skip the gym.”
- “I’ll figure it out on my own.”
Does this sound familiar? These shortcuts almost always lead to frustration and failure. At Vasse Strength and Conditioning, we don’t do easy—we do effective. If you want to get fitter, save money, and achieve extraordinary things, it requires hard work, consistency, and commitment.
Here’s how you win:
- Show up. Get to the gym and execute your plan.
- Eat smarter. Prep your meals at home and stop eating with your eyes.
- Simplify your choices. Drink water from the tap, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and cut back on alcohol.
- Invest in yourself. The money you spend on a gym membership isn’t a cost—it’s an investment in your health, strength, and future.
The end of the year doesn’t need a reset. Most people need to recommit to the promises they made to themselves months ago.
Conclusion: Let’s Make 2025 Extra-Ordinary
I’ll admit I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions. Maybe it’s because I’ve been a coach for so long, but I know success doesn’t hinge on a single day or month. It’s about showing up, day after day, and sticking to the plan. Actual progress isn’t about grand promises but the small, consistent actions that compound over time.
As we move into 2025, consider what you truly want to achieve—not just the goals that sound good on paper but the ones that align with your values and purpose. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being relentless, like setting public goals, tracking your metrics, and pushing through discomfort when quitting feels easier. These methods might seem extreme, but success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Waking up earlier, lifting heavier, or simply showing up consistently, the magic lies in execution—not excuses.
At Vasse Strength and Conditioning, we believe in creating an environment where you can thrive. We’re here to push you, to hold you accountable, and to celebrate every milestone you achieve. Let’s make 2025 the year you stop being ordinary and start being extraordinary. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Let’s crush your goals and make this your best year yet. See you at the gym—let’s make it happen!