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Setting Goals for 2025: Practical Tips for Achieving Your Best Year Yet

A new year brings new opportunities, and it’s the perfect time to think about setting some goals for yourself—goals that will help you grow, thrive, and feel empowered. Whether you’re focused on personal growth or making life a little easier with the help of accessible tools, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

At Guide Dogs Queensland, we believe that setting meaningful goals can make a real difference in your life. It’s not just about achieving big milestones—it’s about making small, positive changes that add up over time, and creating a year where you feel confident, independent, and connected. Let’s dive into some practical tips for setting goals that are not only achievable but also tailored to your unique needs and dreams.

1. Start Small and Celebrate Every Step

When it comes to goal-setting, sometimes the smallest steps lead to the biggest changes. Start with goals that feel achievable—things that can be easily integrated into your daily routine. Whether it’s something personal or related to accessibility, these little steps will build your confidence and set you up for success.

• Personal goal: Commit to listening to one chapter of an audiobook every week.
• Accessibility goal: Try out one new accessibility feature on your phone, like voice commands or magnification.

Remember, every time you achieve one of these small goals, it’s worth celebrating. These little wins will keep you motivated and excited for the next step.

2. Focus on What You Can Control

Life can sometimes feel unpredictable, but there’s always something we can control. Focusing on what’s in your power to change will help you feel more in charge of your life and your goals.

• Personal goal: Set aside 10 minutes each day for mindfulness or relaxation, to help manage stress.
• Accessibility goal: Explore one new route on public transport using an accessible navigation app.

When you focus on the things you can control, you’ll find yourself feeling more empowered and less overwhelmed by things beyond your control.

3. Use Technology to Make Life Easier

There are so many wonderful tools and technologies designed to make life easier for people with low vision or blindness. Whether it’s a new app, device, or accessibility feature, technology can be a game-changer when it comes to setting and achieving your goals.

• Personal goal: Set up a daily reminder on your phone to check in with a loved one or take a moment for self-care.
• Accessibility goal: Learn how to use a new GPS app that helps with navigation or explore voice-activated technology that makes tasks easier.

Technology can be your best friend in achieving your goals, so don’t hesitate to explore new tools that might help you along the way. Our wonderful team of Allied Health staff can assist you with any new technology goals you’re wanting to achieve.

4. Lean on Your Support System

You don’t have to set goals alone. Whether it’s family, friends, support groups, or even your community at Guide Dogs, having people to cheer you on can make a world of difference. When you share your goals with others, they can help keep you accountable, offer advice, and celebrate your achievements with you.

• Personal goal: Share your fitness or health goal with a friend or family member, and check in regularly.
• Accessibility goal: Join an online community or group where others share your passion for accessible tech and can offer tips.

Your support network is there to help you every step of the way—don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help when you need it.

5. Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay! It’s important to stay flexible and adjust your goals if necessary. Sometimes you might need to change your approach or take a break, and that’s completely normal.

• Personal goal: If you miss a day of meditation or exercise, don’t be hard on yourself—just get back on track the next day.
• Accessibility goal: If a new app doesn’t work as well as you hoped, try another one or ask for recommendations from others.

The key is to keep going and be kind to yourself. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

6. Celebrate Every Victory, Big or Small

Don’t wait until you’ve crossed the finish line to celebrate! Every little step you take toward your goal is worth acknowledging. Whether it’s using a new accessibility feature or completing a personal task, take time to celebrate your success, no matter how small it might seem.

• Personal goal: Enjoy a small reward every time you finish an audiobook or hit a fitness milestone.
• Accessibility goal: Feel proud each time you successfully navigate a new route or try out a new tool.

Celebrating your wins, even the small ones, helps keep you motivated and reminds you that you’re making progress.

7. Reflect and Adjust Along the Way

As the year goes on, take some time to reflect on your goals and your progress. Have you accomplished what you set out to? Do you need to tweak your goals or methods? Reflection helps you stay on track and adjust as needed.

• Personal goal: Check in every month to see how you’re feeling about your self-care routine. Are you still making time for relaxation?
• Accessibility goal: Take note of how well your new tools are working for you. Are they helping you feel more independent?

By reflecting and adjusting your goals as you go, you’ll make sure they stay relevant to your needs and desires.

Here’s to Your Best Year Yet

Setting goals for 2025 is all about making small, steady progress toward the things that matter most to you. Whether your goals are personal, related to accessibility, or both, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to support you, cheer you on, and help you reach your full potential. Should you require assistance with achieving your goals, reach out to our team at pathways@guidedogsqld.com.au for further guidance.

Let’s make this year one of growth, independence, and empowerment. We believe in you—and we can’t wait to see what you achieve in 2025!