5 Ways to Create Intentions That Stick in 2025

Ah, 2025. A new year, a new chance to become the person you always knew you could be—or at least a slightly more organized version of the person you already are. But let’s be real: intentions can be tricky. They sound amazing on January 1, but by February, they’re often gathering dust next to your unused gym membership and that fancy blender you swore would turn you into a smoothie god.

So, how do you create intentions that stick—not just for a few weeks, but all year long? Grab a snack (or a smoothie), and let’s dive into five ways to make it happen.

1. Make Your Intentions Crystal Clear

“I want to be healthier” sounds great, but what does that even mean? Eating kale for breakfast? Doing yoga on a mountaintop? Drinking water instead of your usual three cups of coffee? Vague intentions are easy to forget because they’re not specific enough to act on.

Instead, get super clear. Try:

• “I will drink eight glasses of water a day.”

• “I will go for a 20-minute walk every morning.”

• “I will eat vegetables with every meal.”

When your intention is clear, you’ll know exactly what to do. Bonus: You’ll also know when you’re totally nailing it (and you will be!).

2. Make It Fun, Not a Chore

Nobody likes boring goals. If your intentions feel like punishment, you’re going to avoid them like the plague—or that neighbor who never stops talking about their cat.

Find ways to make your intentions enjoyable. Want to exercise more? Pick something you actually like doing. Dancing in your living room counts as cardio. Want to save money? Turn it into a game by challenging yourself to a no-spend weekend or tracking your savings like you’re playing a video game. The more fun it is, the more likely you are to stick with it.

3. Break It Down into Bite-Sized Pieces

Big intentions can feel overwhelming. It’s like looking at a giant pizza and thinking, “How am I supposed to eat this whole thing?” Answer: One slice at a time.

Take your big goal and break it into smaller, manageable steps. For example:

• Big Intention: Write a book in 2025.

• Bite-Sized Steps: Write 500 words a day, brainstorm ideas on Monday, edit one chapter a week.

Each step feels doable, and before you know it, you’ll be crushing your goals like a pro.

4. Use the Power of Visual Reminders

Out of sight, out of mind. If your intentions live only in your head, they’re going to fade faster than your motivation to fold laundry. (Seriously, does anyone enjoy folding laundry?)

Write your intentions down and put them somewhere you’ll see them daily:

• Sticky notes on your mirror.

• A vision board by your desk.

• Reminders on your phone.

Seeing your intentions regularly will keep them fresh in your mind and help you stay focused. Plus, it’s super satisfying to check things off a list—even if it’s a mental one.

5. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small)

Let’s face it: We’re all motivated by rewards. When you hit a milestone, celebrate it! Treat yourself to something that makes you happy. Maybe it’s a fancy coffee, a relaxing bath, or finally binging that new series everyone’s talking about.

Celebrating your wins, no matter how small, keeps you excited and motivated. Plus, it’s a reminder that you’re making progress—even if it’s one baby step at a time.

The Bottom Line

Creating intentions that stick isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent, kind to yourself, and willing to adapt when life inevitably throws a curveball. So, set those intentions, keep them clear and fun, and remember: You’ve got this. Cheers to a fabulous, intentional 2025!