My 3-Step Plan to Achieve 95% of My Goals in 2025

When I was in Class 8, which is equivalent to Grade 8 in the United States, I made a bold promise to myself that I would become a millionaire by the age of 20. 

It was an ambitious dream for a 13-year-old, but at the time, I believed it was possible. Fast forward, 7 years later, I was 20 years old and I had failed spectacularly. I didn’t even have enough money to buy a decent smartphone, let alone achieving the millionaire status I had promised myself while at Ortum Boarding Primary School.

Failing to achieve your goals can be demoralizing. I was bitter and disappointed in myself. But even in my frustration, I chose to remain optimistic. I paused to re-evaluate my goals and the steps I was taking to achieve them.

It is clear that the goals that I had set in grade 8 although it had a timeline, it was unrealistic. I did not even consider what would be the source of my income. I didn’t factor in key economic drivers such as government policies, inflation, recession and unemployment. 

I was simply dreaming as a child. Now that I only have less than 2 years to hit the third floor, I am more practical especially when it comes to setting my financial goals. 

By age 24, something incredible happened. It is at this time that I made my first million. It felt surreal, almost unbelievable, that I had accomplished in one year what seemed impossible in the past 11 years.

It was 2020, a year that brought challenges for many due to the coronavirus pandemic, yet it turned out to be the year my decade-long dream came true.

What changed? Proper financial planning and actionable goal-setting.

After reflecting on my earlier failures, I realized that my initial goals were vague and lacked structure. In 2020, I adopted the SMART framework (setting goals that were Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely). Putting smart goals in practice can help you a great deal as you will be able to consider the current tough economic times under William Ruto’s Presidency. 

For example, instead of saying, "I want to save money," Frame it like this; By the first quarter of 2025, I would save Ksh. 300,000 ($2,316.60) to invest in government bonds. Specificity gives my goal clarity and direction.

Creating a goal that is specific is not enough if you aim to have a high success rate. 

If you’re aiming to achieve your goals, the key lies in creating actionable steps and sticking to them. Let me share my three-step plan to ensure that I achieve at least 95% of my goals in 2025.

3 Steps to Achieving Your Financial Goals in 2025

Im certain that all factors kept constant, I will achieve all 5 goals that I have set. However, since you should never count your chicks before they are hatched and in life their are not guarantees, I have wanted to be realistic and that is why I gave this plan a 95% success rate. 

Step 1: Laser-Focused Prioritization

As the year ends, it’s essential to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what you haven’t. This process isn’t about self-criticism; it’s about learning. Write down a list of everything you want to achieve in 2025.

However, don’t overwhelm yourself with too many goals. Focus on a maximum of five that truly matter to you. Nick Skillicorn, a speaker at TEDx Speaker noted that people who set fewer, more focused goals are more likely to achieve them than those who attempt too many at once. Prioritizing helps you channel your energy effectively.

Once you’ve identified your top five goals, employ the 80/20 Rule. This principle suggests that 20% of your efforts will yield 80% of your results. For instance, if one of your goals is saving Ksh. 300,000 in the first quarter, your 20% effort could involve automating savings or finding a side hustle that increases your income. By breaking each goal into smaller, actionable tasks and prioritizing them based on urgency and impact, you’ll avoid burnout while maximizing progress.

Step 2: Consistent Execution with Accountability

I have always believed that consistency is the key to success. Look at every successful YouTuber and point out one for me who is not consistent in how they produce and release their content. 

Therefore, to achieve 95% of my 5 goals, I will commit to small daily or weekly actions that will build momentum over time. 

Since it might be challenging to track progress, I advise using a tool that will help to consistently track your progress. Accountability is another challenge that hinders many people from achieving their goals. 

In order to be accountable, I always share my goals with a close confidant, it can be a trusted friend, mentor or family member. After sharing your goals with a person of your choice, be creative and find a way to set regular check-ins. don’t shy away from this because this is how you become accountable to your goals if you intend to achieve nearly all of your goals. 

Finally, never forget to celebrate your winnings no matter how small they are. This is imperative as it will help you to remain motivated and work harder. Research shows that celebrating progress boosts motivation and increases the likelihood of achieving long-term goals.

Step 3: Continuous Reflection and Adjustment

At the end of each month, I will always evaluate what’s working and what’s not. The question that you should be asking yourself at the end of each month is; “are my actions aligning with your goals?” If something feels stagnant, don’t hesitate to reassess your strategy or timeline. Flexibility is vital.

For instance, if your original plan to save Ksh. 300,000 involves cutting down on leisure expenses but it’s proving challenging, consider other alternatives that might be available. You can even decide to start a blog like me, by constantly creating educational content on this blog, I am monetizing my hobby. The key is to change when necessary without giving up entirely.

Reflection also helps you stay focused. A Goals Research Study by Dr Gail Matthews revealed that people who regularly track their progress are 42% more likely to achieve their goals. Use tools like journals, spreadsheets, or budgeting apps to monitor your journey.

Why This Plan Works

My three-step plan—prioritization, consistent execution with accountability, and continuous reflection—has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. In 2020, this approach enabled me to save and invest wisely, ultimately helping me make my first million.

This coming year, I’m applying the same principles to my 2025 goals. With five specific objectives in mind, a focus on the 80/20 Rule, and a commitment to consistency, I’m confident I’ll achieve at least 95% of them.

In the end, goal-setting isn’t just about dreaming big; it’s about creating a clear roadmap and having the discipline to follow it. 

I invite you to adopt this approach if you did not have a financial plan, I am positive that come 2026, we will be smiling not only because we would have achieved our goals but we will also unlock our potential to accomplish even greater things.

Remember, success is a journey. Start today, and with focus, consistency, and reflection, you’ll get closer to your dreams as days go by.