Priorities vs. Goals: How I’m Tackling the New Year

Hi friends! Can you believe it is already the new year? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably seen a million posts about resolutions, goals, and all the ways to “be your best self” in 2025. But this year, I’m flipping the script. Instead of diving straight into a list of goals, I’m starting with something even more important: PRIORITIES.

Yep, you heard that right. Priorities first, goals second. Because let’s be honest—if your goals don’t align with what truly matters to you, are they even worth chasing? This year, I’m focusing on two big priorities: MY HEALTH and MY RELATIONSHIPS. Everything else? It’ll have to fit around those.

Why Priorities > Goals

Here’s the thing about priorities: they’re like your North Star. They guide you, ground you, and remind you of what’s truly important when life gets messy (because let’s face it, life WILL get messy). Goals, on the other hand, are more like pit stops along the way. They’re important, sure, but they’re not the ultimate destination.

When you start with priorities, your goals become more intentional and aligned. You’re not just checking boxes or chasing milestones—you’re making choices that support the life you actually want to live. And that’s the vibe I’m bringing into 2024.

How I Chose My Priorities

Last year was a whirlwind, and honestly, it wasn’t easy. I faced my fair share of challenges and trials that forced me to take a step back and reflect. Between juggling work, family, and everything else, I found myself stretched too thin more often than I’d like to admit.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that trying to “do it all” isn’t sustainable. I realized I needed to get crystal clear on what truly matters to me and let go of the things that don’t. Through journaling, late-night conversations with my husband, and a whole lot of soul-searching, I kept coming back to two things: my health and my relationships.

Why health? Because when I’m not feeling my best, everything else suffers—from my energy levels to my patience with Rae. And why relationships? Because at the end of the day, it’s the connections we build and nurture that bring the most joy and meaning to life. Reflecting on these truths helped me define my priorities for the new year, and I’m determined to keep them front and center.

My 2024 Priorities: Health and Relationships

Let’s break it down. Here’s why I’ve chosen these priorities and how they’re shaping everything else this year:

1. Health Comes First

I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true: if you don’t have your health, you don’t have much. As a mom, wife, athletic trainer, and virtual assistant, I’ve got a lot on my plate. But if I’m not taking care of myself, how can I take care of everyone else?

This year, I’m prioritizing both my physical and mental health. For me, that looks like:

• Moving my body every day, whether it’s a workout, a walk with Rae, or an active recovery session.
• Nourishing my body with foods that give me energy (but also enjoying the occasional ice cream, because balance!).
• Making therapy a regular part of my routine (because mental health is just as important as physical health!).

Any health-related goals I set—like running a 5K or trying a new fitness class—will only happen if they align with my bigger priority of feeling strong, energized, and balanced.

2. Relationships Are Everything

As much as I love a good to-do list, I’ve learned that the most meaningful moments in life aren’t the ones you can check off. They’re the moments you spend with the people who matter most. That’s why my second priority this year is nurturing my relationships—with my husband, my daughter, my family, my friends, and even myself.

For me, this means:

• Scheduling regular date nights with my husband (even if it’s just takeout and a movie at home).
• Being fully present during playtime with Rae—no phones, no distractions.
• Reaching out to friends and family more often, even if it’s just a quick text to say hi.
• Setting boundaries with work so I have the energy and time to show up for the people I love.

When I think about setting goals, I’m asking myself: does this support my relationships? If the answer is no, it’s not making the list.

How I’m Setting Goals That Align

Now that I’ve got my priorities front and center, I’m being super intentional about how I set goals. Here’s my three-step process:

1. Start With the Why: Before setting a goal, I’m asking myself, “Why does this matter?” If it doesn’t tie back to my priorities, it’s not worth pursuing.
2. Make It Realistic: I’m all about dreaming big, but I also know that unrealistic goals lead to burnout. Instead, I’m setting goals that feel challenging but doable within the context of my busy life.
3. Check In Regularly: Life changes, and so do priorities. I’m planning to check in with myself every month to make sure my goals still align with what matters most.

Your Turn: What Are Your Priorities?

As you step into the new year, I challenge you to think about your own priorities. What truly matters to you? What do you want to focus on in 2024? Once you’ve got that clarity, let your priorities guide your goals.

And remember: it’s okay to let some things go. You don’t have to do it all. Focus on what matters, and trust that everything else will fall into place.

Here’s to a year of health, strong relationships, and intentional living. Let’s do this, 2024!

I’d love to hear about your priorities and goals for the year—drop a comment below or connect with me on social media. Let’s inspire each other to make this our best year yet!