How to Set Goals for 2027: A Simple Year-End Review

Most New Year's resolutions are forgotten by February because they're picked in a hurry on December 31st. A better way is to look back at the year first. One evening of honest review gives you goals that actually matter to you.

Step 1: Review 2026 with five questions

Grab a pen and answer these, without judging yourself:

• What went well this year, and why?
• What didn't go to plan?
• What took up more time or money than it was worth?
• When did I feel most like myself?
• What do I want more of next year, and what do I want less of?

Step 2: Pick three areas

Look at your answers and circle the themes that keep coming up. Money, health, work, family and learning are the usual ones. Choose the three that matter most for 2027.

Step 3: Write one clear goal for each area

Make each goal specific and measurable. "Get fit" becomes "walk 8,000 steps a day, 5 days a week". "Save more" becomes "save $250 a month into a separate account".

Step 4: Make a 90-day plan

A year is too far away to feel urgent. For each goal, write what you'll do in the first 90 days, then the very first step you'll take in the first week of January.

Step 5: Schedule a monthly check-in

Put a 15-minute check-in on the last Sunday of every month. Ask: am I on track, what got in the way, and what's one change for next month? This small habit is what keeps goals alive.

Make it stick with habits

Big goals are reached through small daily habits. Our guide on building habits that last shows how to make the daily part easier.

A workbook that walks you through it

The New Year Goal Setting Workbook has the year-in-review questions, a vision board page, goal breakdowns, 90-day action plans and monthly check-ins, ready to print. Pair it with the 2027 Yearly Planner, or get both in the Holiday Season Bundle and save 30%.

Keep reading: How to set up a 2027 planner · How to make a budget for 2027