How to ACTUALLY reach your goals in 2025 ✏️

tips Jan 20, 2025

5 Steps to Achieving Your Freelance Goals in 2025

Hey there! Let’s talk freelancing. Whether you’re dreaming of making a living doing what you love or you’re already freelancing but feeling stuck, I’ve been there. I started freelancing as a graphic designer in 2013, but I didn’t figure out how to make it work for me until years later.

Now, I’m a full-time lettering artist with creative control and stable income (in other words, I only work on dream projects! 😉), and let me tell you this: it’s not about being super talented or working 24/7. It’s about small changes that make a huge difference. So, grab a coffee (or tea), and let me share five steps that helped me level up my freelance game.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals 🎯

The first step to achieving your goals is to start with a clear idea of what you're trying to achieve. Dream big but keep it realistic enough to work towards. Do you want to land mural projects? Design book covers? Sell digital products? Write it down or create a mood board.

This might seem obvious but having those goals written down will allow you to align every daily actions with your ultimate vision, making sure that you never waste your time on projects that don't align with your goals.

For me, one of my 2025 goals is creating a course for creatives who want to make money with their skills. It’s what led me to write this blog! When you know what you’re working towards, decisions like “Should I take on this project?” become so much easier.

Your action step: Gather 5–10 images, quotes, or sketches that inspire you and throw them together on a vision board. Digital or physical, it doesn’t matter. Just make it something you can look at when you need a refocus.

Step 2: Break It Down 🧩

Big goals can feel overwhelming. That’s why breaking them down into bite-sized tasks is a game-changer. Instead of “I’m going to write a book,” think, “This month, I’ll outline my chapters.”

When I started planning my own projects, I found that breaking things into small, manageable pieces made me feel way less stressed. Plus, checking off little wins feels amazing and keeps you moving forward.

Your action step: Take your biggest 2025 goal and break it into monthly milestones. Then, zoom in and make a weekly to-do list for those milestones. Start small and adjust as you go!

Step 3: Do the Hard Thing First 🐸

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Eat the frog first.” It means tackling the hardest or most dreaded task on your list first thing in the morning. That task is usually the one that will make the biggest difference. Once it’s out of the way, the rest of your day feels like a breeze!

For me, writing scripts for YouTube videos is my “frog.” It’s not my favourite thing, but I know it’s essential for growing my audience. So, I make it my mission to get it done first thing while my energy is at its peak. If you struggle with focus, try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat.

Your action step: Identify your “frog” for tomorrow, what’s the one task you’ve been avoiding? Schedule time for it in the morning, and get it done! You’ll feel so accomplished after.

Step 4: Build Your Skills 🌱

When I started freelancing, I had no idea where I was headed. I just tried a bit of everything, like designing posters, teaching typography, and creating logos. Over time, those random experiences turned into valuable skills that helped me pivot to lettering full-time.

The lesson? Don’t stress about figuring it all out right now. Focus on creating and learning. Every little thing you try adds up and builds a solid foundation for the future.

Your action step: Set aside some time each month to work on a new skill or style. Maybe join a challenge, take a class, or experiment with a tool you’ve never used before.

Step 5: Track Your Progress 📈

Last but not least, keep track of how far you’ve come. Seriously, look back at your old work, it’s the best confidence booster ever! 😅 When you see how much you’ve grown, it’s easier to stay motivated and push forward.

I like to jot down what I accomplish each month, even the little things. It reminds me that progress is happening, even when it feels slow.

Your action step: Start a quick journal or use an app like Notion to track your wins. Celebrate the small stuff, it all counts!

Let’s Make 2025 Your Year

Freelancing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or exhausting. With clear goals, small steps, and a focus on growth, you can make it work for you.

So, what’s your big goal for 2025? Let me know by sending me a message, I’d love to cheer you on! And if this post helped, share it with a fellow freelancer who could use some inspiration. 💜