Just a Girl Manifesting Her Best Year Yet: A Relatable Guide to Goal Setting

The start of a new year always feels like a fresh notebook waiting to be filled. But let’s be real – goal setting can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like everyone else is out here planning their ‘perfect year’ on social media. For us girls navigating our 20s, life isn’t always about ticking off perfectly curated checklists – it’s about figuring out what really makes us happy and working toward it in a way that feels good, not stressful.

Here’s your ‘just a girl guide’ to manifesting your best year yet – no pressure, just practical, fun, and relatable advice to help you feel like the main character in your own story.

1. Ditch the Big Goal and Focus on the Micro-Moments

Forget massive, unrealistic goals like ‘get my dream job’ or ‘run 10 marathons’. Instead, focus on ‘micro-moments’ that build the life you want

• Want to feel healthier? Start with ‘Drink 2 litres of water a day’
• Dreaming of more travel? Save small by meal prepping at home (check out my guide for more tips) and adding the spare change to your travel fund.
• Looking for more self-care? Block out 10 minutes in the morning or evening to stretch or journal.

Small, consistent actions add up – and they’re way more achievable than trying to overhaul your entire life in January

2. Create Your Personal ‘Dopamine Menu’

Not all goals need to be serious. Make a list of things that spark joy for you – whether it’s getting your nails done or rewatching the same rom-com over and over again. Check out my recent blog on my own Dopamine Menu for inspiration. Once you’ve got a list, make sure you make time for these things.

This isn’t about being lazy, it’s about celebrating the small, happy things that make life feel amazing.

Top tip: Add at leas one of these things to your weekly calendar. Because life is too short not to have a midweek coffee date or solo karaoke sesh in your car.

3. Vision Boards for Real Life, Not Pinterest Life

Let’s talk vision boards. They’re fun, yet sometimes unrealistic when everything’s covered with luxury vacations and mansions. Instead, create a board that’s truly you.

• A picture of your favourite brunch spot? That’s where you will celebrate your small wins
• A photo of shoes? Maybe this year you’ll buy these for your morning walks
• Add quotes that make you laugh or feel inspired – like ‘Just a Girl building her empire’ – something that will make you smile everything you read it

4. Romanticize the Process

Whatever your goals are, treat the journey like a vibe.

• Trying to save money? Call it your ‘hot girl financial era’ and start making it fun to meal prep your homemade lunches
• Learning a new skill? Make it aesthetic with a matching notebook and your favourite playlist
• Hitting the gym? Channel your inner pilates princess with a colourful gym set or a cute waterbottle! Check out more of my gym essentials here.

Top tip: Stop seeing goals as work and start treatng them like the lifestyle upgrades.

5. Set Goals, Not Deadlines

Life is messy, Plans change and thats ok! Instead of dticking to rigid deadlines, focus on intention.

• Instead of ‘I want to read 12 books next year, try I’ll read whenever I have a spare moment after dinner
• Instead of ‘I’ll lose weight by March’, try I’ll explore workouts that make me feel good

You’ll still make progress, but without the guilt or pressure that comes with missed deadlines.

6. Share the Journey

Sometimes, the best accountability comes from sharing your goals with friends. Create a group chat or even a shared Pinterest board to keep each other inspired. Or mention your goals at your next meet up or brunch – your friends are your biggest cheerleaders!

7. Celebrate the Wins (Even Tiny Ones)

Remember to celebrate everything, even your smallest wins.

• Got through a tough workday? That’s a win
• Saved £20 this month? Treat yourself to a little something
• Finally organised your wardrobe? Pour yourself a victory glass of wine!

It’s ultimately all about progress, and your deserve to recognise it.

Final Thoughts

Manifesting your best year yet isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about knowing what feels good for you and taking steps (even tiny ones) in that direction. Whether your next year is all about travel, self-care, or just vibing with fewer responsibilities, remember: you’re already doing amazing girl!

Here’s to a year of being just a girl who’s absolutely thriving. You’ve got this.