Building Momentum: Habits to Sustain Your 2025 Goals

Introduction:

In the past few weeks, we’ve focused on reflecting on 2024 goals and setting strategic targets for 2025. But to ensure these goals become reality, we need to focus on building momentum. Momentum bridges the gap between goal-setting and achievement, turning each small action into meaningful progress.

As I emphasise in Unchained, achieving your outcome goals requires breaking them down into performance goals, and then into process goals—small, consistent actions that compound over time. These daily actions, once converted into habits, make the journey to achieving larger goals both manageable and achievable.

1. Start with Micro-Habits

Micro-habits are the small actions that make the foundation of larger habits, helping you start without feeling overwhelmed. According to Duke University, around 40% of our daily actions are habits, and many happen without conscious thought. By breaking down your process goals into micro-habits, you allow momentum to build naturally.

• For Individuals: If your goal is to improve your health, start with a 10-minute daily walk instead of committing to a full workout. Personally, I know how tough it can be to fit everything in. My schedule doesn’t always allow me to head to the gym, so I’ve set up a small gym at home. Now, while working out, I make it a routine to also listen to investment teachings, motivational videos, or even pray. This way, I’m feeding my mind and spirit while working on my physical health.
• For Organisations: To nurture a positive work culture, try introducing daily or weekly check-ins where team members can share small wins and challenges. This helps build trust, openness, and camaraderie.
• For Projects: Set up short, daily reviews to look at what went well and what can be improved. Focus on progress rather than perfection, which helps everyone feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment.

As each micro-habit becomes part of your routine, you can then turn up the intensity—like increasing your walking time or setting bigger savings goals.

2. Create a Routine that Fits Your Life or Organisation’s Culture

When you’re working towards a big goal, it’s essential to integrate habits into a routine that feels natural to you. Building habits around routines makes them more sustainable because they blend into your life.

• For Individuals: Make sure your routine works with your life, not against it. For instance, my workout routine at home is efficient because it’s convenient and fits my schedule. While working out, I double up by studying or meditating. By pairing my exercise with something meaningful, I’m making it an enjoyable part of my routine, not just a task to complete.
• For Organisations: Create a culture where routines support growth and accountability. One idea is to hold visual board meetings every Monday to set weekly objectives, and then review progress every Friday. These consistent check-ins help align everyone with the company’s goals.
• For Projects: Regular project meetings at set intervals provide a rhythm for tracking tasks, setting priorities, and adjusting as needed. Regular troubleshooting during the project meetings will ensure that you are not just discussing progress but making troubleshooting a habit.

Embedding new habits into existing routines makes them easier to sustain and reduces the mental effort needed to maintain momentum.

3. Track Progress Regularly

Tracking progress is powerful because it makes growth visible, keeping you motivated and accountable. Studies show that people who track their progress are more likely to reach their goals because tracking gives you immediate feedback and a sense of accomplishment, even for small milestones.

• For Individuals: I use a fitness tracking app called Athlytic, which helps me monitor my physical progress. But tracking isn’t just for fitness—you can use a journal or digital app to track any habit. Whether it’s learning a new skill, building a financial goal, or improving health, tracking helps maintain focus.
• For Organisations: Implement dashboards or weekly reports that highlight progress toward organisational goals. It’s crucial that progress-tracking sessions are free from a “fear culture” where employees feel intimidated. Creating a supportive environment encourages honesty and better reflection.
• For Projects: Use project management software to track tasks and milestones, allowing team members to see progress in real time. This visibility helps everyone stay aligned and motivated as they approach each objective. I prefer visual boards that are simple and give the right information at a glance.

The practice of tracking gives you clear insight into what’s working and where adjustments are needed, reinforcing a sense of purpose.

4. Overcome Setbacks with a Growth Mindset

Setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and adopting a growth mindset is essential to keep momentum alive. Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, see them as learning opportunities. Consistency, not perfection, is what builds true momentum.

• For Individuals and Teams: When I face setbacks in my goals, I look at them as lessons rather than reasons to stop. Reflecting on what could be improved allows you to turn obstacles into stepping stones. I consistently use positive self-talk as a tool to develop a growth mindset when I come up with obstacles.
• For Organisations: Foster a culture where mistakes are openly discussed without fear. Regular debriefs encourage team members to be transparent about challenges and help identify ways to avoid similar issues in the future.

A growth mindset keeps momentum going, helping you focus on progress instead of dwelling on setbacks.

5. Build an Accountability System

Accountability is a powerful motivator that adds external reinforcement to your internal commitment. Sharing your goals or working with a partner ensures you’re more likely to stay on track.

• For Individuals: Share your goals with a friend or family member who can encourage you along the way. Personally, I’ve found that involving someone else keeps me more disciplined, especially when motivation is low. The key is choosing someone you respect.
• For Organisations: Leaders should hold regular check-ins to review team goals, ensuring that progress aligns with broader company objectives. These touchpoints foster collective accountability and support. Leaders should also use this opportunity to nurture and coach team members not to intimidate.
• For Projects: Regular peer review sessions where team members update each other on progress keep everyone committed to the project’s success.

Accountability not only reinforces commitment but also creates a support system that can lift you during challenging times.

6. Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrating small wins along the way reinforces positive behaviour, boosting motivation and morale. Acknowledging progress, no matter how minor, helps to keep the journey enjoyable.

• For Individuals: I make it a point to reward myself when I reach a small milestone. These celebrations don’t have to be extravagant—sometimes it’s as simple as taking a relaxing break or treating myself to my wife’s ‘Jollof’. I guess you now have to google Jollof!
• For Organisations: Acknowledge team achievements publicly, whether through an email or a brief celebratory meeting. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture of appreciation.
• For Projects: Celebrate project milestones with the team to keep spirits high. Recognition, even in small doses, strengthens commitment and unity.

Small celebrations of progress encourage a positive mindset, fuelling the momentum that keeps everyone engaged.

Conclusion: Keep Moving Forward

Momentum isn’t about huge leaps but about taking small, consistent steps that build upon each other. By starting with micro-habits, establishing routines, tracking progress, and celebrating achievements, you set a foundation for continuous growth. Remember, consistency matters more than perfection. Keep pushing forward, stay committed to your goals, and let the power of momentum drive you to success in 2025.

References

1. Unchained: Success Unlocked – Proven Framework for Achieving Your Goals* by Clement Kwegyir-Afful.
2. Duke University Research on Habit Formation.
3. Psychology Today, “Keeping Score: Why Tracking Progress Fuels Success”.
4. Intelligent Change, “Why Habit Tracking Works”.
5. Berkeley Well-Being Institute, “Habit Tracking: Definition, Examples, & Tips”.