As the calendar flips to a new year, the air is filled with excitement, optimism, and a desire for change.

It's the perfect time to reflect on what went well, what could improve, and what to leave behind.

If you're like me, this process of reviewing the past year sets the tone for a more intentional and productive year ahead.

While 2024 was great for me, I didn't hit all my goals—but that's okay. I will share more about my 2024 in a separate email; progress is what matters, not perfection.

Inspired by Ali Abdaal's book Feel Good Productive, I've adopted five habits I'm confident can make 2025 your most productive and fulfilling year yet. Ali is the only productivity guru I follow, and I have tried as much as I can to distil some of his advice, practise it, and decide to share it with you.

Let's dive in.

Habit 1: Ditch Annual Goals for Quarterly Quests

Annual goals often feel overwhelming and distant, making it easy to lose focus. Instead, break your year into four quarters and set specific goals for the next 90 days.

This approach, known as "Quarterly Quests," as coined by Ali Abdaal, makes your goals more tangible and easier to track.

For instance, if you dream of writing a book, divide it into quarters:
Write the first chapter in the first 90 days, the following chapters in subsequent quarters, and so on.
This method ensures progress without feeling like you're endlessly pushing goals into the future. Plus, it's easy to reassess and pivot if needed.

Quick break 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

Habit 2: Embrace the Weekly Review

Productivity experts swear by the power of a weekly review—and for good reason.
This habit helps you stay aligned with your quarterly goals while celebrating small wins along the way.

Set aside time every week to:

• Review how the past week went.

• Revisit your quarterly goals and check your progress.

• Write down the top three priorities for the upcoming week.

This simple exercise keeps you grounded and focused, ensuring you don't stray from your goals. And don't forget to celebrate your wins—you deserve it!

Habit 3: Start Your Day with a Morning Manifesto

A "Morning Manifesto" is a quick, 1-2 minute journaling exercise to set daily intentions. Use prompts like:

• "What are my top three priorities for the week, and how am I progressing?"

• "What's today's adventure?"

Framing your tasks as an adventure makes work feel less like a grind and more like an opportunity to grow.
Reconnecting with your weekly priorities every morning will help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Consistently practicing this micro-habit can create monumental changes in your life over time.

Habit 4: Track Your Focus with a Log

Do you ever feel like you worked all day but accomplished nothing?

That's where a focus log comes in.

This habit involves tracking the time you spend in a focused state, whether manually or using tools like timers. Documenting your hours helps you identify patterns and make adjustments.

For instance, you might notice you're most productive in the mornings or that inevitable distractions consume more time than you realise. Logging your focus hours will boost your productivity and self-awareness.

Habit 5: Schedule Standing Social Events

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to neglect your social connections. Combat this by creating a standing weekly social event. Whether it's a coffee date, dinner with friends, or a game night, consistency is key.

Send out recurring calendar invites to friends, family, or colleagues, and commit to showing up. These regular touchpoints will strengthen your relationships and bring more joy into your life.

After all, productivity isn't just about work—it's about creating a fulfilling, balanced life, and it has to feel good.

Tiny Habits, Big Results

Success doesn't come from grand gestures; it's built on small, consistent actions. By adopting these five habits, you'll prepare for a year of growth, focus, and connection.

Remember, the key isn't to be perfect—it's to show up and try.

Imagine where you'll be by the end of 2025 if you start today.

Let's make this your best year yet!

PS: Click here to sign up for the next quarterly productivity planning workshop.

John Iseghohi