As 2024 comes to a close, many of us start thinking about the new year ahead. We begin setting our resolutions, dreaming about what we want to achieve, and envisioning the changes we’d like to see in our lives.
But how often do these resolutions actually stick? And how many times do we find ourselves overwhelmed by the pressure to do more?
This year, I’ve been reflecting on a more intentional approach to goal-setting. It’s not about resolutions that are tied to external expectations or perfection, but about setting clear, meaningful intentions that align with our true values.
One framework that has helped me focus on what truly matters is the 9-6-3 Mantra, a tool I created to simplify goal-setting and achieve greater fulfillment.
WHY RESOLUTIONS OFTEN FAIL: THE CYCLE OF OVERWHELM
New Year’s resolutions often fail because they tend to be overly ambitious, too vague, or too focused on external achievements.
We set ourselves up for disappointment by creating long lists of things to do, without clear direction or a sense of purpose.
The truth is, resolution-setting isn’t about doing more—it’s about being intentional with less.
Instead of aiming for a long list of accomplishments, the 9-6-3 Mantra helps you focus on what’s truly important by breaking down your goals into manageable steps and celebrating progress along the way.
HOW THE 9-6-3 MANTRA CAN HELP YOU DEFINE YOUR RESOLUTIONS
1. START WITH 3 KEY FOCUS AREAS
Instead of a long list of resolutions, choose three key areas of your life that you want to focus on in 2025.
These should be aligned with your core values and the person you want to become.
What truly matters to you?
These areas might include personal growth, relationships, health, career, or contribution to the community.
2. BREAK THEM DOWN INTO 6 ACHIEVABLE TASKS
Once you’ve defined your 3 main focus areas, break them down into 6 key tasks that will help you move closer to each of these goals.
These tasks should be actionable, measurable, and linked to each of your focus areas.
For example, if one of your resolutions is to improve health, one of your tasks might be committing to a regular exercise routine.
3. CELEBRATE 9 MILESTONES ALONG THE WAY
The 9-6-3 Mantra encourages you to celebrate your progress.
You don’t have to wait until you’ve achieved your final goal to feel accomplished.
Create 9 milestones to track your progress and celebrate every small win along the way. This helps to keep you motivated and focused, even when the going gets tough.
HOW THE 9-6-3 MANTRA HELPS YOU STAY ON TRACK
The beauty of the 9-6-3 Mantra is its simplicity and focus.
It removes the overwhelm of trying to accomplish everything at once and keeps you grounded in what truly matters.
By focusing on 3 main goals, breaking them down into 6 tasks, and celebrating 9 milestones, you can achieve more while staying true to your values.
DOWNLOAD THE 9-6-3 BLUEPRINT
As we head into the new year, I want to invite you to use the 9-6-3 Mantra as a tool to define your resolutions for 2025.
I’ve created a simple blueprint that will guide you through the process of setting meaningful and intentional goals. This guide is designed to help you achieve your resolutions without burnout, by focusing on what’s truly important.
Final Thoughts
This year, let’s make our resolutions about purposeful living rather than just ticking off boxes. The 9-6-3 Mantra has helped me stay focused on what truly matters, and
I believe it can help you too. As we step into 2025, let’s set resolutions that are aligned with our core values, and create a path that allows us to celebrate every step along the way.
“True happiness is created when we set meaningful resolutions, align our actions with purpose, and appreciate the journey along the way.”
— Sagar Amlani
