A new year always brings a fresh sense of possibility. It’s a time to reflect on lessons learned, set new intentions, and establish better habits. But let’s be real—January can also feel overwhelming. Social media is flooded with goal-setting trends, productivity hacks, and vision board aesthetics. And while all of that can be inspiring, I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to start strong is by doing the opposite—resting.

I don’t know what kind of 2024 you had, but ours was nothing like we planned. By the time December 31st rolled around, we barely had the energy to make vision boards, let alone fill out our Big-A## Calendar by Jesse Itzler for the new year. And that’s when we realized: rest is an underrated hack for making better financial and life decisions.

If you’re serious about making progress with your money this year, the first step isn’t just setting goals. It’s making sure you have the energy, clarity, and mindset to follow through. And sometimes, that starts with giving yourself permission to rest.

Step 1: Plan to Rest for Financial Success

Did you know that 68% of people wish they had more rest? A study by Durham University found that some of the most restful activities include reading, spending time in nature, being alone, listening to music, and simply doing nothing.

So why does this matter? Because rest directly impacts your mental health, and your mental health affects everything—your planning, decision-making, and overall ability to follow through on your goals.

When January rolled around, we almost jumped on the bandwagon of goal-setting workshops and vision board masterclasses (which, let’s be honest, are everywhere that time of year). But instead, we chose to pause.

We spent the month binging Yellowstone, catching up with family, and taking a much-needed trip back to our old home in Miami. I finally completed a certification I had been putting off for years, and Gabe soaked up the city he loves—eating at our favorite spots, reconnecting with friends, and walking along the beach.

It was exactly what we needed to reset our minds and hearts for another year.

Now, you may not be in a position to take a trip or step away for an extended break, but we encourage you to schedule time with no to-do list, no expectations of productivity, and no plan. Giving yourself permission to rest will set you up for success in ways you might not expect—especially as we move into Step 2.

Step 2: Get Clear on Your Money Goals

Early in my career, I had no money plan. No money goals. Nothing. Gabe and I often reflect on how we wish we had invested more, saved more, bought real estate sooner, and been more disciplined with our spending. But we can’t change the past. What we can do is learn from our experiences and urge you to do what we didn’t—set clear goals, make a plan, and stick to it.

You might be in the same place we were—feeling unsure of where to start. Or maybe you have a rough idea of what you want to accomplish. You could even be crystal clear on your financial goals. No matter where you are, getting specific is what turns ideas into results.

Here’s the difference between vague goals that don’t drive action and clear goals that do:

🚫 Vague goals that lack meaning and commitment:

• "I want to save more."
• "I want to start investing."
• "I want to spend less."
• "I want to save to buy a house."

✅ Clear, action-oriented goals that lead to real progress:

• "I want to save $200 per paycheck this year."
• "I want to open a brokerage account and invest $500 a month."
• "I want to build a realistic budget and review my expenses on the 15th and last day of each month."
• "I want to save $10,000 to buy a house in 2026."

See the difference? One is a wish. The other is a real plan.

Consider These Categories When Setting Your Goals:

🔹 Short-term goals (0-1 year): Paying off credit card debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for a vacation.
🔹 Mid-term goals (1-5 years): Buying a home, starting a business, or investing in professional development.
🔹 Long-term goals (5+ years): Retirement savings, wealth building, or legacy planning.

One of our coaching clients came to us with significant debt from COVID. He had already created a detailed repayment plan but needed accountability to stick to it. After a year of working together, he paid off his debt completely.

That’s the key. Be specific. Get the accountability you need. And accomplish your goal.

Step 3: Shift Your Mindset for Financial Success

One of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of progress—whether financial, professional, or personal—is the fact that our minds don’t always tell us the truth. They reinforce what we already believe. The toughest part about this is that often, you don’t even know what you don’t know.

To move forward, it’s crucial to take time to reflect and examine your beliefs. How are they shaping your mindset? And more importantly, how is your mindset influencing your lifestyle, your decision-making, and your behaviors—especially when it comes to spending and saving?

Your mindset around money is just as important as the strategies you put into place to build wealth. If you believe money is scarce or that you’re “bad with money,” building wealth will be an uphill battle. But here’s the good news: it’s possible to shift to a more empowering mindset. By embracing a growth mindset, you can start to focus on learning, discipline, and long-term thinking—qualities that truly set you up for success.

Strategies to shift your mindset:

• Practice gratitude for what you have: A scarcity mindset tends to focus on what’s missing. An abundance mindset, on the other hand, helps you appreciate what you’ve got and creates space to attract more opportunities.
• Reframe financial mistakes as learning experiences: Mistakes happen. What matters is how you learn from them and grow. Every setback is an opportunity to do better next time.
• Visualize your success: Picture where you want to be financially. Create a vision board or write a letter to your future self about your financial achievements. Visualization can be a powerful tool for staying focused on your goals.

I’ll be the first to admit that my own money mindset is constantly a work in progress. It’s easy to slip back into old habits or get caught up in the anxiety of the constant news cycle.

Just this past week, Gabe and I had our routine Money Monday session. I wasn’t really looking forward to it—mainly because I was feeling overwhelmed by all the bills, expenses, and upcoming costs. But you know what happened when we sat down? I felt a huge sense of relief. The anxiety melted away, and I got a lot of clarity on where we were and what our plan for the next month was.

The key takeaway? Most of the time, we just have to get out of our own way.

Step 4: Build Systems, Not Just Goals

"Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets." So, if you’re not happy with the outcomes you’re seeing, it’s time to change the system.

A system is simply a way of doing things. For example, health experts often advise people who want to lose weight to stop buying junk food or keeping chips in the house. By changing the environment, you make it easier to avoid unhealthy choices. The same logic applies to your finances. Maybe delete your shopping apps for a while or create a list of criteria each purchase needs to meet in order to pull the trigger. 

Whatever your goals are, you need a plan. You need systems that make saving, investing, and planning for retirement automatic—so you don’t have to think twice about it. Think of it like this: how easy is it to just go out to eat when you’ve got food in the fridge, but no idea what you want to cook? Systems help you create habits and develop an execution plan that works without requiring extra mental effort.

Automate saving and investing. If you’re procrastinating, stop reading this and do it now. Log in to your bank and brokerage account and set it up. It’ll take you less than 10 minutes to do both.

Schedule “Money Monday” or your version of it. Create a recurring weekly event to check in on your finances and make adjustments. Trust me, this will reduce stress and anxiety and put more power back in your hands.

Be disciplined. Stay on course. Don’t let yourself fall into old thought patterns that undo all the hard work you’ve done. Systems of thinking are just as important as practical systems.

Goals set the direction, but systems create progress. Instead of relying on willpower alone, automate and structure your finances to ensure success.

Step 5: Surround Yourself with the Right Community

I’ve been training in a methodology called Functional Patterns since 2021. After recovering from hip surgery and dealing with multiple injuries, this training saved me from a life of pain. The thing is, this method is still pretty niche, and it’s hard to find people who are as passionate about it as I am.

For a while, I was the only one in my immediate circle doing it, which made the journey harder. But this last weekend, I got certified to train in Functional Patterns, and it was incredible to be surrounded by like-minded people who shared my enthusiasm. I found myself in my own personal sanctuary—having fun, giving and receiving feedback, learning new techniques, and making new friends. When I left, I was not only more motivated but also equipped with better tools to improve my workouts and get closer to my goals.

The value of a community of like-minded people is truly priceless. It’s something that’s hard to replicate, and it has the power to turn a slow start into rapid progress.

The same holds true for your financial journey. Achieving financial success isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about who you surround yourself with. A supportive community can keep you accountable, motivated, and inspired, turning your financial goals into achievable milestones.

Ways to build a financial support system:

• Join a financial community: Find groups like the Financial Fit Club, where people are working toward similar goals.
• Work with a financial coach: A coach provides guidance, accountability, and encouragement along the way.
• Have money conversations with friends and family: Normalize talking about money, goals, and progress. It makes it easier to stay on track.
• Follow financial educators: Engage with content that keeps you informed and inspired. It can fuel your motivation and keep you grounded.

Just like in my training journey, the right community will not only make the process easier but accelerate your growth. Whether you’re focused on improving your financial health or training for a personal goal, surrounding yourself with a supportive group can be the key to success.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Now

To sum it up, setting and achieving your money goals in 2025 isn’t just about making resolutions—it’s about creating the right environment for success.

1. Plan to Rest: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being to lay a solid foundation for achieving your financial goals. Rest is a powerful tool that can reset your mind and give you the clarity needed to make better decisions.
2. Get Clear on Your Money Goals: Define specific, measurable goals that give you a clear direction. Break them into short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals to stay focused and make steady progress. Need help? Download our Master Your Money & Design Your Life Playbook!
3. Shift Your Mindset: Cultivate a growth mindset that empowers you to embrace challenges as learning opportunities and stay focused on long-term financial success.
4. Build Systems, Not Just Goals: Automate your finances, create systems that support your goals, and schedule regular check-ins to ensure consistent progress.
5. Surround Yourself with the Right Community: Whether through a financial community, a coach, or conversations with like-minded friends and family, the right support system can keep you motivated and accountable.

If you're ready to take control of your financial future, we invite you to join our free community where we share valuable insights, tips, and support to help you succeed. Or, if you're looking for personalized guidance, book a free 1:1 discovery call with us to start your journey today!

2025 is yours to conquer—let's make it happen together!