New Year, New Goals

Start the New Year by turning goal-setting into a fun family tradition. Set aside an afternoon or evening for a “Goal-Setting Party,” complete with snacks, music, posters, and colorful pens to get everyone excited and engaged. 

For younger kid, may set playful goals like “learning a new sports” Teenagers might be learning something new like photography. For young adults, the goals might focus on career aspirations like landing an internship. Parents can even join in and set their own goals.  

This isn’t about making huge, heavy resolutions—it’s about having fun while figuring out what everyone wants to achieve in 2025. If you are a newcomer family and would like to receive personalized settlement plans to help your family achieve settlement goals, please reach out to The YMCA Newcomer Information Centre. 

One of the best ways to get youth excited about the year ahead is by helping them create a “bucket list” of smaller, bite-sized “micro-goals” filled with fun and meaningful activities. 

Make it even more fun by helping your family choose programs together! For instance, if your family members are interested in arts, sports, hobbies, or camps, you can explore The City of Toronto’s Registered Recreation Activities Map. You can find day camps and recreational activities close to your home or work and register online. 

For older youth or adults, planning for the year might include developing job-related skills. You can contact The Career Foundation, which offers no-cost webinars, workshops, programs, one-on-one support from an Employment Specialist, and hiring events.  

By setting clear, fun challenges, you’ll make goal-setting feel more like an adventure rather than a task. 

Goal-setting is all about celebrating the journey, not just the destination. Don’t forget to celebrate every success—big or small! Once youth achieve their goals, it’s important to recognize their hard work.  

Parents can throw a mini celebration for completed goals, whether it’s a fun day out, a special treat, an outing, a high-five, or a family dinner. If you’re looking for some celebration ideas, you can check out The City of Toronto’s Festivals & Events Calendar. This calendar is designed to support citywide festivals, special events, and exhibits, keeping both visitors and residents informed about what’s happening in Toronto throughout the year.