• Free Printable Goal Lists to Plan Your Best Year

    The start of a new year is an exciting time to dream big and make plans to turn those dreams into reality. Today, I’m thrilled to share two printable goal lists that will help you focus on your aspirations for 2025.

    Two types of goal list printable templates

    For me, the start of a new year feels like a clean slate. It’s a chance to look back on the past year, celebrate what worked, and plan meaningful changes for the future. Writing down your goals and making actionable plans is an incredible way to set your intentions. To help, I’m sharing two goal lists you can use—pick the one that suits you best or give both a try!

    The Sections Goal List

    Printable goal list template

    This display-worthy goal list features ten beautifully hand-illustrated frames to highlight your aspirations. Start by drafting your ten goals on a separate sheet of paper, then use elegant hand-lettering or calligraphy to bring them to life within the frames. It’s the perfect way to turn your goals into an inspiring visual display!

    Partially filled goal list
    If you plan to write calligraphy on this goal list, it’s a good idea to print it off on calligraphy-friendly paper. 32# HP Premium laserjet (shown here) is a good choice, as is 80# drawing paper that’s been cut to fit your printer.

    Once you’re finished, put your goal list somewhere where it will be visible to you every day. The constant reminder will go a long way in providing motivation throughout the year!


    The Plan It Goal List

    The Plan It goal list is for those who want to plan out exactly how to achieve each goal. This is more a worksheet than a list, and it asks you to really think about why the goal matters. Then, you’ll outline the steps you’ll take to get there, and you’ll plan how to track your progress.

    A goal list worksheet

    This goal list is a guiding framework for turning your dreams into reality. By highlighting the importance of planning and progress, it helps you see how achievements grow from consistent effort. And with built-in encouragement to reward yourself for small wins, it ensures your journey stays joyful and motivating.

    Cursive writing inside a goal list

    Below is an example of what your filled-out Plan It list might look like. Print out as many of these lists as you want, and keep them in a place where you can easily access them throughout the year. Remember, stick to your plans, and you’ll go far in achieving your goals!

    Filled-out goal list
    Fill out as many “Plan It” goal lists as you need to!

    Feel free to use today’s goal lists in whatever way works best for you. You might fill out just one, or use the Sections goal list for your big-picture aspirations and the Plan It goal list to map out how to achieve them. It’s all about finding what’s most effective for you! And if these don’t quite fit your needs, you can check out the many goal list templates on the TPK website. Reader favorites include:


    How to Set Meaningful, Attainable Goals for 2025

    The beginning of a new year is a time of fresh starts and big ambitions. Whether you’re aiming to learn calligraphy, pick up a paintbrush, or improve your overall mental health, setting thoughtful goals can make all the difference. Here are some strategies to ensure your goals enrich your life and set you up for success:

    1. Choose Goals That Add Enrichment to Your Life

    Your goals should bring you joy and enhance your overall happiness. Before committing to a goal, ask yourself how it will add value to your life. For instance, learning calligraphy might help you save money and add a personal touch by addressing your (or a family member’s) wedding invitations. Alternatively, it could become a relaxing escape after stressful days. Identifying clear, meaningful reasons behind your goals will motivate you to stay on track.

    More Calming Calligraphy Drills
    Many people begin learning calligraphy for the calming, mental health-boosting challenge that it offers. Try filling out calligraphy drills next time you need to relax!

    2. Make Your Goals Attainable

    Big changes are exciting, but they can be overwhelming if approached all at once. Instead of a complete lifestyle overhaul, focus on small, achievable steps. For example, if your goal is to learn watercolor painting, start with the basics: practice painting spheres and cones, then graduate to simple projects like watercolor wreaths. Small wins build confidence and momentum. (Tip: If learning watercolor is one of your goals, The Ultimate Beginner’s Watercolor Course is designed to build up your skills in small increments.)

    Painting with Watercolors for Beginners
    Building blocks are they key to achieving your goals! Plan out the small steps that you’ll take to reach your achievements.

    3. Be Specific

    Ambiguous goals like “be more creative” are difficult to track. Instead, aim for measurable objectives, such as completing one creative project per month. This approach keeps you motivated by offering a tangible sense of accomplishment. One of my goals this year, for example, is to make at least one piece of mail art every month. So, instead of “make more mail art”, my goal list says, “make one mail art envelope per month”.

    A Mail Art Geek Out Session
    One of my goals is to make more mail art this year, which I’ve quantified on my goal list.

    If taking on more creative projects is one of your goals, remember that there are hundreds of tutorials on the TPK Blog (which you have exclusive access to as a Premium member). You can browse them by clicking the button below!

    4. Reflect and Ask Yourself Inspiring Questions

    Goal-setting is personal, but a little inspiration can go a long way. Consider these prompts as you plan:

    • What new skills or hobbies do you want to explore? Calligraphy, watercolor painting, or Procreate might be great starting points.
    • What aspects of your life would you like to change (career, emotional well-being, physical health)?
    • Imagine it’s December 31, 2025. What accomplishments would make you proud?
    • What small, daily habits could improve your happiness? (For example, making your bed or tidying your workspace.)
    An artist/calligrapher's workspace in 2024
    One big 2025 goal of mine is to keep my workspace clean and tidy. Rarely does it actually look like this!

    One last piece of advice: hold on to your goal lists. They transform into meaningful time capsules, giving you a snapshot of your life when you made them. Looking back at mine, I feel proud of the progress I’ve made, motivated to revisit unfinished dreams, and grateful for the connection to my past self.

    The sketchbook includes a variety of different styles and content themes. Not every page is incredibly polished, which I believe adds to the appeal and rawness of this eBook.
    This 2013 goal list reflects a change in my artistic style, my circumstances, and my priorities.

    Here’s to a happy, healthy, and creative 2025! I’m wishing you the very best, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of TPK.

    Warmly,