Kickstart the New Year: Set Transformational Goals Using Design Thinking

This year, move beyond resolutions—create actionable plans with design thinking.

As the New Year begins, many of us set resolutions that often fall by the wayside by February. But what if you approached your goals differently? Instead of vague aspirations, design thinking offers a practical framework to reframe, map, and test your ambitions, helping you create meaningful and achievable plans for transformation.

Reframe Your Goals with "How Might We" Questions

Design thinking starts with curiosity and a willingness to see challenges in a new light. One powerful tool is the “How Might We” (HMW) question. This method reframes goals into opportunities for creative solutions. For example:

• Instead of saying, "I want to exercise more," try asking, "How might I make exercise an enjoyable part of my daily routine?"
• Replace "I want to save money" with "How might I spend smarter and prioritize savings without sacrificing joy?"

HMW questions open up new pathways for achieving goals by shifting focus from problems to possibilities.

Map Your Challenges and Opportunities

Journey mapping is another design thinking tool that helps you visualize the steps and hurdles in achieving your goals. Begin by outlining your current state, the desired future state, and the journey in between. Ask yourself:

• What actions do you need to take?
• What obstacles might arise, and how can you prepare for them?
• What resources or support could make the process smoother?

This exercise provides a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead, helping you plan more effectively.

Test Your Strategies with Small Experiments

Before diving into a big, ambitious goal, test your approach with small experiments. This aligns with the iterative nature of design thinking—start with a prototype and refine it based on feedback. For example:

• If your goal is to eat healthier, experiment with one new recipe a week instead of overhauling your entire diet.
• Want to improve your time management? Try using a new scheduling tool for a week and evaluate its impact.

These low-risk experiments allow you to learn what works, adjust your strategies, and build confidence as you move forward.

Your Next Step: Take Action with Our Free Worksheet

Ready to kickstart your transformational goals? Download our free worksheet: "Design Thinking for Goal Setting: A Step-by-Step Guide." This resource will guide you through crafting “How Might We” questions, journey mapping your goals, and planning small experiments to bring your vision to life.

By applying design thinking principles to your New Year’s goals, you can move beyond resolutions and create a roadmap for lasting success. Here’s to making 2025 your most innovative year yet!