Bingo Goal Setting: Finding Joy in 2025

Rediscover Joy Through Intentional Bingo Goal Setting

This year, my family and I decided to approach New Year’s resolutions a little differently: we created BINGO cards filled with goals for the year ahead. I came across this idea on TikTok (my TikTok addiction is real—but that’s a blog post for another day). The concept is simple: instead of lofty, often overwhelming resolutions, you fill a bingo card with achievable goals and cross them off as you complete the

m. I was even interviewed by the local news about resolutions and had an opportunity to share this idea with all of Indianapolis. 

Creating our 2025 bingo cards—markers, creativity, and family fun in full swing.

Creating our bingo cards took me back to my birthday last year. My friends and I went to a local bingo hall for the first time, and let me tell you—the (mostly) women in that room were serious about their bingo. They had dot markers, multiple boards going at once, and an understanding of the game that I didn’t know was possible. I had to sit out for entire rounds because I got lost in the chaos of my mismarked boards. Despite my learning curve, it was a fun experience, and I’m itching to go again.

I tried to retain that same lighthearted energy as I created my 2025 BINGO card and filled it with goals that aren’t about reinventing myself but about sparking joy and creating meaningful experiences. This bingo goal setting approach has helped me focus on fun, intentional goals that bring happiness to my everyday life.

Here Are Some of My 2025 Bingo Goals

Date Nights with My Husband: Twice on my card, I’ve listed date nights with my husband. My hope is to go on more than just two this year, but these spaces are my way of prioritizing intentional time together. I’m aiming for less of the impromptu “the kids are at their grandparents, so let’s watch a movie on the couch” nights and more planned, meaningful outings where we truly enjoy each other’s company. (Do you hear that, Ian??)

Solo Date Nights with My Kids: I’ve also included one-on-one date nights with each of my kids. My daughter and I tend to run errands or hang out together often, but I haven’t had as many opportunities to spend intentional time with my son. This year, I want to change that. These solo dates will give us the chance to connect, talk, and get to know each other better in ways we don’t always get to in the day-to-day.

Take a Dance Class: Another goal I’m particularly excited about is taking a dance class. What kind of dance class? I have no idea—I haven’t thought that far ahead. I just know that I’m happiest when dance is a part of my life. Over the years, I’ve tried to substitute dance with other forms of exercise and movement, but it’s not the same. There’s something about moving to music that gives me joy. I miss it, and I’m committed to finding opportunities to dance in 2025.

My completed 2025 bingo cards.

Practicing Sobriety: Here’s where I get a little more vulnerable. Sobriety is another goal on my 2025 bingo card. I’m working to shake the stigma and shame that comes with sharing this part of my life. Over the past year and a half, I realized I’d been turning to escapes—whether at the end of a long day or when challenges felt too big to handle. But I don’t want to escape anymore. I want to learn how to face life’s hard moments without a filter.

I have so much gratitude for the ways I cared for myself when feeling was difficult, but I’m ready to let go of the vices and learn to truly feel again. I’ve added spaces on my card to mark six months and one year of sobriety. I’m already more than a month in, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself.

Shifting My Focus: The Journey as the Reward

If you’ve read any of my earlier blog posts, you might notice a recurring theme: I’m actively trying to let go of the pressure to constantly achieve or perform. Instead, I’m focusing on accepting myself as I am while still embracing the joy of setting goals, learning, and trying new things.

I’m resisting the urge to tie my self-worth or happiness to the outcome of these goals. Instead, I’m learning to let the experiences themselves be the reward. The process, the moments of joy, and the growth along the way—those are what matter most.

Your Turn: 

What’s on Your Bingo Card? What are your goals for 2025?