10 Goals for Growth for 2025

By Mandy Silverberg

Mandy Silverberg offers goal setting tips for communicators to grow personally and professional in 2025.

Looking to grow professionally and personally in 2025? Start with setting new goals for growth for yourself. Whether you want to improve your financial wellbeing, commit to healthy living, make more time for family and friends or apply for that promotion you’ve been eyeing, if you write your goals down, you’re more likely to start them.

30 per cent of Canadians keep their goals by making New Year’s resolutions. Be a part of that 30 per cent and pull some inspiration from the list of 10 goals that can foster growth to set yourself up for a successful 2025.

1. Prioritize lifelong learning

As we evolve in our careers so does the industry we work in. Staying connected to your network and committing to lifelong learning is a goal you can have the rest of your life. For 2025, consider upskilling by signing up for an IABC webinar, completing an online certification or picking up some new books on how to improve as a communicator. Consider whether an IABC certification is right for you. When you commit to diversifying your skill set it can help inspire your creativity by taking the lessons you learn and applying it your role as a communicator.

2. Master your digital literacy

We’re in an industry that is embracing new technologies and incorporating them in our work. Digital communications, digital marketing, Slack, Teams channels, social media engagement and webinars continue to replace in-person communications. Digital tools such as AI, automation, or social media management software like Hootsuite or graphic design software like Canva, are becoming the bread and butter of our profession.  Make 2025 a year to master new technologies.

3. Find a mentor or become one

Having a mentor can be a rewarding process that can guide you in your personal or professional growth. Whether it’s looking for career advice, or developing specific skills, think about the role you would like your mentor to play. IABC Toronto has a mentorship program that is open to members and will match you based on your application. You can also search your existing network and reach out to someone who has experience in the areas that you’re looking to develop.

If you have experience in the field, consider becoming a mentor to help develop the skills of the next generation of communicators.

4. Expand your network

Expanding your network involves genuine relationship building with a strategic effort to meet new people in your industry in-person and online. You can build your network by reconnecting with past colleagues, asking for new introductions and attending networking events. With the help of IABC Toronto, sign-up for upcoming events that help you expand your network

5. Adopt a growth mindset

A growth mindset is a powerful tool for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. It’s the belief that your most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This involves thinking of setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures and embracing new challenges as opportunities. By shifting your focus from a fixed to a growth mindset, you can use challenges to help you grow and try new things.

6. Update your portfolio

Whether you’re a corporate communications professional or a freelancer, building a compelling portfolio will show the breadth of your work and experience. Personalize your portfolio to highlight the work that you do in your current industry or one that you’re looking to transition to. If you’re looking to expand your portfolio, volunteering either with IABC Toronto or another organization you’re passionate about, can show the variety of work that you do.

7. Pick up a new creative or active hobby

Picking up a new hobby can be an enriching way to explore new interests. Reflect on what sparks joy, think about what you are naturally drawn to. Do you love hobbies that are more physical (running, swimming or dancing) or do you lean towards creative hobbies (drawing, painting or singing)? Consider your current lifestyle and what you can take on while balancing other things in your life. Find a new hobby that fits your lifestyle.

8. Improve your financial wellness

More Canadians are thinking about their personal finances. In 2023, over two-thirds of Canadians made financial goals for themselves in response to cost of living concerns. Just like your physical and mental wellness, feeling financially secure is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. Understanding your relationship with money is important because it makes you feel empowered to take care of it. This can include knowing how to budget, understanding what your investment style is, managing your debt and retirement planning. Click here to learn more about managing your finances.

9. Enhance your mental and physical health

Mental and physical health is part of your overall wellbeing. Finding ways to reduce stress such as practising mindfulness, expressing gratitude and committing to a work-life blend that works for you can help you build resilience and cope with the stresses of everyday life. If you’re feeling stressed about work, family or finances, ensure you make the time for your mental and physical health.

10. Enhance sustainability practices

As we see the effects of climate change continue to impact the planet, sustainability is no longer optional but a critical responsibility for all of us even at the individual level. Try to integrate sustainable practices in your daily life. Even small changes can make a difference, such as minimizing your consumption and waste, taking alternative methods of transportation to the office or upcycling your work wardrobe.  Committing to sustainable habits can help you commit to making the world a greener place to live.

Some tips for setting your goals include:

• Write your goals down.
• Ensure goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.
• Share your goals with a friend to ensure you’re more likely to meet them.