Every January, we dive into the new year with fresh motivation and big plans. But let’s be honest – how many of those resolutions are still going strong come February? Apparently less than 10% of us stick to our new year goals. Why? Because too often, they get lost in notebooks, buried in phone notes, or abandoned because they’re too ambitious or life gets in the way. But what if keeping your goals wasn’t about rigid to-do lists? What if it was fun, flexible, and even exciting?
Even as adults, things that are fun and exciting are easier to keep to. By turning your goals into a game, you might just find it easier to keep to them. So here’s why and how we’re setting our new year visions and goals into a bingo card.
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Why Bingo Beats a ListHow to Create Your 2025 Bingo Card20 Ideas to Kickstart Your Bingo CardWhy It Works
Why Bingo Beats a List
We’ve all been there: you start the year with a long list of resolutions that feel inspiring at first but quickly become overwhelming. Bingo flips that script by turning your goals into something visual, engaging, and – most importantly – fun. Here’s why it works:
- Visual Progress: Instead of a static list, you’ve got a Bingo card to interact with that you can easily stick on a wall or board. Crossing off a box feels satisfying, like ticking off a challenge in a game.
- Excitement Factor: It’s Bingo! There’s an inherent thrill in trying to get a row, column, or get the big bingo. You’re working towards small wins along the way.
- No Guilt: Missed a goal? No biggie. You simply roll it over to your next Bingo card. There’s no “failing” here, just ongoing progress.
- Flexibility: Fill your card with a mix of mini-goals (quick wins) and bigger ambitions. This way, it stays exciting and achievable.
Not keeping to your goals because they’re too ambitious? Why you should try setting “Goldilocks Goals”
How to Create Your 2025 Bingo Card
Getting started is easy, and the best part is that you can completely customise it to fit your lifestyle and goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Pick a Theme
Decide what kind of goals you want to focus on. Maybe you create a bingo card for each quadrant of life or perhaps you want a mix of hobbies, relationships, and personal growth.
- Brainstorm Goals
Fill your card with a variety of challenges and goals. Aim for a mix of easy wins (like reading 10 books) and more ambitious goals (like learning a new language).
- Design Your Card
You can find free templates online, draw your own on paper, or go digital with apps. Keep it simple or get creative with colours and themes. You can do mini cards with only 6 goals for each theme, or go big and do 25 goals across everything.
- Track Your Progress
Place your card somewhere visible – on the fridge, at your desk, or as your phone background. The more you see it, the more motivated you’ll be to tick off those boxes.
- Celebrate Milestones
Hit a Bingo (a full row, column, or diagonal)? Treat yourself! Whether it’s a small reward like a cosy night in or a big celebration, acknowledge your wins.
20 Ideas to Kickstart Your Bingo Card
Need some inspiration? Here’s a mix of simple and ambitious ideas to get you started:
- Read 10 books
- Run a half marathon
- Go on a girls/boys trip
- Go for a sunrise walk
- Practice a week of 5 minutes of daily meditation
- Learn to ski
- Buy more second hand
- Start a gratitude journal
- Unplug from your phone for 72 hours
- Go on a solo date
- Visit a new UK walking trail
- Save £XXX
- Do something I’ve never done before
- Load the dishwasher properly
- Reduce screen time by 1 hour a week
- Try a cold shower challenge for 3 days
- Yoga or stretching for 10 minutes a day
- Volunteer locally for one afternoon
- Visit a new country
- Run a 5km in less than XX
Why It Works
The beauty of the Bingo approach is that it ties progress to play. Unlike a traditional to-do list, there’s no all-or-nothing mindset. Every box you cross off is a win, and even if you don’t hit Bingo, you’re still moving forward. Plus, this method boosts positive personal growth: slowing down, being intentional, and focusing on the small, meaningful steps that lead to big changes.
Bingo also encourages you to live in the moment. By setting achievable, varied goals, you’re not just focusing on productivity – you’re making time for joy, curiosity, and connection.
This year, leave behind the guilt of abandoned resolutions and embrace a new way of setting goals. With Bingo, you’re not just making a plan – you’re creating a game that keeps you motivated and engaged all year long.
Grab a pen, brainstorm your goals, and start designing your 2025 Bingo card. Who knows? You might just make this your most intentional and exciting year yet.
