A new year is a natural time to reflect on where your community is and where you want it to go. Here’s a framework for setting goals that actually drive progress.
Review Before You Plan
Before setting new goals, honestly assess the past year. What worked? What didn’t? Which goals did you hit, and which did you abandon? Understanding where you’ve been informs where you should go.
Focus on a Few Priorities
The communities that try to improve everything at once usually improve nothing. Pick two or three areas that will have the biggest impact and focus there. You can always add more priorities later.
Balance Growth and Depth
It’s tempting to focus entirely on member acquisition, but depth matters too. Consider goals around engagement, retention, and member satisfaction alongside growth targets.
Make Goals Measurable
“Grow the community” isn’t a goal—it’s a wish. “Add 50 new members while maintaining 90% retention” is a goal. Be specific enough that you’ll know whether you succeeded.
Build in Check-Ins
Annual goals are too distant for course correction. Set quarterly milestones so you can adjust strategy if things aren’t working.
Consider Sustainability
Every goal should pass the sustainability test: Can you maintain this? Goals that require unsustainable effort might produce short-term results but long-term burnout.
Start Before You’re Ready
Waiting for perfect conditions means waiting forever. Start working toward your goals now, even if circumstances aren’t ideal.
Planning your community’s 2026? Let’s talk about how FeralFrog can support your goals.