Some people live the same year 50 times over and call it a life. If you want this year to outshine the last, you need to create the change you desire. Growth, transformation, and progress should be visible in our lives. So, what often holds us back?

Habits, comfort, excuses, and inaction. These barriers, when examined, are surprisingly easy to dismantle. Comfort, while tempting, can become a trap. Seek comfort in your personal life, at home, and in relationships, but in your career and self-growth, always choose the challenge.

Excuses stem from the stories we tell ourselves. It’s not about what you say to others; it’s about what you do with integrity. Stop justifying inaction or empty promises – it only undermines your potential.

Inaction is the next hurdle. When your words and actions don’t align, it’s a sign you’re not yet the person you aim to be. Your actions are the steps that bridge the gap. It’s as simple as that.

Finally, our habits shape not just us but also our lives. Small comforts and instant gratifications can lead to significant costs down the road. Habits are powerful; they create structure and routine. But if your habits are dragging you down, it’s time for a shake-up.

Self-Assessment

Looking back at last year, I made significant changes. I approached my goals differently. Rather than setting goals for 2024, I focused on intentionality and chose five guiding values to shape my year.

1. Commitment: As a Gemini, I’ve often been seen as noncommittal, but I set out to prove otherwise. My mother used to call me a short-distance runner because I would pivot frequently. In 2024, I fully committed to creating a new path and stuck with it.

2. Consistency: Success demanded consistency. I promised myself to stay consistent in everything – from my diet and workouts to learning and self-care. This energy of consistency transformed every aspect of my life.

3. Creativity: Creativity, like curiosity, is a hallmark of intelligence often overlooked. I embraced creativity to balance my commitment and consistency, allowing space for innovation and self-expression.

4. Balance and Wellbeing: I prioritized my wellbeing, getting into the best shape of my life, adopting healthy routines, and embracing healing practices like hypnotherapy and meditation. This elevated me mentally and spiritually.

5. Pleasure: Pleasure, like creativity, is unpredictable but essential. We often forget to savor life’s small joys. Pleasure as a value means pausing to indulge in the things that make you feel alive.

Change

How did it all unfold? Last year was transformative. It wasn’t about meeting a checklist but about rising to a new energetic level daily. Fulfillment became a daily experience rather than a conditional one.

By embodying these values through action, I brought meaningful change to my life. I truly made 2024 count and am eager to do the same for 2025.

Dreaming Big

Why do we find it so hard to dream big but so easy to find reasons why our dreams won’t work? It’s easier to cling to the familiar than to venture into the unknown. For much of 2024, I faced the unknown, enduring uncertainty, and exercising patience. It was draining but ultimately rewarding.

Now, nothing feels impossible. I’ve seen how far commitment and consistency can take me. As 2025 begins, it’s time to dream even bigger and create even greater things – things that reaffirm the power of my vision and actions. This year, I’ll pick new values that will guide me toward even greater fulfillment.