It’s 2025. I’m sure you already hear the same recycled “This is my year” “I’m going to lose weight” “This year is going to be different.” and so on and so forth. In the end, setting intentions is good, but they won't come to life if they’re not paired with good actions and tangibility. Here’s how you can have a better you this year and hold onto that promise for the next 12 months.
Learn about the art of resilience through challenges
Embrace discomfort this year. Yeah, discomfort is a fact of life for anyone and anybody. No matter where you are in life, there will be setbacks. You might have goals like wanting to lose weight, grow in your business, or maybe getting outside more. All of these things are achievable but they’re not going to be fun to do every day. We talk a lot about setting goals, but not enough about enduring the boring, repetitive process it takes to get there. Want to lose weight? You’re going to have to eat cleaner 80% of the time and start working out more even on days you don’t want to. Do you want more clients for your business? You’re going to have to start spending more time on outreach and putting yourself out there more. Growth never happens when you feel like it. These things require action on your part.
With all the highs and excitement regarding the new year, all of it eventually settles down and reality starts to kick in. Eventually, we all go back to our jobs and responsibilities. No year comes without frustration, disappointment, or setbacks. Developing emotional agility means being able to identify and acknowledge your emotions without letting them take control. Practice being present with yourself. Learn how to observe your emotions without engaging with them. It’s a skill that I feel every adult should master. Life is unpredictable so why not prepare for it?
Set resilient routines for setbacks. As already mentioned setbacks are inevitable. It’s all about how you bounce back. When things don’t go as planned having a go-to routine for regaining focus and motivation is important whether it’s prayer, meditation, going back on walks to clear your mind, etc.
Focus on deepening relationships rather than expanding circles
Strengthen the bonds you already have. I know a lot of times we want to meet new people and make new friends. But why not strengthen the relationships you have already? Sometimes we think of new friends before we think of having the friends we already have. Especially if you’re in a new city and in a new community. Invest in meaningful conversations. A simple conversation can open doors. Don’t just have surface-level topics. Dive deeper into meaningful discussions, ask questions, listen actively, and share your own opinions. You never know who will resonate with them. They can challenge your perspectives and give new ideas.
Practice vulnerability. Vulnerability is the key to a meaningful connection. Without it, we’d be all wondering what the meaning of life is. This doesn’t mean you need to go on social media and tell your business and your deep darkest secrets. I don’t think you need to set yourself up for that kind of chaos. Professional high-diver Tanya Huebner shared an insight when she was asked how she was able to dive from such a high platform. Her answer? She just started jumping from the edge of the pool.
Think of at least two people you trust. Have you practiced “jumping from the edge of the pool” together and felt comfortable enough to dive from a higher place? It’s okay if you can’t think of anyone. Vulnerability is a powerful way to feel connected with someone on a deeper level. To me, having a few people in my corner I can connect deeply means the world than having a big circle. And it doesn’t have to look scary, it can be whether you’re sharing your fears with a loved one or asking for help if you need it. It’s essential for long-term development.
You can also create collaborative environments. Success rarely happens in isolation. Create environments where collaboration is valued whether you’re at work, in your community, or within your family. Surround yourself who challenge you to grow and leave your comfort zone. These people serve as a great catalyst to expand your creativity, expand your perspective, and accelerate progress.
Master the art of self-discipline
Start with micro habits. Big changes don’t happen overnight, and neither does success. Start with micro habits. Tiny but small manageable habits that eventually lead to bigger ones. These small habits accumulate over time. They create momentum and build a solid foundation for larger goals. Walk for 10 minutes, meditate for 5 minutes, or write a page a day. Start small and then build up. This comes from the SMART goals framework. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These ensure your goals can be measured and attainable but can also boost motivation and focus.
Goals that are too vague and too big to attain can have you feeling lost and can make you question your progress. Make them specific. Instead of saying things like “I want to get fit.” set a measurable goal like I want to gain 5% of body muscle with less than 30% body fat. (This is probably inaccurate in real life, but you get the gist.) This is specific and something you want to touch and is tangible. This makes tracking progress much easier and provides motivation to stay the course.
Prioritize consistency over perfection
There are days that you might miss a workout. Or you want to order a Chic Fil A meal instead of baked chicken and broccoli. This is fine. As long as you return to the mission and remember why you made your goal in the first place. All the perfectionists know what I’m talking about. It’s easy to get down on yourself when you don’t hit the nail on the head the first time. But the key to lasting success is consistency. You’ll fall off some days, but this is where you can come back. There’s power in coming back from falling off and saying to yourself “I might’ve slipped, but I won’t stop until this goal is reached.” That’s okay. Focus on showing up every day. Even if it’s not perfect. Over time, consistent effort produces greater results than sporadic bursts of perfection.
As you embark on this new year, remember that real transformation doesn’t come from just setting resolutions—it comes from living them out every day. It’s about being resilient in the face of challenges, embracing discomfort when things don’t go as planned, and practicing emotional agility when life throws curveballs. Strengthening the relationships you already have, diving deeper into meaningful connections, and creating spaces for collaboration can fuel your growth. Mastering self-discipline with small habits, setting clear goals, and staying consistent, even through setbacks, will keep you on track. This year is not about perfection—it's about showing up and doing the work, every single day. Your journey may not always be smooth, but the dedication you put in will ultimately shape the success you’re striving for. Make 2025 the year you don’t just dream, but take tangible action to become a better version of yourself, no matter what!
Connect with Luma for more inspiring mental health content/therapy via her newsletter https://lifeofaghostwriter.kit.com/ca316efef8 and follow her X @hardlifesoftgi1 and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/luma-alo-215915291/
xoxo, Ari
X, @blueblisscoach
Need to do theseeeee😍😍
Yes! Finally some clear guidance on New Year’s resolutions that encourages growth 🤩🤩☀️