By Brandon Matthews
As we begin again you may have taken time to reflect on accomplishments, lessons learned, highs and even lows of last year. You may be setting goals and looking forward in to 2025. While many of us are making New Year’s resolutions, studies show that 40-50% of people either don’t set resolutions at all, or those that do fail to follow through with them. So instead of focusing solely on resolutions, I want to offer us a more natural approach for success in 2025. Here are five simple steps to help you kick off the new year with purpose and momentum.
- Reflect: Looking back is essential for moving forward. Reflection is about assessing what went well, what didn’t, and how you can learn from both. Ask yourself: What am I most proud of from 2024? What would I do differently? Which habits helped or hindered my growth?
- Reassess: So now that you’ve had time to reflect, take a deep breath and look at where you are right now in key areas of your life: career, relationships, health, finances — whatever matters to you. Then ask yourself these important questions:
- Where am I winning right now?
- Where do I feel stuck or frustrated?
- Are there areas that are getting neglected?
Remember, there’s no shame in acknowledging areas where you didn’t quite get it right. The goal isn’t to feel bad, the goal is to be better.
- Reorganize: Take a close look at your schedule, environment, and priorities. Does your daily routine align with what matters most? Or is it filled with distractions? Take time to reorganize your life and clean out your workspace, organize your files, and even delete apps or programs that are more of a hindrance than a help. Ask yourself: How can I simplify my routine to focus on what’s important? What can I delegate or eliminate? How can I create an environment that supports productivity? By reorganizing your life, you free up energy to focus on what truly matters.
- Revise: Financial health is a key area to review. Take stock of your income and expenses from 2024 and identify areas for adjustment. Categorize spending into essentials and non-essentials, and set financial goals like building an emergency fund or paying off debt. Remember, financial planning isn’t restrictive—it’s empowering. When you assign purpose to every dollar, you’re not just working for your money; you’re making your money work for you.
- Reserve: Time is our most valuable commodity because, unlike money or resources, it can’t be replenished or earned back once it’s spent. Be intentional with your schedule by reserving time for priorities like vacations, family gatherings, personal days, and key professional deadlines.
Planning your calendar ahead of time helps you maximize every moment. Stewarding your time isn’t about doing more; it’s about focusing on what matters most. As the saying goes, “You can’t make more time, but you can make the most of it.”
Remember that growth doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of consistent, intentional effort. Treat the New Year like a blank page, and start writing your success story today. Here’s to making 2025 your best year yet!
Brandon Matthews is the For Tomorrow Program Director.