Wow! Can you believe it's 2025!? For some of us, last year was filled with unimaginable trials and challenges. For others, it’s was a year of victory and blessings.
No matter how your 2024 looked, I encourage you to look back with a heart of gratitude. If you're reading this message, be encouraged—many didn’t make it to this point, and that in itself is something to be thankful for. We have been given the gift of more time, more opportunities, and the chance to do better.
With this new opportunity to start fresh, I want to give you 7 practical ways to work towards a purpose-filled 2025!
1. Take Inventory of the Previous Year
To move forward, it's essential to reflect on the past. Without doing so, we risk repeating mistakes. Take time to evaluate your previous year. What worked well? What didn't work? Where could you have improved?
Consider the goals you set at the start of 2024. What changed? What stayed the same? Remember, reflection is the foundation for meaningful progress in 2025.
2. Let Go of Your Past Mistakes
It’s hard to lean into the future’s potential when we’re too focused on the past. Redirect your focus to what worked and embrace every new day as an opportunity to rebuild. When I struggle with this concept, I lean into the lessons of my mistakes, not the labels.
I also recall one of my favorite scriptures, 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” You are not the same person you were last year, last week, or even yesterday. Show up better each day.
3. Begin with the End in Mind
In solution-focused therapy, there's a tool called the Miracle Question: If everything were perfect, what would your ideal day look like?
Think about how your behavior, mindset, and lifestyle would change. Use this vision to guide your goals for 2025. If your "miracle life" has multiple steps, break it down and work through each one. What are steps 1–5? What does steps 6–10 look like? Working backward makes it easier to set intentional and achievable goals, helping you create a clear roadmap to success and turning your vision into actionable steps.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Did you know that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February? Let’s beat the odds this year! Take time to ensure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This simple framework will keep you on track and prevent overwhelm as you work toward your dreams.
5. Pace Yourself
You have 365 days to make progress—there’s no need to accomplish everything in the first month. Burnout is real, and rushing can leave you feeling exhausted before you’ve truly begun. Pace yourself! Small, steady progress leads to lasting transformation. Take one step at a time.
6. You Only Fail If You Stop
Consistency can be hard, especially when life throws curveballs. But don’t give up. Success isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up every time. If you stumble, keep going—each new day is a chance to try again. Let perseverance be one of your top goals for 2025.
7. Prioritize Your Wellness and Self-Care
Your wellness matters. Whether you’re working in a corporation, running your own business, or managing life’s changes, self-care is not optional—it’s necessary. If your goals don’t include your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health, now is the time to create space for it. Think about small, practical ways to prioritize self-care daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly.
Purpose isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey. Every goal you set is an opportunity to grow into who you’re meant to be. Challenges along the way help you build faith in yourself, God, and your vision. Embrace what you learn about yourself in the process. It’s all working together for your good.
As we continue into 2025, embrace this fresh start with gratitude and intention. Reflect on 2024, let go of past mistakes, and set realistic goals that align with your vision. Pace yourself, prioritize self-care, and trust that every step of your journey has purpose.
Whether you’re celebrating wins or facing challenges, remember—timing is everything, and growth happens one step at a time.
Here’s to a purpose-filled 2025!
With love,
Shekinah J. Lee
The Purposed Therapist
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