Here’s the deal: Time is a human invention. It’s how we try to make sense of the chaos. But there’s one thing time markers are good for—they give us the perfect excuse to pause, reflect, and plan. So here we are in 2025, and it’s time to make sure this year doesn’t just happen to you. Instead, let’s make it count.
The first step? Take stock of the year that was. You can’t figure out where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been. Lucky for you, the breadcrumbs of your life are already out there. Scroll through your texts, sent emails, social media posts, and photos. This is your personal highlight—and blooper—reel.
Once you’ve gone through those, here’s the magic framework: The Four Ls, a concept from business strategist Dev Singh.
- Loved: What moments made you feel alive? What were the highlights of your year?
- Longed: What didn’t happen that you really wanted? What fell short or left you disappointed?
- Loathed: What drained your energy? What felt like a total waste of time?
- Lessons: What did you learn? And what’s still left for you to master?
Now, here’s where the real work begins. Armed with all this insight, it’s time to set your intentions for 2025. Not vague, wishy-washy “resolutions.” We’re talking SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. And don’t just keep those goals to yourself. Share them with an accountability partner—someone who’ll keep you honest when the excitement of January starts to fizzle.
Next, break those goals down into actionable steps and put them on your calendar. Yes, actually schedule them. Goals without a plan? That’s just wishful thinking.
When you approach the year with clarity, intention, and a plan, something amazing happens: You feel excited. You feel empowered. This isn’t just another year; it’s the year you decided to take control.
So go ahead. Pour yourself a toast to 2025. You’ve got a lot to look forward to. And guess what? You’ve already started strong!