Ditch The New Year Resolutions

Let's switch things up a bit...

I wish you could see the big smile on my face as I write this letter. My heart is full of gratitude for the gift of life that God has blessed me with and for the opportunity to share these words with you today.

Before I continue, let me wish you a Happy New Year! It’s a year brimming with possibilities, and I’m excited to see how it unfolds for all of us.

As we all know, January comes with so much energy. A fresh start, new hopes, and, for many, the infamous New Year resolutions. It’s that time of year when we all want to set goals, dream big, and plan for a better version of ourselves.

Let’s be honest, how many of us stick to those resolutions beyond February? Oftentimes, the enthusiasm fades, and those grand plans find their way to the back burner. While I'm not completely against New Year resolutions, I just feel there are better ways of doing things.

This year, I want to propose something different; instead of New Year resolutions, let’s focus on building a vision for the year ahead.

Here’s why a Vision Is Better Than a Resolution

• A vision paints a bigger picture of your ideal life, giving you a compelling reason to take action. Resolutions, by contrast, often feel like a to-do list without a deeper "why."
• Life isn’t predictable. A vision can evolve as you grow, making it adaptable to changing circumstances. Resolutions, on the other hand, often feel like “pass or fail.”
• You can create a roadmap of smaller, achievable goals with a vision. This step-by-step approach is far more effective than jumping straight into strict resolutions that might feel overwhelming.
• A vision aligns with your core values and long-term goals, giving you a sense of fulfillment and clarity. Resolutions tend to focus on external results without always addressing internal motivations.

So, rather than writing a list of resolutions, take time to:

• Reflect on your values and priorities.
• Define your vision for the year or beyond.
• Break that vision into achievable steps or milestones.

Tips to Make Your Vision Achievable

Creating a vision is inspiring, but turning it into reality requires intentionality and a clear strategy. Here are practical tips to help you bring your 2025 vision to life:

Start with clarity

Reflect deeply on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself these questions:

• What kind of person do I want to become?
• What areas of my life need the most improvement or focus (e.g., career, relationships, health, personal growth)?
• How do I want to feel at the end of 2025?

Write your answers in detail to create a vivid and personal picture of your end of the year.

Break it down into goals

A vision can feel overwhelming if you don’t break it into smaller, actionable pieces. Think of your vision as the destination and your goals as the steps to get there.

• Identify key milestones that lead toward your vision.
• Set short-term (weekly or monthly), medium-term (quarterly), and long-term (yearly) goals.

Set SMART goals

Make your goals clear and actionable using the SMART framework:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Include criteria to track progress.
• Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic given your current resources and commitments.
• Relevant: Align the goal with your overall vision and values.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency.

For instance, instead of saying, “I want to save money,” a SMART goal would be to set aside $200 every month to save $5,000 by December 31, 2025.

Create a vision board

A vision board is a powerful tool to keep your goals top of mind. Gather images, quotes, or words that resonate with your vision and arrange them on a board.

• Place your vision board somewhere you’ll see it daily, such as your workspace or bedroom wall.
• Use digital tools like Canva or Pinterest if you prefer a virtual board.

This constant reminder will inspire you to stay aligned with your vision, even on challenging days.

Develop habits that support your vision

Goals are achieved through consistent actions, not one-time efforts. Identify habits that will move you closer to your vision and integrate them into your routine.

• If your vision includes career advancement, commit to reading industry-related books or attending networking events.
• Track your habits using a planner or app to ensure consistency.

Track your progress

Set aside time each week or month to review your progress. Reflect on what’s working and what needs adjustment. In addition, celebrate small wins to keep yourself motivated.

Put GOD first

Yes, I saved the best for last. The Bible says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33). When you place God at the center of your vision and goals, everything else falls into place. Trust in His timing, lean on His wisdom, and know that His plans for you are greater than any resolution or vision you can create for yourself. Make prayer, faith, and His guidance your foundation, and watch how your vision for 2025 unfolds in ways you never imagined.

2025 can be THAT YEAR and more if you take the time to align your actions with a clear, purposeful vision. It’s not just about setting goals; it’s about creating a life that reflects your aspirations and values.

Do something every day that moves you closer to your vision. Whether it's a small task or a big leap, consistency is key. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how slow. Keep going, and you'll be amazed at how far you can go.

Once again, Happy New Year!

I’m rooting for you every step of the way.

Xoxo,

Charis