From Broken Resolutions to Bold Conversations: Embracing Courage in 2025

Now that we are fully into 2025, are you still practicing your New Year’s resolutions, or have they already fallen by the wayside? Did you approach difficult conversations with courage and curiosity, or did you find yourself avoiding hot topics with friends and relatives? If we’re honest, many of us likely veered toward the path of least resistance. Research from the University of Scranton shows that 80% of resolutions fail by February, and the habit of avoidance—especially when it comes to uncomfortable conversations—is no exception.

Why do we avoid these moments of challenge? Even after learning techniques for engaging in difficult discussions, fear of conflict often keeps us from leaning into those opportunities for growth. The possibility of being drawn into an argument—or simply the discomfort of confronting deeply rooted differences—makes it easier to retreat to old habits. Yet, avoidance isn’t a neutral act; it’s a decision that stalls our personal and collective growth.

We stop growing when we stop being curious. I remember as a child asking endless questions, only to hear the familiar refrain, “You’re not old enough to understand.” As adults, we are old enough—and more than capable—of grappling with complex issues. What we often lack is not the ability to engage, but the courage and intention to begin.

Critical conversations require curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to listen without the intention to respond or persuade. To develop this skill, we can draw inspiration from the Zen Buddhist concept of a beginner’s mind—a mindset free of preconceived notions and judgment. Approaching conversations with a sense of wonder, we can ask open-ended questions like, “What has shaped your perspective on this?” or “What experiences inform your viewpoint?” These questions open the door to deeper understanding, allowing us to connect rather than polarize.

But let’s not mistake listening for passivity. Active listening involves probing further, seeking clarity, and acknowledging the perspectives shared. Research from Dr. William Isaacs at MIT emphasizes that dialogue—true dialogue—happens when we suspend our own assumptions and create a space where differing views can coexist and even converge. This is not about silencing our own voices but recognizing that understanding someone else’s experience does not diminish our own.

Imagine conversations as practice for a marathon. Just as physical endurance is built through consistent effort, our ability to engage in challenging dialogues strengthens with repetition. The more we practice, the less daunting it becomes to tackle difficult topics. We begin to see these moments not as conflicts to avoid but as opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.

One book that provides an insightful framework for approaching critical conversations is Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. It offers practical strategies for navigating emotionally charged discussions, emphasizing mutual respect and shared understanding. Another resource is Mónica Guzmán’s I Never Thought of It That Way, which encourages us to move beyond polarization and engage with those we might otherwise avoid. These works remind us that progress begins with the courage to stay in the room and on the topic, even when it feels uncomfortable.

As we move further into 2025, let’s commit to cultivating our ability to have these critical conversations. Let’s practice asking questions that foster connection and being present enough to truly listen to the answers. Each discussion is an opportunity to bridge divides and expand our perspectives. Together, we can create a community where we learn, grow, and thrive—not despite our differences, but because of them.