Reflecting on 2024 and Recommitting to Your “Why” in 2025.

Hey everyone, and Happy New Year!??

2024 was a bit of a rollercoaster—plenty of ups, downs, twists, and turns. But through all the challenges and triumphs, I’ve found an incredible amount of growth and clarity. And I want to encourage you to look back on your own year with a sense of gratitude and curiosity—because the lessons you learned (and maybe even the ones you’re still learning) can shape how you move forward.

Reuniting with Inspiring Colleagues

One of my favorite memories from the end of 2024 was reuniting with some old lab mates and colleagues. These are the folks who supported me early on in my research journey—through the long days (and nights) spent troubleshooting experiments, eagerly awaiting grant approvals, or sifting through reams of data for that one spark of insight. Seeing them again reminded me how crucial it is to stay in touch with people who truly “get” what your work is about and why it matters.

They also reignited my own drive: Why did I commit to this field in the first place? That question alone fueled me through some challenging research phases, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

The Power of Remembering Your “Why”

Instead of jumping straight into “What are my goals for 2025?”, try flipping the script to “Why am I committed to this work, and what makes it worthwhile?”?

If you’re a scientist, your “why” might be the excitement of a groundbreaking discovery, the potential to improve lives, or the drive to push the boundaries of what’s known. But it also applies to anyone in any field who’s looking to deepen their sense of purpose.??

When your “why” is front and center, you’ll find that even the day-to-day challenges—like securing funding or peer-review hiccups—feel more manageable. After all, that core motivation is the reason you keep going, even when things get tricky.

Practical Ways to Reconnect with Your Purpose

1. Set Aside 15 Minutes for Reflection?

???Here are some questions you can ask yourself:??

?????1) “What drives my curiosity?”??

?????2) “Who benefits from my work?”??

?????3) “How does my research (or craft) align with my personal values?”??

???- Write down your answers without overthinking. Keep them somewhere visible—like taped to your desk or tucked in your lab notebook.

2. Share Your Goals with a “Mastermind” Group*+

???- Collaboration is the heart of good science, so don’t be afraid to form a small group with peers. Meet regularly to discuss each other’s projects, roadblocks, and successes. Sometimes an outside perspective is all you need to see new possibilities.

3. Learn from Past Wins

???- Think about a time you had a breakthrough—maybe you perfected a new technique or won a grant. How did remembering the bigger purpose of your work help you get there? Reflecting on these success stories can help you regain momentum.

Resources for Deeper Insight

- Read “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek??

??A fantastic exploration of how a clear purpose can transform your work and your mindset.??

- Brush Up on Research Reproducibility?

??Check out this insightful Nature article: [Nature: Reproducibility Best Practices](as an example). It’s a great reminder of how important clear methods and data integrity are—and how they tie back to our larger “why.”

I Want to Hear from You

Your experiences, expertise, and challenges are what make this journey so interesting. So let’s keep the conversation going:

- Drop a comment below or??

- Shoot me an email: What’s your biggest challenge right now, and how can we brainstorm solutions together?

Reconnecting with your “why” isn’t just a one-and-done exercise—it’s a mindset you can cultivate all year long. If you ever feel stuck, remember the reason you started in the first place. And if you want a sounding board, you know where to find me!

Here’s to an Amazing 2025

From the peaks and valleys of 2024 to the fresh start of 2025, I believe wholeheartedly that you’ve got everything you need to make this year your own. Keep your motivation close, embrace collaboration, and never forget the incredible potential your work holds—for you, for society, and for future discoveries.

Happy New Year, and let’s make 2025 an unforgettable chapter in your journey!

Best,?

Damien

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*+Just a heads-up: our EDC EQ:IQ Mastermind Group Coaching is currently active. If you'd like to explore or join, we still have a few spots open for this quarter. Our group features highly motivated and generous science leaders who have crafted their unique visions and provide mutual support in their journeys. We invite you to take a look!?