Looking Forward 2025

Even if you don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, take the time to look ahead and think about what you want to accomplish. 

What will it take to reach your most challenging goals? Most of us can visualize what success would look and feel like, but when we try to see the path forward, it seems to be full of obstacles. These big boulders and little rocks, which can be both internal and external, get in the way of progress. They often take the form of “if onlys.” If only I had an MFA, if only my kids were older, if only I lived in a bigger city. When you focus on conditions that are hard, or even impossible to change, you end up sitting down in the middle of your path. 

Don’t hang on to dysfunctional  behaviors and ways of thinking, as they can provide an excuse for staying stuck. It’s better to focus on what you do have, your strengths and resources, your talent and your vision. Remember what you’ve already accomplished, no matter how long it took. When you let go of your “if onlys” you make space for positive energy and new ideas.  

As you think about what it will take to reach your most challenging goals, keep the focus on actions within your control. Ask yourself questions like these:

• What choices do I need to make now? 
• What conversations do I need to have?
• What distractions can I remove from my life and practice?
• What activities and relationships do I need to let go?
• How can I make better use of my time?

When you start getting answers to your questions, identify next steps. In this way you have the beginnings of a plan for the New Year.