Howdy, readers! It's great to reconnect and embrace a new year!
Happy belated 2025. Thank you for joining me.
Unlike many Americans, I rarely commit to establishing new year's resolutions. The reason? I find that much like diets, they tend to lack real staying power. No matter how well-intentioned. Instead, I "commit" to purposely living a more progressive, peaceful, profitable year than the one before. I "resolve" to garner actionable lessons from everyday experiences to better position myself for where I want to be in life. And you should, too.
Take today's post, for example. The concept was inspired by some real life experiences that evolved from event planning over the winter months. And a few observational ones from life in general.
Side note here: my mom used to always say that we can learn from every person, event or mistake, if we are receptive and open-minded.
So, if you're on board, let's get busy. Pencils ready?
Let's examine 5 ways to survive and thrive in 2025 (in no particular order).
1. RELINQUISH THE NEED FOR PERFECTION
No doubt about it, perfection is a noble goal. But in most instances it's also unrealistic, unattainable, and exhausting. And I should know. I grew up with high expectations; which put a lot of pressure on me in the evolving years. It was also unhealthy to my mind and my body, I discovered. Trust me. No matter how brilliant, strategic, intentional, and ambitious you are, there will always be variables you simply can't control.
The weather might be unpredictable. A vendor may not deliver as promised. Something gets lost in the mail. Or other mishaps that are courtesy of Murphy's Law. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for excellence. Send that manuscript out that you've been working on seemingly forever. Polished, but perhaps not perfect.
2. DON'T FORGET THE FUN FACTOR
While planning a big event that celebrated an important milestone in my life this year, I went to great lengths to make sure that I got everything exactly right. I agonized over all the details. I made a list and checked it twice. I rehearsed. I attempted to choose the perfect outfit. I re-thought my decisions. By the time the big day arrived, I almost lost sight of the real objective of the event. Which was to honor and enjoy the important people in my life and a new, lovely chapter being ushered in. Things, in some ways, turned out better than I expected. Which leads me to my next crucial lesson.
3. GIVE IT TO GOD
There is power in prayer. There is relief in realizing that, if we get out of our own way, and trust in a higher power, we can transform our lives. Things can turn out better than we could have ever executed on our own. We can have a happier ending than we envisioned sometimes. Believe it to achieve it. I'm living proof.
4. LOSE THE GUILT
It's great to have a generous spirit, to make efforts to meet people's needs. To be a blessing to others. Of course, within reason. The reality is, no matter how hard we try, we're never going to please everyone. Not our editors, not our audiences, not our family members, not our friends. With this being said, be authentic. Stop apologizing. Stop trying to cater to everybody's whims and wishes. Learn to say "no" when it serves in the interest of self-preservation. Stay true to your values, your voice, your purpose. If you do, you'll live with fewer regrets and greater passion. And in the end, folks will respect you more. You'll respect you more.
5. ABANDON RELATIONSHIPS THAT NO LONGER SERVE YOU
I am loyal to a fault. In fact, many of my friends today are people I have known through grammar school and through college. I value them. But, I have also come to terms with the fact that everybody that's a part of our past does not necessarily merit being a part of our future. Hello? Sometimes relationships are not reciprocal or compatible. Or they are toxic. Or folks outgrow each other. Whether it's professional, platonic, or romantic. The bottom line?
As Kenny Rogers would say "know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em." Recognize that sometimes we hold ourselves back by the things we hold on to.
And you can quote me on that. :-)
Thanks for reading.
Your turn, readers.
Agree or disagree?
How do you plan to get out of your own way in 2025?
Image credits: Pixabay.com