As the year ends, I believe it is essential to focus on the positive in all aspects of your life. This is the way to get “off on the right foot.” (Which reminds me I started the year off with a foot injury- now healed.) Even solid footing can be a positive part of life.
Pausing and reflecting on all the things you did right over the past twelve months.
Each positive step has contributed to your growth and success. This look back recognizes the moments that made you proud, the challenges you overcame, and the progress you made toward your goals.
Forget About Resolutions
Didn’t stick to your resolutions in 2025? Do not worry. You are not alone!
Recent research has shown that just 9% of Americans actually keep their resolutions throughout the year - see article.
Rather than reflect on failed New Year’s resolutions, write down a list of what you achieved!
Take a moment to review the year. Think about a range of topics and what you may have done well throughout the year. Think Positive and Explore 2025:
Life Skills
The quality of your life covers many topics. Becoming a better and more insightful person comes from a range of areas.
First, think about your relationships. Have you maintained and deepened connections with loved ones? Did you prioritize time together?
Then, consider what you were doing for engagement or learning. Did you pursue your favorite hobbies or have fun learning something new?
Consider your inner life. Did you deepen your spiritual life or build a community of like-minded people?
Overall, what were the best times of the year? When were you enjoying life the most? Was this in moments? Long planned adventures? Or something spontaneous?
Chances are you are on track if you are smiling to yourself right now.
Professional Achievements
For some people, work seems “the same old, same old.” Please reconsider your year on the job. Perhaps you developed new skills or received recognition from your colleagues.
Did you take on new responsibilities and projects or otherwise demonstrate initiative and leadership?
Did you contribute to building stronger professional relationships?
Or maybe you learned a new program or tackled something you have long wanted to implement at work.
Did you invest your time and energy in professional development, whether through courses, certifications, or simply learning from experience?
Work is where many people spend eight hours a day or more. These achievements may be overlooked as we strive in our everyday lives. Reflect on the skills you have and have developed to understand what is at your core abilities.
Finances
This topic falls into so many mentioned in this newsletter; however, I mention it because MoneyPeace is my business. Did you find a bit of MoneyPeace this year? Perhaps you finish the year with more savings, less debt or spending plan. Incremental steps get you to where you want to go whether it is buying a home, funding retirement, or creating that dream vacation.
Overcoming Challenges
Perhaps 2025 presented you with some challenges you did not expect but navigated with grace. If you emerged stronger for it, proving that success is often found in how we handle adversity. Relationships, physical situations, job positions along with simple tangible pieces of life from cars to homes to vacations gone awry – nothing goes perfectly. What have you learned and appreciated from this experience?
Giving Back
You found ways to contribute positively to your community, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or small acts of kindness. These efforts made a difference and added meaning to your year.
Looking Forward
As we get older, we do not get graded or medals for doing what we do every day. That was childhood or school or what promotions represent. There is so much more to life.
Celebrate what went right in 2025 – no matter what the size of the event or experience. Leading with an attitude of gratitude into 2026 will make you healthier, happier and you will enjoy life more. We all need a little sprinkle of that with a smile. Step into 2026 with confidence.
Happy New Year!