Did you set your direction of travel for 2025?
A Different Approach to the New Year
Welcome to 2025! I can’t believe we are fast approaching the end of January. Did you make resolutions? How is it going? Here’s the thing, a study from Columbia University shows that only about 25% stay committed to their resolution after just 30 days and less then 10% accomplish their goals. So, making resolution mostly leads many of us to feeling guilty which is not helpful.
However, there is merit in leveraging the transition into a new calendar year. It is an opportunity to take time to reflect on where we are at to ensure we are intentional about the choices we make and what we focus on. So, as we begin this new year, I want to invite you to ditch the resolutions and instead to use this period as an opportunity to pay attention to your direction of travel.
Finding Your Direction: A Three-Part Journey
Instead of setting rigid resolutions this year, let's focus on finding your direction of travel - a gentler, more sustainable approach to personal growth. Here's how we can break this down:
1. Understanding Your Purpose
Purpose isn't about grand declarations - it's about knowing what puts a bounce in your step. Pay attention to those moments when you lose track of time because you're so engaged in what you’re doing. What creates that sense of flow for you? These are clues to your purpose.
When you're aligned with your purpose, you should feel either excitement or satisfaction most of the time. Your moments of curiosity and contentment should outnumber those of boredom or frustration. Remember - this has nothing to do with your title or income.
Follow this link for more information and resources about finding your purpose.
2. Living Your Values
Your personal values are like a compass guiding you toward your purpose. They're the core principles that guide your decisions and define what's truly important to you. When your daily actions align with your values, you're traveling in the right direction.
Take time to reflect on your values - not the ones you think you should have, but the principles you genuinely hold dear. What behaviors make you feel most aligned with your true self? What signals tell you when you're off course?
Check this blog post for practical helpful resources about gaining clarity about your values.
3. Visualizing Your Direction
Instead of setting rigid goals that might feel like obligations by February, try visualizing your desired direction. Ask yourself:
What energizes me and brings me joy?
When do I feel most authentically myself?
What would my ideal day look like if I were fully aligned with my purpose and values?
Can you picture yourself five years from now?
Here is a link to access a visualization exercise.
Your Journey Forward
Remember, this isn't about making dramatic changes or setting unreasonably ambitious targets. It's about gently aligning your path with who you truly are. Some days you'll make great progress, others might feel like steps backward - and that's perfectly normal.
And here’s a special tip: the key is giving yourself permission to live a life of your choosing and stepping away from the sense of obligation to meet others' expectations. It's about reconnecting with who you are and shedding those accumulated "shoulds" and "ought tos."
A Real Story of Transformation
Consider Rachel's story: She initially sought coaching to advance her corporate career. However, through exploring her values and true passions, she discovered her authentic direction was establishing her own consulting practice. Today, she's a successful entrepreneur living aligned with her purpose.
In Rachel's words: "Working with coaching is fun but it's also work that goes 'beyond the surface' so one can find out what truly drives them and how they can be their best in work and the world."
Your Invitation
As you begin 2025, I invite you to approach this year differently. Instead of rigid resolutions, focus on understanding your direction of travel. What small steps can you take each day to move toward greater alignment with your purpose and values?
Ready to explore your direction for 2025? I'm here to support your journey toward living more authentically and purposefully. Let's connect and discuss how coaching can help you create a path forward that feels both inspiring and achievable.
Remember: You're not alone on this journey. Many others are walking similar paths, asking similar questions, and seeking similar transformations. The key is taking that first step in your own direction.
Kindly,
