If 2024 felt like a relentless rollercoaster, you’re not alone. For many of us, it was a year of good intentions colliding with unexpected detours. But here’s the thing: you made it through. That, in itself, is a testament to your resilience. And as we welcome 2025, let’s pivot from surviving to thriving.
This isn’t about setting resolutions that fizzle out by February. It’s about crafting a process—a way of thinking and acting—that transforms obstacles into opportunities for clarity, growth, and joy.
1. 🤗 Embrace the Lessons in the Challenge
Challenges aren’t roadblocks; they’re detours designed to teach. Ever notice how life seems to circle back with the same lessons until we finally learn them? It’s as if the universe is handing us a “pop quiz” to check our readiness for the next level.
For me, one of my biggest lessons was learning to slow down. As someone who once measured success by how much I could juggle, I learned (the hard way) that doing everything doesn’t equate to doing it well—or feeling fulfilled. When I finally stepped back, I discovered the power of intentionality: saying “no” more often and investing my energy in what truly mattered.
2. 🎯 Revisit Your “Why”
Before diving into goals, ask yourself: Why do I want this? Motivation rooted in external validation rarely lasts. Instead, find the deeper, intrinsic reasons that light you up.
For instance, one client shared that her drive to excel wasn’t just about career accolades—it was about modeling work life congruence for her daughters. When she reframed her “why,” the daily grind transformed into purposeful work.
3. 😵💫Stop the Perfectionist Spiral
You know that voice that whispers, “If it’s not perfect, it’s not worth doing”? That’s the Perfectionist Impostor (one of the five types of impostors). It feeds on shame over minor mistakes while ignoring the brilliance of effort.
What if, instead, you celebrated progress? As a recovering perfectionist, I’ve learned that striving for excellence is great, but perfectionism is like chasing a horizon—you’ll never catch it. Trust me, aiming for “done” often leads to growth faster than aiming for “perfect.”
4. 💪🏽 Prioritise Resilience Over Resistance
Resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a practice. Like a muscle, it grows with consistent use. And here’s the good news: it’s learnable.
One strategy I love is reframing setbacks. Instead of asking, “Why me?” try asking, “What’s next?” This shifts the focus from feeling stuck to moving forward. For example, when a major project of mine stalled unexpectedly, I used the downtime to upskill and connect with like-minded individuals. By the time the project resumed, I was stronger and better equipped.
5. 🔁 Practice the “3 Cs” of Confidence
According to Brendon Burchard’s research on high performers, confidence doesn’t come from luck or natural ability—it comes from intentional habits. These habits fall into three categories: competence, congruence, and connection.
- Competence: Build your skills incrementally. Each small win adds to your confidence bank. Celebrate them! (A distorted view of competence is a major contributor to perpetuating the belief that you are an imposter.)
- Congruence: Align your actions with your values. When you act in ways that resonate with who you truly are, self-doubt fades.
- Connection: Build and nurture meaningful relationships. People who feel supported are less likely to succumb to impostor feelings.
6. 🧘 Declutter Your Mind and Environment
Ever notice how a messy desk mirrors a cluttered mind? Clearing your physical space can be a surprisingly effective way to clear mental fog (and it’s one of the first things I do at the start of a new year). But don’t stop there—declutter your commitments, too. Just because something’s on your plate doesn’t mean you have to keep it there. Prioritise what aligns with your goals and values.
7. 📒 Turn Reflection into Ritual
Reflection is where growth lives. Make it a habit to review your wins, challenges, and lessons regularly. A favourite exercise I use is the “3 Questions” method:
- What went well this week?
- What could I improve?
- What’s one action I can take next week to move closer to my goals?
Personal note: My husband and I use a similar 3 question method to check in on our marriage weekly; we ask each other as partners: 1) How have I been a good partner this week? 2) What 1 thing could I do better? 3) What would make you feel even more loved this coming week?
8. 👋🏽 Say Goodbye to Overwhelm
Overwhelm is like quicksand—the more you flail, the deeper you sink. Instead of doing everything at once, prioritise ruthlessly. Start with your “big rocks”—the few critical tasks that move the needle—and let the smaller pebbles fall into place.
Pro tip: Time-blocking works wonders. Dedicate focused periods to specific tasks, then step away. This helps preserve your energy and minimises distractions.
9. 🥳 Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small
Success isn’t a single step; it’s a series of steps. Take the time to acknowledge every win, whether it’s landing a new client, speaking up in a meeting, or simply showing up on a tough day. Each step forward is a testament to your perseverance and growth.
10. 💫 Reignite Your SPARK
One of my defining moments came when I realised I was living someone else’s definition of success. It wasn’t until I gave myself permission to explore my desires—and embrace my authentic self—that I found clarity and fulfilment. This journey wasn’t without its challenges, but it was worth every step.
If 2024 left you feeling like you were treading water, let 2025 be the year you swim boldly toward your vision. It’s not about chasing someone else’s ideal; it’s about defining and pursuing your version of success.
As we step into 2025, remember life isn’t about avoiding the storms. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. So here’s to a year of growth, courage, and joy. Your next chapter starts now—are you ready?
If this has been useful for you I’d love you to share it with your friends or anyone else you think may find it useful.
Remember, you can unleash your unique version of success.
Your Coach
Stephanie
Ready to Ignite Your SPARK?
As a Certified High Performance, Wayfinder and Imposter Syndrome Informed Coach, I’m here to support you on this transformative journey. Whether it’s in your career, health, or relationships, my coaching programs are designed to help you achieve heightened and sustained levels of performance and potential. Are you ready to embrace these inner shifts then let’s embark on this journey together!
Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can support you:
Join our IYS Community – to connect with like-minded individuals focused on increasing their ENGAGEMENT, CONFIDENCE & JOY in work (and life)
Access your FREE Online Training – and learn how you can immediately hit higher levels of performance and potential in all you do!
Take the High Performance Questionnaire – to understand if you’re ready to go to the next level and live a life full of engagement, joy and confidence…
Book a Chat – so we can breakthrough what you’re currently challenged with and take the next action towards living the life of your dreams!
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