As the new year unfolds, many of us scroll through our social feeds, bombarded by the same old resolutions and “new year, new me” mantras. But here’s a different question: What would actually make this year the best year of your life? Not just another list of abandoned gym memberships and forgotten planners, but real, meaningful change that transforms your life.
2025 isn’t just another number on the calendar – it’s 365 fresh opportunities to reshape your story. Whether last year exceeded your expectations or left you wanting more, this moment right now is your launching pad.
The Problem with New Year’s Resolutions
We all know how it goes—January 1st arrives with its shiny promises and colour-coded planners. By February, those well-intentioned resolutions gather dust alongside the barely-used gym bag. But the problem isn’t you – it’s the approach.
Traditional resolutions often fail because they focus on surface-level changes rather than meaningful transformation. Research from behavioral psychology indicates that resolutions rooted in intrinsic motivation are more likely to succeed. “Go to the gym three times a week” sounds concrete, but “Create a healthier relationship with my body” transforms your entire approach to wellbeing. One is a checkbox; the other is the beginning of a journey.
Real change—the kind that makes a year truly exceptional—comes from understanding what genuinely matters to you. According to experts in goal-setting, aligning actions with personal values leads to more sustainable growth. It’s not about following someone else’s blueprint for success or checking off expectations. It’s about making changes that resonate with your core values and biggest dreams.
What Genuinely Matters?
True fulfillment rarely comes from just one area of life. When we talk about your “best year,” we’re really talking about growth across different dimensions that matter to you. Maybe it’s deepening your relationships while advancing your career. Perhaps it’s improving your health while exploring your creativity. Or it could be finding that sweet spot between personal growth and professional success.
Think about the last time you felt truly aligned—when different parts of your life weren’t competing but complementing each other. That’s what makes a year extraordinary. It’s not about maxing out every area but finding the right balance that resonates with your version of a well-lived life.
Your best year might look completely different from someone else’s, and that’s exactly how it should be. For some, it means finally writing that book while maintaining a thriving family life. For others, it’s about building a business without sacrificing their wellbeing.
Action Steps to Make 2025 Your Best Year
1. Discover What Truly Drives You with “The 7 Whys” Exercise
Resolutions often fail because they don’t connect with what truly matters to us. “The 7 Whys” is a simple yet powerful exercise designed to help you uncover the deeper motivation behind your goals.
Here’s how it works:
- Write down a goal you want to achieve in 2025.
- Ask yourself, “Why do I want this?”, and write down the first answer that comes to mind.
- Now, take that answer and ask yourself again, “Why?”
- Repeat this process seven times.
It’s common to feel stuck around the fourth or fifth “Why.” That’s perfectly normal—it means you’re moving past surface-level answers and starting to explore your deeper motivations. Keep going, even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging.
By the time you reach the seventh “Why,” you’ll often uncover something profound, like a desire for freedom, happiness, or connection. This deeper understanding can act as a powerful motivator, aligning your actions with your values and making it easier to stick to meaningful changes.
2. Discover Your Strengths with “The Friends Test”
Understanding what makes you unique and valuable to others can be a powerful tool for growth. Simon Sinek’s “Friends Test” is another simple exercise that helps you uncover your intrinsic qualities by reflecting on your closest friendships. Sinek, a renowned leadership expert, emphasises the importance of understanding one’s unique contributions to foster meaningful connections.
Here’s how to try it:
- Choose a Close Friend Pick someone who knows you deeply and with whom you share a meaningful connection.
- Ask the Key Question Ask them, “Why are we friends?” This might feel awkward at first, but it’s essential to encourage honesty and reflection.
- Go Deeper If they struggle to answer, ask them to think of specific situations or qualities that define your relationship. For example, they might mention how you always make them feel heard or how you bring energy and positivity into their life.
- Look for Patterns Repeat this exercise with a few other close friends. You’ll likely notice recurring themes in their answers—qualities and actions that consistently resonate with those around you.
By the end of this exercise, you’ll have a clearer picture of the unique strengths you bring to the world. This knowledge can guide your choices, align your goals with your authentic self, and help you build stronger connections in 2025.
Bringing It All Together
2025 is your blank canvas, and these exercises are your tools to paint a year filled with purpose, alignment, and growth. Remember, the key to lasting change isn’t in chasing perfection but in creating balance and living authentically.
As you embark on this journey, consider how your physical health supports all these aspects of your life. Taking care of your body is foundational to achieving your goals, and chiropractic care can be an essential part of that process. Chiropractors can assess, diagnose and manage conditions of the spine and joints so that you can continue on your pursuit of the best year yet.
Ready to take the first step? Let’s make 2025 your most extraordinary year.
References
- Behavioral psychology insights on motivation and goal-setting can be explored further in publications such as “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink.
- British Chiropractic Association. (n.d.). Back pain. British Chiropractic Association. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk/back-pain/
- Sinek, S. (2014, May 28). How can I find my WHY? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq1XFObMH6A
