Hi Reader
I hope you had a beautiful Christmas and are enjoying a peaceful holiday season.
As the new year approaches, I always feel drawn to reflect on the year that's passed and set intentions for the coming year. Some people roll their eyes and dismiss the whole new year's resolution thing, but I always find it to be an opportunity to take stock, get inspired and develop a clear vision for what's next.
With that in mind, I wanted to share with you five things to focus on in 2025 to make it a fruitful, fulfilling and transformative year — whatever that looks like for you.
1. Get crystal clear and brutally honest about your desires
Often, we shy away from admitting our deepest yearnings because we fear what it would mean for our lives to want something more or different. Or we resist setting a goal that feels out of reach, because it feels less vulnerable than trying and failing.
But connecting with the truth of your heart’s desires is a powerful first step on the path to creating the life you want. Take a blank page, write “I want…” at the top, and let your thoughts flow without judgment or limits. You might be surprised by what comes up.
2. Find ways to challenge yourself
I've said it before and I'll say it again: every single aspect of my life improved immeasurably when I learned to embrace discomfort and challenge rather than shying away from it. As a recovering perfectionist, I used to think, “Why do something hard or uncomfortable when I can excel elsewhere without having to try?”
Problem was, that mindset kept me squarely in my comfort zone (which after a while, felt more like a prison than a cosy den).
If you can relate, know that growth requires leaning into the hard stuff. The process of showing up and pushing through challenges (especially in those moments when you want to quit) will pay dividends for your confidence and self-worth.
3. Invest in the right support
For years, I tried to do everything on my own, avoiding the vulnerability and accountability that comes with seeking support. Unsurprisingly, I stayed stuck.
Over the past four years, I've invested well over $200K in all sorts of support: therapy, professional training programs, courses, retreats, a business coach, a fitness coach, a book writing coach, and a relationship coach.
These days, I actively seek out opportunities to invest in my next level, because I know that investing in the right support means I fast-track my growth in ways that simply aren’t possible on my own.
4. Surround yourself with positive influences
As social creatures, we are deeply influenced by those around us — for better or for worse. When I was a corporate lawyer, I was surrounded by a lot of stress, cynicism, and unhealthy habits. And guess what? I quickly took on the same mindset, behaviours and norms of those around me.
As scary as it can be to break away from the crowd, often our growth requires that we be ruthless in discerning who and what we devote energy to.
If you look around and don’t like what you see, it might be time to seek out environments and relationships that align with the person you’re becoming.
5. Close out any open loops that are draining your energy
An open loop is anything unfinished or unresolved that’s pulling you off-course. Whether it’s a dead-end situationship, unpaid taxes, or a half-finished household project, these loose ends siphon your energy and create unnecessary stress.
Take the time to clear the decks. Commit to decisive action so you can start the new year with clarity, space, and energy for the things that really matter to you.
I hope this has given you food for thought and something to reflect on as we close out 2024. As always, feel free to hit reply and let me know if it resonated.
Sending love
Steph
PS. If you’re reading this and feeling inspired to make 2025 the year you truly commit to your next level, I want to invite you to Homecoming.
Homecoming is a six-month mastermind for people who are ready to take courageous, decisive action towards building the life they truly long for. It’s my most intimate offering and the only way to get 1:1 support from me in 2025.
If you’re ready to invest in yourself and start the new year on the strongest possible footing, click here to learn more and join us.
