Orientation + GrowthThe Winning Formula for 2025
Orientation + Growth
The Winning Formula for 2025
Every year, millions of resolutions fail.
In fact, 80% of resolutions are abandoned by February, and only 8-10% succeed long-term. Why?
Most resolutions rely on rigid frameworks like SMART goals:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
They:
Focus on outcomes, not the process. People aim for big results without considering the daily habits or systems needed to achieve them.
Aren’t aligned with deeper values. Without a personal connection to why the goal matters, motivation fades quickly.
Rely on willpower alone. Willpower is finite; sustainable change comes from creating systems and building momentum.
And if you fail to achieve them exactly as planned you can feel like a failure and increase the chances of giving up.
But here’s the good news:
Resolutions can work if you shift your approach.
Instead of focusing on rigid outcomes, focus on orientation—setting a direction based on your purpose and values—and embrace growth as your guiding principle.
This is why I prefer META Goals:
✨ Motivational: Goals that inspire and excite you.
✨ Engaging: Goals you enjoy working toward, even when progress feels slow.
✨ Transformational: Goals that stretch and evolve you as a person.
✨ Active: Goals grounded in daily, compassionate action.
META goals are about setting a direction (orientation) and embracing growth along the way. They allow for flexibility and keep you connected to your “why,” even when challenges arise.
Instead of rigidly fixating on an outcome, ask yourself:
Is this goal meaningful to me?
Can I find joy in the process?
How can I take small, compassionate steps today?
If you enjoy the process you have no reason to give up. BELIEVE it's going to happen but don't put any crazy time deadlines on yourself. Connect to the process, not the result.
Here's 3 goals I set myself a few years ago and that still inform my orientation today. All with no time frame. Just outrageous META goals.
1) If there was no chance of failure: Give up being a CEO and find some work I love that connects me to purpose, balance and joy. I'm smashing that as a Life Purpose Coach both for myself and my clients.
2) Physical goal: Swim 5km from island to island in Greece (from not being able to swim). Smashed it and so much more. From 6km estuary swims to frozen lakes and wild rafting, hiking and camping expeditions sleeping on mountains and islands. All things I’d never done before and never dreamt I would.
3) To bring a smile to my face: To dance in public without the need for copious amounts of alcohol having had severe social and performance anxiety around dancing all my life. Gave up alcohol almost 5 years ago and have smashed it many times since. Love it!
Don't make 2025 about perfection or checking boxes. Make it about aligning your goals with who you truly are and embracing the journey of growth.
I wish you a joyful and fulfilling 2025.
