Looking to 2025. What to do?
Reflections and Decisions
As we step into 2025, many of us are looking back at last year's resolutions with a mix of disappointment and self-criticism. If you're feeling the weight of unmet goals and unfulfilled promises to yourself, this message is for you.
The Reality of Resolutions
Here's a truth we often forget: not achieving every goal doesn't make you a failure. In fact, it makes you perfectly human. Consider this:
Only 9% of people actually achieve their New Year's resolutions
Most personal transformations take multiple attempts before lasting change occurs
Life often throws unexpected challenges that force us to adapt our plans
Why We Need to Be Gentler With Ourselves
When we look back at 2024, it's easy to focus on what we didn't accomplish. But let's shift that perspective:
Every "failure" is actually a lesson in disguise. It forces us to reconsider our goals and objectives. Why did we fail? Maybe we just started to do something and realized that it is not as fun or exciting as we thought and so we lost interest.
Progress isn't always visible on the surface. It’s easy to see those quick wins and get instant gratification from spur of the moment decisions, but it is often the bigger changes and most important changes that take time. It can be a slow process. Don’t get discouraged.
Small steps forward still count as movement. You may not have achieved your ultimate goal, but did you make any progress at all? Look closely. Maybe you didn’t get as many new subscribers as you wanted or didn’t meet your sales targets, but what did you do. Did you make any progress?
Reframing Your Journey
Instead of beating yourself up over unmet goals, try asking yourself these questions:
What did I learn about myself this year?
Which challenges helped me grow stronger?
What unexpected victories did I achieve?
What new things did I try or learn?
What former goals and objectives are no longer a priority or rewarding enough to continue pursuing?
Moving Forward with Grace
Here's how to approach your goals with more self-compassion this year:
1. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge progress, no matter how small
Keep a "wins journal" to track daily achievements
Share your progress with supportive friends
2. Adjust Your Expectations
Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps
Allow flexibility in your timeline
Remember that progress isn't always linear
3. Practice Self-Compassion
Talk to yourself like you would a good friend
Recognize that setbacks are part of growth
Take time to rest and reset when needed
Looking Ahead
As you set your intentions for 2025, remember this: You're not starting over - you're starting from experience. Every "failed" resolution has taught you something valuable about yourself, your capabilities, and your true priorities.
Let's make this the year we measure success not by perfection, but by progress. The year we celebrate our resilience rather than punish our setbacks. The year we finally give ourselves the grace we so freely give to others.
What's one way you can show yourself more grace this week? Let me know - I'd love to hear your thoughts on self-compassion and goal-setting.
You can download my free daily journal and goal setting template for Notion or Airtable if you have not already. This may help kick start some ideas and get you on a path to success this year. I also did a video for it that may be worth a watch:
🙏Scripture of the Week:
Hebrews 4:16
"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
HERE ARE SOME UPDATES ON MY JOURNEY:
🏗️Projects:
I just completed one of my most ambitious Notion builds that helps content creators and Podcasters target, organize, manage, track and analyze their influencer business. This is the exact system that I have been using to help the influencers that I have been working with. You can check it out with this link: The Influencers Companion
I just revamped my website for my consulting business and tightened up the services and offerings. You can check that out here: The LaFoi Group Websiite
If you are the owner of a Hair Salon, Barber Shop, Eyelash Lounge, Tattoo Parlor or Nail Salon, then you might want to check out the Salon Owners Companion that I have been using to help my wife organize and manage her hair salon.
🎬YouTube:
I stopped posting videos on YouTube for a while but have a backlog of videos that will be dropping soon. Make sure you are subscribed so you can get notifications when they come out: https://www.youtube.com/@paulmilakeve
🌱Learning:
Like most of the world, I spent a good bit of time in 2024 learning about AI and No Code Tools. I obtained several certificates from Microsoft which include:
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals
And I took a few Non-Certificate courses from LinkedIn Learning:
Generative AI for Digital Marketers
How to Boost Your Productivity with AI Tools
Level Up Your Personal Branding and AI Skills to Grow Your Career
📚Reading:
I received a wonderful book as a gift from my daughter for my birthday back in August and have spent some time over the holiday season digging into it. It’s called Hip Hop is History from Questlove. She is always poking around on my Amazon wishlist and saw it on there. This is a must read if you are a fan of hip hop like me. The opening story of the drama surrounding the Grammy awards 50th anniversary of Hip Hop Performance alone is worth it.
🚀My Latest Templates:
The Influencers Companion for Notion: https://paulmilakeve.gumroad.com/l/tiwrq
The Salon Owners Companion for Notion: https://paulmilakeve.gumroad.com/l/salonownerscompanion
Feel Good Productivity Goal Planning Companion and Journal is available for Notion: https://paulmilakeve.gumroad.com/l/mpkxl
Feel Good Productivity Goal Planning Companion and Journal is available for Airtable: https://paulmilakeve.gumroad.com/l/jytzd
The Podcasters Companion Pro for Notion: https://paulmilakeve.gumroad.com/l/khjnm
The Podcasters Companion Pro for Airtable: https://paulmilakeve.gumroad.com/l/iinsu
To access my full list of templates for Airtable and Notion you can visit my website here: My Complete List of Templates for Notion and Airtable
Ways I Can Help You Upskill and Improve Your Life and Business:
📕Recommended Reading List: https://www.paulmilakeve.com/reading-list
🛠️Helpful Tools and Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@paulmilakeve
⏰Save You Time By Using one of My Templates here: Paul's Template Gallery
Ways you can help me:
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