A Year of Purpose and Balance: My 2025 Resolutions

2024 has been a challenging year—filled with significant changes, heartbreak, and moments of deep reflection.

As I stepped into 2025, I took a moment to write what I might need to grow…

1. Embrace Solitude and Independence 🌱

After reflecting (and with the help of coaching videos and therapy podcasts), I’ve realized I struggle with emotional dependency and anxious attachment.

Basically, I’m seeking validation or fulfilment solely through others.

I want to spend this year learning to exist and thrive on my own, without relying heavily on external validation or relationships.

• Build self-esteem that’s not tied to others’ perceptions.
• Celebrate personal achievements, especially those I accomplish independently.
• Create content just for myself—without the need to share.
• Shift my mindset: Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely.

2. Regain Focus and Attention 🎯

I’ve had a huge combat against the effects of digital distractions and rebuilt my ability to concentrate.

• Address symptoms of ADHD that have intensified due to overstimulation (massive unfollowing on Instagram was one of my first steps).
• Prioritize single-tasking over multitasking for better productivity.
• Use a distraction list: write down interruptions and deal with them later.
• Respect the watch list (a list of movies and series I decide to watch in advance).

3. Prioritize Health and Nutrition 🥗

Shift towards a more mindful approach to what I consume.

Nutrition goals:

• Transition from eating for survival to eating with purpose.
• Gradually reduce sugar, junk food, and overly processed meals.
• Hydrate more consistently with water, tea, and other healthy beverages.
• Experiment with fasting or lighter meals to test my body’s real needs.

Fitness goals:

• Walk 10,000 steps daily.
• Incorporate short exercises (e.g., push-ups, planks) during breaks.
• Stretch when I have nothing to do (like waiting for the metro).
• Use a bicycle for commuting to integrate physical activity.

4. Build a Better Version of Myself 🌟

This year, I’m creating a structured daily routine.

Morning Routine:

• Start with a shower, 10 push-ups, and a 30-second plank.
• Drink water first thing in the morning.
• Skip breakfast if it’s only sugar.

Working Routine:

• 9:00 AM: Organize my agenda with a 15-minute task check.
• Quick journaling: Write down daily goals/tasks and reflect on one positive thing.
• Practice 5 minutes of mindfulness meditation (an app to do so).
• Tidy my space as a form of self-care.
• Incorporate walking meetings or active work sessions.
• Typical workflow (1h run)  
  • Offline – preparation task and prompt writing.
  • Online – push all prompts, send assets, and messaging.
  • Rest – SM, emails, WhatsApp.
  • Repeat 🔁.

Evening Routine:

• Spend 15 minutes offline before bed.
• Reflect on gratitude: write down 3 things I’m thankful for.

5. Embrace Sustainable Travel 🌍

I want to set an example for my future kids and myself by showing that meaningful exploration can coexist with environmental responsibility.

• Use trains or other low-carbon transport whenever possible.
• Reduce waste and limit environmental impact during trips.
• Immerse in local cultures responsibly by supporting small, local businesses.
• I want to continue to learn languages.
  • Maintain my Duolingo streak (in German, mostly)!
  • Learn key phrases for every country I visit to engage authentically with locals.
  • Avoid subtitles in EN or FR. Challenge yourself with NL, DE, ES, IT or others.

6. Shift from Consumption to Creation ✍️

Instead of consuming endless content, I want to channel my energy into creating.

• Write more articles (like this one!) and personal reflections.
• Explore music production and dance choreography as creative outlets.
• Dedicate weekly time to creative projects, like shooting videos or curating playlists.
• Use social media intentionally: either to learn, connect, or share—but no endless scrolling!

7. Reignite My Passion for Dance 💃

Partner Dancing has always been my sanctuary. This year, I’m taking it to the next level.

Goals:

• Brazilian Zouk: Refine technique and musicality.
• SBK: Build more confidence and fluidity.
• Swing/Lindy: Go above the basics.
• Others (tango, forro, WCS): Continue to initiate yourself.

Plan:

• Attend weekly social dance sessions.
• Propose more 1-on-1 dance lessons to refine technique.
• Watch 30 minutes of dance tutorials weekly.

8. Develop My Musical Side 🎵

Enhance my DJing skills and explore music as a form of self-expression.

• Practice DJing weekly to create cohesive, dynamic sets.
• Experiment with playlists that evoke emotion and tell stories.
• Organize my music library weekly.
• Share one music set or track online every month.

9. Return to Writing as a Therapeutic Practice 🖋️

Writing helps me reflect, process, and grow. This year, I’ll embrace it fully if I’ve the energy.

• Dedicate 15–20 minutes daily to journaling or reflective writing.
• Publish at least one article or reflective piece each month.
• Use writing to document my journey: challenges, wins, and lessons learned.

Closing Thoughts

This year is all about cutting out old habits that held me back and embracing discomfort to grow.

I’m turning 30 soon—it’s time to grow up and own my journey.

Let’s see if I’ll be more receptive this time than in 2022.

70 Habits I Can Do To Improve My Life and Productivity (2022)

Resolutions and good habits, in the end, aren’t meant to be followed strictly but to have a direction… I’m proud of who I have become since my last article. Doing the same exercise and sharing it online will allow you to stay accountable (for yourself and for others).

I wish you all a very good year. A year of self-discovery, balance, and health! 🌍✨