As we step into the new year, it’s natural to reflect on goals, aspirations, and the vision we hold for the months ahead. For me, 2024 was centered around one word: Execute. This single word was my guiding theme, meant to inspire action, focus, and meaningful progress. When I felt most lost, I returned to it like a compass, using it to realign and refocus.
But as the year unfolded, I encountered unexpected challenges. At times it felt like I had forgotten the word’s meaning entirely. And by year’s end, I found myself disappointed, not in the word, but in how I engaged with it.
Reflecting on Execution
At the outset, I anticipated that “execute” would take shape in unexpected ways, deepening in meaning over time. Instead, I realized I hadn’t set myself up for success. I failed to:
- Block time: I didn’t dedicate specific moments to focus on execution.
- Keep it visible: The word wasn’t placed in prominent, consistent spots where it could remind and inspire me daily.
- Stay curious: I neglected to dig deeper through reading and reflection.
This left me asking hard questions: How do I reframe this sense of disappointment? If I hadn’t chosen a word, would I have achieved any clarity? Despite my disappointment, have I taken small steps toward growth and understanding? While these questions don’t have definitive answers, I’m certain of this: choosing a theme, however imperfectly executed, brought me greater awareness of myself and my journey.
As Seneca wisely said, “No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity, for he is never permitted to prove himself.” Perhaps the challenges I faced were less about the word itself and more about the methods I used to engage with it.
A New Approach for 2025
Looking ahead, I’m reimagining how I approach themes and goals. Maybe it’s my age or my ongoing wrestling match with depression, but I’ve grown skeptical of relying solely on sheer willpower for transformation. Most of the meaningful growth in my life hasn’t come from rigid, formal plans but from moments of relaxed intention—what I now think of as purposeful playfulness.
This mindset combines being intensely present with staying relaxed and open to change. It’s practical, valuable, and flexible. Rather than forcing myself into old routines that no longer serve me, I’m allowing space for experimentation and evolution.
Questions for Reflection
As the calendar rolls into a new year, I’ve been asking myself:
- What was I doing a year ago, and does it still belong in my life?
- What can I let go of to make room for something better?
- Who or what is driving my discernment and adjustments?
Once upon a time, my mornings started at 5 a.m. with hot coffee, prayer, meditation, and a challenging workout. These practices fueled me for years, but my current reality is different. Through recent seasons, I’ve faced experiences that reshaped my brain—physiologically and psychologically. Comparing myself to the past only led to feelings of heaviness and hopelessness. Letting go of that comparison has been liberating.
Permission to Change
You might be starting this year with a sense of obligation—a ritualistic approach to goal-setting that feels more like a chore than an opportunity. If that’s you, let this be your permission slip to shift. Let go of routines that no longer serve you, and embrace new experiments. Every day is a chance to recalibrate, to explore what works for you, your family, and your team now.
The beauty of the new year isn’t in perfect resolutions but in the freedom to discover fresh rhythms. Transformation often happens in the unexpected, less formally intentional moments. Allow yourself to relax into the possibilities, and you just might find your best self emerging in ways you never anticipated.
If you’re looking for a new perspective, feel free to reach out at jeremiah@getemergent.com.
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