Making Sense of 2024 and setting your direction for 2025


As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to pause and take stock of where you’ve been and where you want to go.

Reflecting on the past year offers valuable insights, while setting your direction ensures you’re stepping into the new year with purpose and clarity.

Let’s explore how you can use this two-step process to evaluate and plan across the core areas of your life: Health, Relationships, Finances, Work, Purpose, and Wealth.


1. Health: Physical, Mental, Emotional

  • Reflection:
    How did you take care of your body and mind in 2024? Think about your fitness routines, mental health practices, and emotional well-being. Were there periods of strength or times you struggled?
    Example: “I started regular workouts but neglected consistent mental health practices.”
  • Direction:
    Decide on one or two priorities for the coming year to improve your overall health.
    Example: “I’ll make regular mindfulness and sleep habits a top priority.”

2. Relationships: Family, Friends, Community

  • Reflection:
    How did you nurture your relationships? Reflect on time spent with family, friends, and your broader community. Were you present and supportive, or did some connections fade?
    Example: “I reconnected with friends but often felt distant from family.”
  • Direction:
    Strengthen bonds by scheduling regular check-ins or activities.
    Example: “I’ll set aside Sundays for family time and plan quarterly meetups with friends.”

3. Finances: Income, Outgoings, Analysis

  • Reflection:
    Were you in control of your finances in 2024? Reflect on your income, spending habits, and savings goals. Did you encounter unexpected financial stress?
    Example: “I saved consistently but overspent on subscriptions.”
  • Direction:
    Create a clear plan for earning, saving, and spending.
    Example: “I’ll review my expenses monthly and increase my savings by 15%.”

4. Work: Time, Mobility, Money

  • Reflection:
    Did your work align with your values and lifestyle? Think about how you spent your time, your mobility, and whether you felt financially satisfied.
    Example: “I achieved my work goals but struggled with work-life balance.”
  • Direction:
    Set boundaries or explore opportunities for growth.
    Example: “I’ll dedicate evenings to family and pursue a certification to advance my career.”

5. Purpose: Passion, Contribution, Legacy

  • Reflection:
    What gave your life meaning this year? Did you pursue passions, contribute to causes, or take steps toward a lasting legacy?
    Example: “I contributed to charity but didn’t make time for personal passions.”
  • Direction:
    Reignite your sense of purpose by focusing on activities that align with your values.
    Example: “I’ll dedicate weekly time to creative writing and volunteer for a cause I care about.”

6. Wealth: Short-Term, Medium-Term, Protection

  • Reflection:
    How secure did you feel financially in 2024? Did you build toward long-term wealth or focus only on immediate needs?
    Example: “I invested in stocks but didn’t establish an emergency fund.”
  • Direction:
    Strengthen your financial foundation while planning for the future.
    Example: “I’ll build an emergency fund covering three months of expenses.”

Huberman and Ferriss (it doesn’t get much better): Huberman Lab.

Closing Thoughts

2024 was filled with moments to celebrate and lessons to learn. Use Reflection to honor the past and Direction to chart your path forward. By focusing on these six core areas, you can enter 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Here’s to a year of progress, balance, and fulfilment.


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