Hi friends, I am glad to share this piece with you as we round off 2024. Inspired by the #Decemberinleo Day 10 prompt "the power of the mind", I have come to discover that the victories we attain in life struggles start I the mind. Same with the failures. I made a quick glance at year 2024 - my successes, challenges and lessons, and it informs me to make up my mind for the year ahead. You too can. it may not be an all-smooth journey as fears could surface, however, we can still do what we ought to - "freely or afraid!"
We all know the tradition of making resolutions at year end against the beginning of a new one. For many, this practice is filled with optimism; for others, it is weighed down by past failures and fear of the unknown. Yet, one truth remains: life is full of challenges, and the fear of failure is a constant companion. But what if the secret to fulfilling your 2025 resolutions does not depend on eliminating fear but in learning to do it even when you are afraid of doing so?
We have got to know that fear is a natural response to uncertainty. Yes, when we set resolutions, especially ambitious ones, the "what ifs" often creep in: What if I fail again? What if I don’t have what it takes? These questions, though daunting, are not the problem. The problem is allowing them to paralyze you. Being a teacher, I've got to help my students deal with that. Some would obviously not want to try out a thing because they failed at a time.
As year 2025 approaches, we can tune our minds to read differently. instead of waiting for fear to subside before taking the needed action, we should recognize it as a sign that we are stepping out of our comfort zones. The truth is that growth begins where comfort ends. The first step is not to overcome fear but to embrace it and act anyway.
A good resolution is not just a wish for "good" things to happen. It could be a determination to make meaningful progress. During the coming year, you would have to focus on crafting resolutions that align with your deepest values and aspirations. Ask yourself a questions like:
"What matters most to me?"
Resolutions tied to your core values are easier to stay committed to. If family, health, or career growth is important, let your goals reflect that.
"What small, consistent steps can I take?"
Think of small chunks of steps instead of setting vague goals like “get fit,” aim for actionable ones like “exercise three times a week.”
"Am I prepared to fail and learn?"
Know that your resolutions are not guarantees; they are experiments in self-growth. Allow room for missteps, but commit to learning from them.
Make up your mind to DO IT AFRAID this coming year. I too would. I had many failed reams because I wasn't ready to risk it all. But I've learnt better. In this new year, I will learnt to acknowledge my fears. This is because fear thrives in denial. When you feel afraid, admit it. Say, “I’m scared, but I’ll try anyway.” This simple statement shifts your mindset from avoidance to action.
Second thing I would do is to break down my goals that are achievable in smaller periods of time and with smaller resources. Fear often stems from feeling overwhelmed. Break your resolution into smaller, manageable tasks. Conquering each step will build confidence and momentum.
Next thing to do is to build structures for accountability. Share your resolutions with someone who can encourage and challenge you. Community support makes it easier to persevere when fear strikes.
The fourth thing to do is to visualize my expected success. There is no harm in spending time to imagine the outcome of achieving your resolution. Visualization does not eliminate fear but can make the goal feel more tangible and worth pursuing.
The decision to "do it afraid" is not just to chase the new year's goals, it will help you build formidable character. Every step taken against fear strengthens your ability to handle future challenges. Resolutions are more than promises for the new year. They are opportunities to grow into the person you’re meant to be.
As you draw your resolutions for 2025, let courage, not fear, be your guide. Remember, fear is not the enemy of success; inaction is. Step into 2025 with boldness, ready to do it afraid, and watch how the year unfolds in ways you never imagined.
Image generated with ChatGPT