As the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday 31 December, many of us will whisper: \u201cI hope 2025 treats me better\u201d. But let\u2019s be honest, there\u2019s no magical reset button or prayers waiting to transform our lives overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The truth? If you keep walking the same paths, 2025 will look no different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are the sum of our habits. Charles Duhigg explains in his book, The Power of Habit<\/span>, that \u201cChange might not be fast and it isn\u2019t always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So this is my final column for the year, and I already have a new pair of eyes for the following year. I want to ditch vague resolutions and try something bold: like hosting a Personal Annual General Meeting (AGM). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, just like the formal ones organisations hold \u2013 but for my life. Because if companies need structured reviews and forward planning to thrive, why shouldn\u2019t we?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inspiration behind the idea. My dad studied sociology, growing up he instilled in me the importance of reflection and critical thinking. Sociologists are trained to examine patterns, behaviours and societal structures, always questioning and seeking to understand the \u201cwhy\u201d behind actions. My dad embodies this mindset, always encouraging me to \u201csee the bigger picture and dissect issues critically my girl\u201d. He\u2019d ask probing questions, spark debates even hold me accountable for how I spend my time. It was exhausting as a child but invaluable as a young adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last week, I had to pause his questions when he asked \u201cwhats your five year plan\u201d and proposed we do a Monthly General Meeting (MGM) going forward where we discuss issues and his concerns on a designated day we set aside for the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While that plan is \u201cunder<\/span>review<\/span>\u201d<\/span>, the concept of setting aside structured time for intentional discussions stayed with me. Too often, we expect better outcomes without changing the systems \u2013 or lack thereof, that underpin our lives. New results demand new actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Personal AGM isn\u2019t just about goal setting; it\u2019s a strategic life review. It\u2019s about asking yourself tough questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What worked this year? Where did I fall short? What habits are holding me back? What systems can I build to support the person I want to become?<\/p>\n\n\n\n For me, this means its intentionally checking in, in all spheres of my life, even if I book a weekend away alone with my journal and a planner. I\u2019ll review my year like an accountant combing through a balance sheet and map out systems to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine sitting down with your loved ones to reflect on the year, share dreams, and plan together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by asking your children about their goals \u2013 academically, personally, or otherwise. What support do they need? <\/p>\n\n\n\n As parents, review, revise and guide rather than dictate, work together to outline family objectives. I believe the goal should be to build a home culture rooted in communication and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Willpower isn\u2019t enough. We need systems in place. Want to exercise more? Schedule your workouts, prep your gear, Want to save money? Automate your savings. Systems don\u2019t just support your goals \u2013they help sustain them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My first Personal AGM isn\u2019t about perfection; it\u2019s about starting. It\u2019s a promise to self to shape the next five years intentionally \u2013 leading to 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, grab a notebook, carve out the time, and hold yourself accountable. After all, the life you want isn\u2019t going to build itself, you have to sow certain seeds to become. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The ball has always been in your court, it\u2019s time to play intentionally.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday 31 December, many of us will whisper: \u201cI hope 2025 treats me better\u201d. 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