(New Year’s) resolutions or delusions? Let’s make 2025 count!
We’re already a month into 2025—enough time for some resolutions to stick and others to quietly fade. So let’s pause and reflect: are our to-do lists actually driving us forward, or are they just adding more weight to our days?
The truth is, by now, many resolutions may already feel broken or forgotten, leaving us with a sense of guilt or frustration. But perhaps the issue isn’t in the resolutions themselves—it’s in how we frame them.
To-do lists are great for organisation but often fail to inspire. They give equal weight to trivial errands and transformative projects, creating an illusion of productivity while neglecting what truly matters. Have you ever crossed everything off a list, only to feel strangely unfulfilled?
“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.”
What if we tried a different approach? Instead of focusing on what to do, let’s focus on who to become. What if your resolution was to be curious, compassionate, or courageous? To lead, not just manage? To engage, not just execute? After all, we’re human beings, not human doings.
Shifting to a “to-be” list changes everything. It prioritises purpose over tasks, energy over exhaustion. When we align our actions with who we want to be, we find balance—and joy.
This year, consider starting small. Reflect on the kind of person you want to be in 2025. Write down two or three qualities that align with that vision—perhaps “kind,” “innovative,” or “resilient.” Then, let those qualities guide your actions, one step at a time.
Alternatively, at the end of each day, create a “done list.” Write down what you’ve achieved, how you’ve grown, or moments where you embodied the person you aspire to be. And if you find yourself battling perfectionism, consider an even gentler approach: a “good enough list”. Celebrate what you’ve accomplished, even if it wasn’t flawless. Progress matters more than perfection. For further inspiration, take a look at How to Be Enough by Dr. Rachel Turow.
At The Human Atelier, we believe that transforming how we work starts with transforming how we think about ourselves. Let’s make 2025 a year of thriving, not just striving.
Stay tuned for more ideas and inspiration. And remember, change doesn’t have to be revolutionary—it can begin with a single, intentional step. Try this simple exercise based on 15% Solutions—small, meaningful actions you can take right now.
Warm regards,
Santiago Mayo
Founder. Human Architect
THE HUMAN ATELIER