50 Lessons for 2025

Whenever I hear the word “lesson,” it might bring to mind school homework but here, it takes on a different meaning. The lessons in this collection are about learning from the following suggestions and gaining new insights that can shape your perspective and behaviour.

This set of 50 lessons is designed to inspire growth, cultivate balance and help you thrive across all areas of life – personal development, health, relationships and financial wellbeing. Each reminder gently nudges you towards living with purpose and intention, offering practical steps to embrace change, nurture self-care and build meaningful connections. Let these lessons guide you to a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life ahead.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Prioritise progress over perfection.
Learn to say no without feeling guilty.
Celebrate little wins because they lead to more significant victories.
Replace comparison with self-reflection and introspection.
Set realistic and actionable goals.
Invest in lifelong learning – read, undertake courses and be curious.
Embrace discomfort – growth happens outside our comfort zone.
Start every day with gratitude for at least one thing (but ideally three!).
Failure is a stepping stone to something new – even success.
Know your values and make decisions that align with them.

Protect Wellbeing

Protect your peace and walk away from unnecessary conflict.
Practice mindfulness through meditation, journaling or quiet moments.
Seek therapy or professional support whenever needed.
Avoid overthinking – most worries don’t come to pass.
Take breaks; burnout helps no one.
Learn to forgive yourself and others.
Let go of toxic relationships that drain your energy.
Spend time in nature – it’s therapeutic.
Focus on whatever you can control; let go of whatever you cannot.
Create a self-care routine and stick to it regardless.

Safeguard Relationships

Surround yourself with people who are easy to be with and inspire you.
Practice active listening in all conversations.
Express gratitude to those you care about (tell them).
Apologise whenever you are wrong; humility strengthens relationships.
Set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
Remember that it’s okay to outgrow people.
Be the friend you wish to have.
Share your time, not just material gifts, with loved ones.
Avoid assumptions; ask questions instead.
Acknowledge and celebrate others’ successes.

Improve Health and Fitness

Move your body daily, even if it’s just a short, quick walk.
Stay hydrated with water – it’s simple but transformative.
Prioritise sleep; it’s foundational to good health.
Eat for nourishment and nurturing, not convenience.
Find a form of exercise you enjoy and do it!
Limit screen time, particularly before bed.
Undertake regular health check-ups.
Pay attention to your body and rest when needed. Move as often as you can.
Limit alcohol and processed foods.
Make stretching or yoga a daily practice in 2025

Develop Financial Literacy

Create a budget, then stick to it.
Try to save a percentage of your income.
Pay off high-interest debt as quickly as possible.
Learn to distinguish between needs and wants.
Invest in experiences, not stuff.
Build an emergency fund for unexpected events.
Avoid comparing your financial situation to others. (Avoid comparing your anything with anyone else’s).
Become financially literate – teach yourself about personal finance and investing.
Plan for long-term goals. Think about your retirement or a dream purchase.
Donate and/or volunteer to causes that align with your values.

These reminders can guide you towards a healthier, happier and more purposeful year ahead. Which resonates most with you? Which will you put into practice today?

Wishing you joy, love, please, health and great contentment this year.

www.carolinecrotty.ie

Worry

How To Tackle Worry

September brings change and change can bring worry. Worrying is part of our lives but for many, worry can dominate thoughts and interfere with daily life. I have heard people say, “I’d worry if I didn’t have something to worry about!”

Worrying does not prepare us for every eventuality. Life is unpredictable. Even though we worry about the future, it does not prepare us for the worst-case scenario should it happen. Worrying neither prevents problems nor offers solutions.

Worry robs us of joy and can drive anxieties. We rarely think, “what if it all works out well”. Worrying can become a habit. The good news is that most habits can be broken. If we spent years worrying, it is unlikely we will stop overnight but we can positively improve our worrying by undertaking the following steps:

Limit the time you allow yourself to worry. Set aside a specific 30-minute appointment (with yourself) and designate it as your “worry time”. Perhaps 30 mins per day to start while working towards 30 minutes once per week. The objective is not to ignore, avoid or suppress worries but to learn how to contain the worrying so it does not take over every facet of the day or of life.

Postpone. Rather than trying to stop a worry, acknowledge it but delay dwelling on it for another time.

Journal or keep notes in your phone and record your worries. This may appear time-consuming particularly initially but there may be repeated worries or the same worry in different guises! While noting a worry, remind and reassure yourself that you do not have to sort it out immediately, all worries will be dealt with in the allocated “worry time”.

Worrying and problem-solving are vastly different. While we are worrying, we may feel less anxious. While we are worrying we may feel proactive. Worrying gives us the illusion that we are accomplishing something. Constant or persistent worrying can prevent us from feeling while we stay caught up in our minds, we don’t pay attention to what’s going on in our bodies. When it comes to the ‘worry time’ take out your list of worries and go through them. Ask yourself whether the worry is outside or within your control? If within, start problem-solving. List every possible solution regardless of how simplistic. Focus on the most appropriate solution. Put a plan of action into place. If the worry is outside your control or not solvable, learn to accept uncertainty.

This suggestion is tough. Rather than thinking “what if” scenarios, imagine the worst-case scenario. Picture the thing you fear as vividly as you can. Sit with the uncomfortable feelings it raises for a few minutes. Repeat this say every day until the discomfort lessens. Allowing yourself time to feel discomfort over time lessens the fear as you learn to face what was previously unimaginable. Doing this step with someone you trust such as a therapist is ideal.

When we worry, we have worried thoughts. Pay attention to your worried thoughts. Are they facts or opinion, belief or definite? Do you have evidence to support the thought or to dispel it? What is the likelihood of the worry becoming a reality? How would you cope if it did happen? How would you help a friend with similar worried thoughts? Reassure yourself that we do not have to worry all the time and if we find that we are, what purpose is it serving?

Pay attention to what you feel in your body. What are your emotions. What sensations do you experience? Learn how to relax your body and your mind. Give yourself a break. Self-care is not self-indulgent, it is vital.

We live with uncertainty. We always have. Perhaps now is a good time to treat yourself as you would a dear friend and be self-kind.