As the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday 31 December, many of us will whisper: “I hope 2025 treats me better”. But let’s be honest, there’s no magical reset button or prayers waiting to transform our lives overnight.
The truth? If you keep walking the same paths, 2025 will look no different.
We are the sum of our habits. Charles Duhigg explains in his book, The Power of Habit, that “Change might not be fast and it isn’t always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.”
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).
Yes, just like the formal ones organisations hold – but for my life. Because if companies need structured reviews and forward planning to thrive, why shouldn’t we?
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 “why” behind actions. My dad embodies this mindset, always encouraging me to “see the bigger picture and dissect issues critically my girl”. He’d 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.
Last week, I had to pause his questions when he asked “whats your five year plan” 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.
While that plan is “underreview”, the concept of setting aside structured time for intentional discussions stayed with me. Too often, we expect better outcomes without changing the systems – or lack thereof, that underpin our lives. New results demand new actions.
The Personal AGM isn’t just about goal setting; it’s a strategic life review. It’s about asking yourself tough questions:
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?
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’ll review my year like an accountant combing through a balance sheet and map out systems to achieve.
Imagine sitting down with your loved ones to reflect on the year, share dreams, and plan together.
Start by asking your children about their goals – academically, personally, or otherwise. What support do they need?
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.
Willpower isn’t 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’t just support your goals –they help sustain them.
My first Personal AGM isn’t about perfection; it’s about starting. It’s a promise to self to shape the next five years intentionally – leading to 2030.
So, grab a notebook, carve out the time, and hold yourself accountable. After all, the life you want isn’t going to build itself, you have to sow certain seeds to become.
The ball has always been in your court, it’s time to play intentionally.
