January 1st, 2025. 

Is it the first day of the rest of your life? Or just another day? Or both? Or somewhere in between? Are you feeling exhilarated with hope, drive, and new possibilities? Or does it feel like there’s a two-ton gorilla of pressure sitting on your shoulders? Or maybe it’s all of the above? 

First and foremost, however you’re feeling—it’s okay. 

The first key is to acknowledge exactly where you are and how you feel. Start there. 

My New Year’s Relationship Through Recovery 

For me, at various stages of my recovery, my relationship with the new year has mirrored my personal growth. When I was deep in addiction, I’d make a giant list of everything I wanted to accomplish that year. Then I’d roll out of bed at noon, pour myself a cup of coffee (or something stronger), glance at my list, and crawl right back into bed. 

A year later, I’d make another list that looked shockingly similar to the one before: 

  • Quit drinking, smoking, porn, and self-destructing 
  • Get famous 
  • Be a better person 

Maybe not word for word, but you get the idea. Fast forward twenty years, and I still make lists—but now, they look a little different.

A Framework for Goals

One of my mentors likes to say, “You’ll never hit a target if you’re not shooting at one.” So I zoom out, and then I zoom in. I start my resolutions, goals, or visions from the inside out. My framework looks like this: 

1. Personal growth: mind, body, spirit: Let’s focus on what’s most within my control—the foundation that affects everything else.

2. How I show up for family and friends: Relationships are everything. 

3. Career growth: Building something meaningful that aligns with my values. 

4. Miscellaneous hobbies and interests: Because life isn’t all work—it’s about joy, too. 

Keep It Real 

As an addict, I’ve learned I can fall into two traps: selling myself short or shooting unrealistically for the stars. For example, setting a one-year goal that would still be a stretch for ten years. So I aim to get honest with myself. What will make the biggest difference in my life right now? What do I actually have control over? 

Start small. 

Set super actionable, baby-step goals like: 

  • Implement a sustainable morning routine. 
  • Choose a workout schedule that pushes me but doesn’t overwhelm me.
  • Join a support group and check in at least once a week. 

These kinds of goals may seem simple, but they can create a huge difference. 

Add Accountability 

Here’s where the magic happens: ask for help. I like to share my goals with someone—a mentor or a friend on a similar path who will be honest, supportive, and challenging.From there, I track my progress with someone in my community. Whether it’s a mentor holding me accountable or a peer striving toward their own goals, there’s power in sharing the journey. 

No matter how self-motivated you are, having a pack to run with keeps you moving forward and reminds you that you’re not alone. 

As they say: “A rising tide lifts all ships.” 

2025: No Pressure, Just Opportunity 

2025 is just one more year. Let’s take the pressure off. Yes, this IS the first day of the rest of your life. Don’t let that idea freak you out—it’s an opportunity for a new beginning. 

If you fall off the horse, it’s okay. In fact, it’s an important part of the process. It’s not about falling—it’s about how you get up, dust yourself off, and climb back on. And it’s about sharing the ride. 

We’re all in this together. None of us are perfect. Not even close. So let’s make this day—and this year—a step forward. 

Even if it’s just a baby step.