We have ushered in a new year, and as we move into 2025, we are filled with hope for what this new chapter will bring. The ups and downs of the previous year are now behind us, like a gentle wake trailing our passage. While we encountered storms and enjoyed moments of smooth sailing, we are now setting our compass for the next destination.
A new adventure is thrilling but can also bring trepidation. Past voyages remind us that unexpected challenges can send us off course, no matter how carefully we plot the journey. While you cannot foresee every storm or strong current, you can create contingency plans to regain your course and make headway.
Resolutions and goal-setting are not the same. A resolution is about what you want to change, while a goal focuses on what you want to achieve. In sailing terms, if your heart calls for more time on the water, the resolution might be to make more time for boating. However, if you plan to take a three-month sabbatical to cruise in warmer climates, that’s a goal requiring careful planning and several steps to reach.
Here’s the truth: we all need goals. Without them, we become stagnant\u2014like a vessel wasting away on the stands in a boatyard. Isn’t that a shame, when there’s so much life to explore? New places to visit, friends to meet, food to try, and experiences to savor. Without feeding our curiosity, we anchor ourselves unnecessarily.
So take out your chart, find new opportunities, and set your course. The new year is here, waiting for you to cast off and start the journey.
