Gillian Managing Director of Emerge Development Consultancy which she founded 28 years ago. She is a Master Executive Coach working with many CEOs and managing Directors globally. She is also an international speaker and in 2020 was named by f: Entrepreneur as one of the leading UK Female Entrepreneurs in the I also campaign. In 2023 she was named as Leader of the Year by the Women’s Business Club.
As the year draws to a close and the world lights up with Christmas cheer, it’s the perfect time to reflect and prepare for a new beginning. Amid the hustle of holiday shopping, staff parties, and family plans, there’s an opportunity to embrace the transformative potential of the coming year. Forget fleeting New Year’s resolutions; 2025 is all about sustainable habits and intentional living. By refining your routines and setting meaningful goals, you can elevate every aspect of your life.
2024 was a year of milestones for me: a new grandson in April, a knee replacement in May, winning the award for Businesswoman of the Decade, and some major business shifts. Despite these changes, I achieved a long-standing goal I’d struggled with for 15 years. It reminded me that with the right habits and consistent effort, anything is possible. As you look ahead to 2025, here are strategies to thrive in every area of your life.
Start strong with a morning routine
The way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Without a purposeful routine, it’s easy to begin in a reactive state—reaching for your phone, rushing through chaos, and feeling drained before the day even starts. Instead, invest in yourself each morning with a structured routine.
Hydrate first: Begin your day with a glass of water. Proper hydration improves brain function and kickstarts your metabolism. For an extra boost, try warm water with lemon and ginger to aid digestion.
Move your body: Spend at least 20 minutes exercising. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, cycling, or walking, movement boosts circulation, energizes you, and prepares your mind for the day. For longer workouts, mornings are ideal for hitting the gym or going for a run. I recently bought a Peloton bike, and I find that a 20-minute morning ride really sets me up for the day.
Breathe intentionally: Breathing deeply and correctly is an underrated habit. Focus on nasal breathing to reduce stress and increase oxygen efficiency. This year, I became obsessed with James Nestor’s book Breath and practice breathing every day on my way to work.
Cultivate focus: Dedicate 10 minutes to meditation or journaling. Reflecting on gratitude and setting a positive intention helps you start the day with clarity. I like to create a “to-be” list, focusing on how I want to show up—calm, courageous, or productive.
Fuel your body: A nutritious breakfast with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs can sustain you throughout the day. If intermittent fasting suits you, it’s a great way to enhance mental focus.
Set daily priorities: Write down 1-3 key tasks that align with your larger goals. Tackling these early ensures your day feels productive and purpose-driven.
The morning is your chance to take charge of the day, and these habits ensure you approach it with energy and clarity.
Goal setting: Plan beyond resolutions
New Year’s resolutions often fail because they’re vague and lack a roadmap. Instead of short-lived promises, create a clear vision for your future. Goal setting isn’t just about what you want to achieve next year; it’s about defining the life you want and working backward.
Visualize the big picture: Imagine your life in 10 years. Where will you be living? What will your career, finances, and relationships look like? Consider your age, family dynamics, and lifestyle.
Break It down: Once you have a 10-year vision, identify what you need to accomplish in the next 5 years to stay on track. Then, determine the steps you need to take in the coming year.
Organize your goals: Use categories like Career, Fitness, Finances, Relationships, Personal Development, and Hobbies. Write down specific objectives under each heading.
Build systems: Goals are achieved through systems. For example, if your goal is financial stability, your system might include budgeting, automated savings, and weekly expense tracking.
Long-term planning provides clarity and motivation, while actionable systems ensure progress. As James Clear writes in Atomic Habits, “You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.”
Consistency: The secret to success
James Clear also emphasizes that consistency beats intensity every time. This principle transformed my life in 2024 when I finally achieved a 15-year weight-loss goal. It wasn’t about crash diets or intense workouts; it was about applying small, consistent habits every day.
For years, I struggled to lose weight, hindered by menopause and a knee issue. At 64, it felt impossible. However, by committing to daily movement, balanced eating, and hydration, I achieved a 25kg weight loss over seven months. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about showing up daily.
When setting goals for 2025, focus on consistent effort. Whether it’s exercising, saving money, or learning a skill, small daily actions add up over time.
Prioritize your health
Health is the foundation for everything else in life. When you feel physically and mentally strong, you’re better equipped to pursue your goals.
Clean eating: Reduce ultra-processed foods and opt for whole, nutrient-dense meals. Simple changes, like preparing meals at home, can make a big difference.
Stay hydrated: Drinking at least three liters of water daily improves energy, focus, and overall health.
Prioritize sleep: Quality sleep is non-negotiable. Create a bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and ensure you’re getting enough rest.
Regular exercise: Consistency is key. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s walking, swimming, or strength training, and make them part of your routine.
By focusing on your health, you’ll feel more energized, focused, and resilient in the year ahead.
Master your finances in 2025
Financial stability reduces stress and creates freedom. The New Year is an excellent time to take control of your money.
Audit your spending: Review your expenses, track subscriptions, and identify areas to cut back. Even small savings, like reducing daily coffee purchases, can add up.
Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers to savings or investment accounts. Start small if needed; remember, consistency is more important than the amount.
Optimize utilities: Review your utility providers for better deals and consider switching to lower-cost tariffs. For example, using electricity during off-peak hours can significantly reduce bills.
Plan for the future: Align your financial goals with your long-term vision. Whether it’s retirement planning or saving for a home, having a clear target keeps you on track.
Taking these steps will not only improve your financial health but also provide peace of mind.
Create a balanced life
While goals and routines are important, a fulfilling life includes joy, creativity, and connection. Embrace habits that enrich your life holistically:
Limit screen time: Designate tech-free hours to recharge and connect with the real world.
Build relationships: Invest time in family and friends. Plan outings or events to strengthen these bonds.
Pursue hobbies: Dedicate time to activities that spark joy, like painting, gardening, or cooking.
Declutter: A tidy space promotes focus and reduces stress. Start small, like organizing your desk or closet.
Read more: Books expand your perspective. Set a goal to read one book a month or explore new genres.
Schedule rest: Avoid burnout by including downtime in your calendar. Rest is productive, too. Everyone recharges differently, so consider what truly helps you feel refreshed and build it into your daily or weekly routine.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your values or goals.
Celebrate wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. Reflecting on achievements keeps you motivated.
These habits ensure you’re not just surviving but truly thriving.
Invest in Personal Development
Growth is a lifelong journey. Whether through courses, mentorship, or self-reflection, prioritize learning in 2025.
Look for continuous development: Enroll in classes that enhance your skills, read books, or watch TED Talks that broaden your knowledge and increase your expertise.
Find a mentor: A mentor can provide guidance, accountability, and inspiration.
Reflect regularly: Journaling or meditating helps you stay aligned with your values and goals.
Personal development isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
Final thoughts
As Natasha Bedingfield sings in Unwritten, “Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.” Think of 2025 as a blank canvas; you can paint whatever picture of your future you want. By adopting these habits and focusing on holistic, sustainable growth, you’ll create a masterpiece filled with achievement, balance, and joy.
Here’s to a transformative year ahead. Happy New Year!
Read more from Gillian Jones-Williams
Gillian Jones-Williams, Emerge Development Consultancy
Gillian Managing Director of Emerge Development Consultancy which she founded 28 years ago. She is a Master Executive Coach working with many CEOs and managing Directors globally. She is also an international speaker and in 2020 was named by f: Entrepreneur as one of the leading UK Female Entrepreneurs in the I also campaign. In 2023 she was named as Leader of the Year by the Women’s Business Club, and has just been named as Businesswoman of the Decade is the Best Businesswomen awards.
Gillian founded the RISE Women’s Development Programme which is delivered both in the UK and the Middle East, and Saudi and is her absolute passion.
She is also the co-author of How to Create a Coaching Culture, 50 Top Tools for Coaching, and the author of Locked Down but Not Out which is a diary of the first 3 months of the pandemic to raise money for the bereaved families of the NHS workers who died during COVID-19.
Emerge provide specialist support and training on anti-harassment and inclusive cultures. If you want to know more about this support of any of our other training and development solutions, please do contact us on 01329 820580 or via info@emergeuk.com.
