Danny Bader's is a near-death survivor, keynote speaker, best-selling author and podcast host. Danny brings a unique perspective and powerful message to his audiences,drawing from his own experiences to support, inspire and influence them on their life’s journey to greater levels of fulfillment and resilience always.
Imagine this: A cheeky kid strolling along a beach stumbles upon a half-buried Magic Lamp. Naturally, he picks it up, rubs it, and out pops a Genie.
Genie: "You have three wishes, but you can't wish for more wishes." Kid: "Well, I wish you were bad at counting wishes."
Smart kid, right? Always trying to get more. But here’s the thing: you always have wishes. The real struggle is figuring out what they are and then summoning the focus, action, and persistence to make them come true.
By definition, a wish is “a desire or hope for something to happen.” (I’d tweak this definition, but I'll add more on that later.) As we enter 2025, this time of year is perfect for reflecting on your wishes and turning them into plans.
What are your wishes for 2025?
When I searched "top goals and wishes for the new year," I came across the most popular New Year's resolutions:
Lose weight
Save money
Change careers
Quit a bad habit
Spend more time with friends and family
Sound familiar? Now, here’s the sobering reality. Another search, “What percentage of New Year’s resolutions are achieved?” led me to this nugget: only 9% of people stick to their resolutions. By the end of the first week, 23% have already quit; by the end of January, that number jumps to 43%.
Why do so many fail? The research and the reasons are clear:
Wrong timing – Goals should emerge from a genuine desire for change, not tradition or peer pressure.
Unprepared for obstacles – Every goal faces hurdles. Anticipating and planning for them keeps you on track.
Goals too big to handle – Breaking your vision into smaller, measurable steps leads to momentum and motivation.
Lack of accountability – Sharing your goals or tracking your progress can double your chances of success.
Four more tips for 2025
At 61, life has taught me a few things about making wishes come true—turning your vision into reality. Here are four more ideas to keep in mind:
See the other side
Take time to sit quietly and picture exactly what you want. Write it down as if it’s already happened—your vision for the year in vivid detail. Then, revisit this vision often. Block time on your calendar every Friday to read and reflect on it, and get clear on the action needed to move forward.
Let go of the past
The past can be a heavy anchor, especially if it’s filled with failures tied to your current goals. But remember, your past doesn’t define your future unless you let it. Revisit the past only for two reasons: to savor good memories and to extract wisdom.
Trust over hope
I’ve stopped using the word hope. Instead, I embrace trust—a firm belief in my ability to create what I desire. Let this affirmation guide you: I trust myself and my ability to create what I want.
Live with arrfYl
This stands for A Radical Reverence for Your Life. It’s a mindset—a way of honoring the fact that life is fragile and fleeting. Pondering your mortality isn’t morbid; it’s motivating. When you live with arrfYl, you’re in tune with your Spirit, and everything else builds on that foundation.
A final word
2025 is waiting for you. Are you ready for it? Trust me, you will live with more fulfillment, resilience…and joy in your life when you realize it will not last forever.
Danny Bader, Keynote Speaker, Author
Danny Bader's transformation from a harrowing near-death experience to a source of inspiration is indeed remarkable. His journey highlights the incredible resilience of the human Spirit and serves as a testament to the power of turning adversity into growth and opportunity. As a keynote speaker, best-selling author, and podcast host, Danny uses his experiences to craft a message that touches and resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. His unique perspective allows him to connect with people on a profound level, offering them not just motivation, but tangible strategies for navigating life's challenges to create greater levels of fulfillment and resilience always.
