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New Year, New Goals: Choosing Resolutions That Truly Matter

Updated: 13 hours ago


As the clock strikes midnight and a new year begins, many of us reflect on what we’d like to achieve in the coming months. For years, I set the same typical resolutions: “I’m going to start working out” or “I’m going to quit eating processed food.” While these are great goals, I realised they weren’t the kind that sparked deep, meaningful change for me. Instead, I’ve shifted my focus to resolutions that centre on personal growth and self-development—things like learning to set better boundaries or making a conscious effort not to let fear and self-doubt hold me back.


This shift in perspective has been transformative, and it’s allowed me to take some big steps that felt completely outside my comfort zone.


My 2024 Milestones


In October 2024, I took one of the biggest leaps of my professional life: I published my first video-based Udemy course, Clear and Concise Communication for Professionals. This wasn’t just a small project for me—it was a significant step into the unknown. Publishing something that would be accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world, was both exhilarating and terrifying.


To add to the challenge, I started my own social media pages for Persefone Coaching on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even YouTube. I can’t lie—there were moments I felt utterly embarrassed putting myself out there. The fear of judgment and imposter syndrome crept in often, but I reminded myself of my purpose: to inspire others to grow, improve, and live more authentically.


By the end of the year, I was proud to have expanded my Udemy catalogue to six courses. Each one reflects my values and my commitment to helping others develop crucial skills for their personal and professional lives.


Progress Over Perfection


It’s tempting to hold ourselves to impossible standards, especially when sharing our work online. I’ve learned to embrace imperfection. My courses, social media posts, and even my designs aren’t flawless—and that’s okay. What matters most to me is that I’ve shown up, tried, and stayed aligned with what I feel is my life’s purpose.


Looking Ahead to 2025


In 2025, my goal is to continue improving both my courses and my online presence. I want to keep doing what inspires me, helps me grow, and allows me to live authentically. Beyond that, I aim to refine my skills, reach new audiences, and create even more content that aligns with my purpose.


But this journey isn’t just about me. I want to hear from you! What did you achieve in 2024? What are your aims for 2025? Let’s celebrate our wins, big or small, and support one another as we step into a new year.


If you’d like to help me grow personally and professionally, follow my social media pages or check out one of my Udemy courses, which are currently on special offer.


Inspire Your Own Growth Journey


If you’re ready to set meaningful resolutions for personal growth and self-development, here’s a simple worksheet-style guide to help you identify your growth areas and create a plan to put them into practice:


1. Identify Your Growth Areas


Take a moment to reflect on the areas in your life where you’d like to improve. Consider these prompts to get started:

• What situations or behaviours have caused you stress or frustration over the past year? (e.g., struggling to say no, overthinking, procrastinating)

• What strengths would you like to develop further? (e.g., communication skills, leadership, empathy)

• What fears or doubts have been holding you back? (e.g., fear of public speaking, fear of failure, self-doubt about your abilities)


2. Set Specific, Actionable Goals


Turn your growth areas into actionable goals. Use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Examples:

• “I will practise saying ‘no’ to at least one non-essential request per week for the next two months.”

• “I will attend one public speaking workshop by March to build confidence.”

• “I will schedule 30 minutes every Sunday to reflect on and adjust my weekly priorities.”


3. Create a Growth Action Plan


Break your goals into smaller steps and track your progress.

Example Goal: “Learn how to set better boundaries.”

• Step 1: Read one book or article about setting boundaries.

• Step 2: Write a list of situations where you struggle to set boundaries.

• Step 3: Practise setting boundaries in low-stakes scenarios, like saying no to social plans when you need rest.

• Step 4: Evaluate your progress after one month and adjust as needed.


4. Practise Self-Compassion


Growth isn’t linear. Celebrate small wins and give yourself grace if things don’t go perfectly.


5. Find Your Why


Connect your goals to a deeper purpose. Ask yourself:

• “Why is this goal important to me?”

• “How will achieving this improve my life or the lives of others?”

For example, setting boundaries could mean having more time to spend with loved ones or energy to pursue your passions.


Let’s Grow Together!


Share your 2025 goals in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re working on and how I can support or inspire you. Let’s make this year a step closer to becoming the best versions of ourselves!


If this worksheet helped you, or if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Udemy courses or connect with me on social media. Here’s to a year of growth, courage, and authenticity for all of us!


Udemy Video Course Discount Links: 


Master Active Listening: 

Master Emotional Intelligence for Effective Management: 

Master Clear and Concise Communication:

Cultural Awareness, Generational Differences & Diplomacy: 

Master Psychological Barriers to Effective Communication: 

Master Communication Models to Overcome Challenges: 


Udemy is a platform where you can learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re focusing on leadership, emotional intelligence, or overcoming communication barriers, there’s something for everyone.


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Hi, I'm Julie

I'm a qualified Communication and Professional Skills Coach who specialises in helping people working in international teams. 

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Communication, Leadership Skills, and Intercultural Communication

Guiding Professionals in effective strategies to solve work Issues, Improve soft skills, Interpersonal Skills, and enhance collaboration.
I work with non-native and native English speakers.

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