Hey Fam!
As we approach a new year, I find myself shifting the way I think about personal growth. In the past, I’ve always started the year with a long list of goals—things I wanted to do. But this time, I’m focusing on who I want to become over the next 365 days.
For me, this year is about solidifying my identity as a reader—not just someone who reads occasionally, but someone who reads intentionally and consistently. Whether it’s research articles that deepen my understanding of orthopedics or books that challenge me to grow as a person, the goal isn’t just to “check off” books. It’s about becoming the kind of person who prioritizes reading as a way of life.
This subtle but powerful shift in mindset—from chasing accomplishments to embodying an identity—has me thinking differently about growth. Goals are still important, but this year, they’re secondary to becoming the person I aspire to be.
How We Apply This To Our Own Growth
Think about this: instead of asking what you want to accomplish in 2025, ask yourself who you want to become. Here are some steps to get started:
- Define the Identity: Choose one identity you want to embody. Maybe it’s “someone who prioritizes fitness,” “a willing learner,” or “a thoughtful friend.”
- Build Habits Around It: Think of daily habits that align with that identity. If you want to be a reader, start with just 10 minutes of reading a day. If fitness is your focus, aim for a simple daily movement practice.
- Celebrate the Process: Shift your focus from achieving a goal to living in alignment with your chosen identity. Celebrate every day you act in accordance with the person you’re becoming.
Here are two quotes from one of my favorite authors, James Clear, for us to meditate on this week:
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” – James Clear
“Decide who you want to be and prove it to yourself with small wins every day.” – James Clear
Personal Reflection
Looking back, I’ve seen how prioritizing identity over outcomes has shaped my growth in unexpected ways. When I focused on becoming “a compassionate leader,” it changed how I approached my team and my patients, even in moments of stress. When I chose to identify as “a lifelong learner,” I naturally found myself pursuing opportunities that stretched me. Each experience showed me that who we are has a way of leading us to meaningful accomplishments—not the other way around.
As you reflect on the person you want to be in 2025, I encourage you to embrace this mindset. And if you’re looking for a structured way to plan your year, I’d love to invite you to one of the quarterly planning events in our Teach As You Learn community. It’s an incredible opportunity to set your intentions and connect with others who are just as driven to grow. It’s happening tonight at 7:30 pm CST in our community if you’re interested! Learn more here:
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Resources you may Enjoy
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See you next week!
JR
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