What If the New Year Isn’t About Change, But About Becoming More You?

At this time of year, many of us are buzzing with the mantra, ‘New Year. New Me.’

I’ve just returned to Australia after enjoying Christmas and bringing in 2025 back in the Northern Hemisphere. It was great to spend time with family and friends, and I’ve lost count of how many times they or I said, “It’s been ages since we last caught up, but you haven’t changed!”

What if the personal and business growth I drew for this coming year isn’t about changing who I am but building on the foundations?

It's a slight re-frame, but already I'm seeing how it can help me emerge from my jet-lag-enduced-memory fog sooner. I always learn from those around me; take Shreya; leaving her sport didn’t mean leaving herself behind. She embraced her inherent qualities and repurposed them for a new path:

“I realised my growth wasn’t about abandoning who I was but improving who I’d always been.”

As you reflect on your goals and dreams for the coming period, consider this: What if you didn’t try to reinvent yourself or force your way into brand new habits?

This month, i’m being my true optimistic self and thinking about how I can build on who i already am. Here’s how to join me!

Three Simple Steps to Build on Who You Already Are

Here’s how I’m tackling this idea and how you can too:

1. Recognise Your Strengths

Take a moment to ask yourself: What do people consistently come to me for? What’s that one thing I’m good at, almost without trying? Write it down - or, as I’m suggesting - check out the Values In Action to accelerate your thinking. My Character strengths are Perspective, Leadership, Forgiveness, Curiosity, and Social Intelligence.

To kick start this year, the question I’m answering is, “How might I create value while being true to my character strengths and values?”

2. Start Small, Win Big

Forget the massive resolutions. What’s one slight improvement you can make today? Maybe it’s refining a skill, improving a routine, or tackling a project you’ve been putting off. Growth is less about big leaps and more about steady steps.

My steady step is to increase the published content I’m writing to synthesise the lessons learned from guests into actionable evidenced based career coaching. No, I’m not going to start with Ryan Gonsalves University, but a few recorded sessions on YouTube are probably a more pragmatic start!

3. Focus on What’s Next, Not What’s Missing

I’ve caught myself looking at what I don’t have or what’s lacking. Sound familiar? Instead, ask yourself: What’s next? How can I take what I already do well and level it up? Embrace the mindset of continuous improvement. For me, it’s about building on the coaching practice I’ve been providing to select athletes and executives looking to change roles & careers. I’m less concerned about the end goal and reminding myself to enjoy the process.

Guide

As mentioned, The Values in Action (VIA) Survey is a publicly available freebie. It’s a scientifically validated tool that helps individuals identify their core character strengths and values. Here’s a brief guide on using the VIA Survey:

Steps to Identify Core Values Using the VIA Survey

1. Take the VIA Survey:

The survey includes 240 questions and takes about 25 minutes to complete. It’s freely available online.

2. Review Your Results:

After the survey, you’ll receive a ranked list of your strengths. Your top strengths reflect your core values, and any surprising results may offer new insights about yourself.

3. Reflect on Your Strengths:

Consider how these strengths manifest in your daily life. Reflect on moments when you felt fulfilled; these often align with your core values.

4. Set Aspirational Goals:

The survey can also highlight values you want to embody more fully. Think about how to incorporate these values into your actions.

5. Revisit and Reassess:

Values can evolve, so retake the survey periodically to ensure they align with your current priorities.

Give it a go and drop me a line with yours! https://2ndwind.pro.viasurvey.org/

Connect

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

You’re already enough.

👉🏾 Want more inspiration like this? Check out Shreya’s story and other episodes on the 2ndwind Podcast.

Ps. thank you! Because of your support, the podcast grew by 41% last year. I can’t wait to share more stories with you!

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Here’s to 2025!