New Year’s Resolution #1: Start 2025 with Purpose
Last week, we explored the best gift you can give yourself and the world: your presence. But what does being truly present look like? Imagine this: you’re having dinner with your family, yet your mind keeps wandering—thinking about deadlines, scrolling through your phone, or worrying about tomorrow. The laughter at the table fades into the background, and before you know it, the moment has passed.
Now, contrast that with a night where you’re fully engaged—laughing with your loved ones, savoring each bite of your meal, and genuinely listening to the stories shared. One feels fleeting; the other, deeply fulfilling. This New Year, let’s explore how presence can transform your daily life and connect to your greater purpose.
Assessing Your Presence
Ask yourself: If you learned you only had one month to live, how would you spend each day? Would it look vastly different from your current routine?
If the answer is yes, you might not be fully living in the present or maximizing the joy it offers. But if your ideal day closely resembles your current life, you’re already reaping the rewards of presence:
Over time, this habit becomes more than just a fleeting problem. It leaves you disconnected, not just from others but also from yourself. Your energy drains because your mind is busy replaying the past or worrying about the future. Instead of finding peace or fulfillment, you feel stressed and restless.
The New Year: A Time for Reflection
The New Year inspires us to set goals and resolutions, but too often, we jump into them without pausing to ask, Why? Why is this goal important to me? How does it connect to my life’s purpose?
Without this clarity, resolutions can feel hollow, leading to frustration and burnout. For instance, many people start fitness goals in January with enthusiasm but lose momentum by February. Why? Because the goal—whether it’s weight loss or personal development—wasn’t tied to a deeper purpose, like staying healthy to enjoy more time with their children or feeling more confident and energetic to pursue dreams.
The Consequences of a Misguided Approach
When goals are disconnected from purpose, life can feel like an endless race with no finish line. You might achieve milestone after milestone, but the satisfaction is short-lived, leaving you searching for the next accomplishment.
For example, someone might spend years chasing career success, only to feel an emptiness when they finally reach their goal. That’s because they’ve placed all their fulfillment in external achievements, overlooking the inner foundation that provides lasting meaning.
The Balance Between Inner and Outer Purpose
To create a truly fulfilling life, it’s essential to balance inner purpose and outer purpose:
1. Inner Purpose
This is how you experience life daily. It’s about being fully present, finding joy in the little things, and nurturing meaningful connections. A quiet mind creates clarity and peace, allowing you to savor life’s simple pleasures—whether it’s enjoying a sunrise or sharing a heartfelt conversation.
2. Outer Purpose
These are your goals, obligations, and contributions to the world. It’s the motivation to achieve, work hard, and grow. Outer purpose provides direction, but it becomes most meaningful when aligned with your inner purpose.
External Purpose Vs. Internal Purpose: A Common Mistake
One common mistake is treating purpose as something external, a destination to reach in the future. This mindset makes fulfillment conditional—something you’ll experience only when you achieve a goal. Instead, purpose should be rooted in your everyday life.
For example, a healthy lifestyle goal isn’t just about losing weight or building muscle. When rooted in inner purpose, it’s about:
When you focus on being present, even mundane tasks—like washing the dishes or going for a walk—become fulfilling.
A Purpose-Driven Life
Living with purpose doesn’t mean every day will be perfect, but it does mean finding meaning in the journey. When your inner and outer purposes align, life feels more intentional and fulfilling.
For instance, imagine starting each day with clarity and calm. Instead of waking up overwhelmed by a long to-do list, you begin with a quiet moment to connect with yourself and focus on what truly matters. This shift in mindset transforms how you approach decisions, actions, and even challenges.
This approach helps people overcome the common mistake of relying solely on external achievements for fulfillment. When you’re guided by your inner purpose, your outer goals—whether related to career, relationships, or personal development—gain deeper meaning and direction.
Imagine the difference: instead of pushing yourself through each day, trying to check off one goal after another, you’re pulled by the joy and inspiration that come from living with intention. Your relationships flourish because you’re fully present. Work feels rewarding because it connects to something bigger than yourself. And every small success feels significant because it’s part of a life aligned with your true self.
When you live this way, life becomes richer. You experience more peace, fulfillment, and energy. Your goals feel not only achievable but also deeply aligned with something greater than you—whether that’s your faith, your values, or the legacy you want to leave behind.
A New Year’s Choice
As you step into 2025, ask yourself: Do you want to keep chasing external goals, hoping they’ll bring fulfillment someday? Or will you choose to connect with your inner purpose, find joy in the present, and let that inspire your outer goals?
When you make presence and purpose a part of your daily life, the New Year becomes more than just a fresh start—it becomes a journey filled with peace, inspiration, and lasting meaning.
Wishing you a Happy New Year! Here’s to a purposeful and fulfilling 2025 ahead. 🎉
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Happy New Year!
01:57 - How Present Are You in Your Life?
05:01 - Connecting Being Present to Your Purpose
05:36 - The Mistake of Not Knowing Your Purpose
06:55 - The Consequences of this Common Mistake
09:56 - Misconceptions About Purpose
12:04 - Your Inner Purpose
15:12 - Your Outer Purpose
17:26 - The Mistake of Seeking Fulfillment Solely from Your Outer Purpose
18:55 - Life by Design
19:54 - Free Webinar: Paano Ba Matupad ang New Year’s Resolution? (Jan 7, 2025)
20:55 - How to Correct These Common Mistakes
27:10 - The Benefits of Aligning Your Inner and Outer Purpose
28:37 - Insights on Purpose-Driven People
30:29 - You Have a Choice
32:05 - Do You Need Personalized Support in Discovering Your Purpose?
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Disclaimer: The content shared in Realizations With Clarissa is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or therapy. If you are experiencing serious mental health concerns, please consult a licensed doctor, therapist, or mental health professional. Your well-being is important, and seeking appropriate support is a vital step toward healing.
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