one that holds us back. We must ask ourselves: Are the behaviors we practice leading us toward the person we want to be? Or are we simply becoming comfortable with habits that undermine our values?

wrong, through repetition, becomes normalized—even if it harms us or diminishes our relationships.

This shows the dual nature of change: repetition can lead to either growth or regression. Our challenge is to be mindful of what we normalize in our lives—whether it’s a positive habit or

recovery from addiction or mending relationships.

However, this principle is not inherently positive. Just as positive behaviors become easier with practice, so do negative ones. Think about how checking our phones during conversations once felt intrusive but is now commonplace. What once felt

Society changes just like we do—gradually. Coarseness, dishonesty, and division didn’t become normal all at once. Each instance made the next more tolerable. Our choices shape our culture. What are we accepting today that we’ll regret tomorrow?

The real issue with blaming laziness? It leads to solutions that don’t work. Telling ourselves to “try harder” won’t fix fear, loneliness, or lack of time.

Real progress starts with curiosity: What’s underneath the resistance we call laziness? Once we name it, we can address it

"Laziness" is often a cover for deeper challenges:

Fear of failure or discomfort
Uncertainty about where to start
Stress or time scarcity
Admitting these reasons takes courage, but it’s the first step toward real change. Blaming laziness keeps us stuck.

Learning isn’t just about finding answers, it’s about asking the right questions. This year, try setting a learning goal instead of a resolution. What will you learn in 2025?
Read the whole essay here: https://buff.ly/3BSJAWj

The best questions are never fully answered, but they shape our growth. Instead of setting a goal like “get healthy,” ask: “What does being healthy mean to me?” What question will you focus on this year?