Redefining success and productivity

As we enter 2025, many of us feel compelled to set ambitious plans, resolutions and goals to conquer every aspect of our lives. But what if productivity isn’t about doing more but focusing on what truly matters? As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” That cup is filled not by striving for perfection but by cultivating balance, adaptability, and meaningful moments in life.

What if we redefine success and productivity and approach the New Year with a refreshed perspective centered on productivity and purpose?

In our hustle-driven culture, success often feels like an endless race to achieve “bigger, better, faster.” Yet, true fulfillment lies in appreciating the small, ordinary joys that enrich our days. Here are some ideas you may find valuable and helpful:

Journalize every day

Each day, jot down one simple, fulfilling moment – a shared laugh, a perfect cup of coffee, or the completion of a nagging task. I’ve made this practice my own. Using an online One Year Bible Reading Plan from The Bible Project, I can highlight passages, add personal reflections, and revisit milestones in my journey. Over time, I’ve recognized mistakes that needed correction and celebrated achievements that nourished my soul.

Setting goals

Focus on what genuinely matters, not just what appears impressive on a checklist. There will be goals we can achieve and some we cannot. And that is okay. The important thing is to have goals and understand that progress – not perfection – is the most accurate measure of success. As Mary Anne Radmacher wisely said, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”

This means we start from where we are. We often dream about a future version of ourselves with everything figured out. The reality is that our future self-starts with our daily decisions. Growth begins by honoring our current circumstances and working from there. Focus on completing manageable tasks on challenging days and celebrate even the tiniest victories.

Have you ever noticed how assembling a piece of furniture can be both humbling and empowering? Starting with a pile of parts might feel chaotic, yet step by step, it transforms into something sturdy and valuable – much like your day.

Life isn’t a competition where you have to excel at everything simultaneously. Instead, focus on aligning your actions with your values and striving for harmony.

Three questions to ask at the end of the day

Self-reflection and thoughtful consideration are always beneficial. Ask yourself:

What went well today?

What was challenging?

How did I stay true to myself?

Choose one area – relationships, health, or work – and make a slight adjustment each month to bring it closer to your values. Integrating values into our goals fosters resilience, allowing us to embrace life’s challenges with grace.

Adapt to your season of life

Life is not static, and neither should your productivity strategies be. Whether starting a new career, caring for a family, or pursuing a personal goal, tailor your routines to fit your current season. Write down your responsibilities, limitations, and goals. Adjust your routines and expectations accordingly. Replace rigid schedules with adaptable frameworks, such as a “morning focus period” that fits your needs.

The oak fought the wind and was broken. The willow bent when necessary and survived. Adapting to life’s seasons ensures that you stay rooted without breaking.

Cultivate pivoting skills

Plans are invaluable – until life throws a curveball. Cultivating the ability to pivot ensures that you remain adaptable, resilient and purpose-driven despite unexpected disruptions.

Prepare a list of go-to tasks for common interruptions, like canceled meetings or sudden free time. The year 2024 highlighted the critical importance of adaptability. Increasing weather disturbances led to more canceled engagements and disrupted travel plans. On top of that, those seemingly spontaneous long weekend declarations often threw carefully crafted schedules into chaos. However, instead of succumbing to frustration, these moments offered opportunities to pause, regroup, and adjust our plans and goals gracefully and purposefully.

When life veers off course, pivoting is more than just a survival skill – it’s a chance to reconnect with what truly matters. As Kakuz? Okakura aptly put it, “The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Thomas Merton echoes this sentiment: “Success isn’t about rigidity; it’s about mastering the balance between intention and flexibility.”

Yes, there may be more storms, typhoons, and rain ahead in the coming year – and I mean that both literally and figuratively. But with adaptability and intention, we can turn life’s unpredictability into opportunities for growth. Here’s to thriving in 2025 – not by chasing perfection, but by finding beauty in the ordinary. Happy New Year!

Francis Kong’s “Inspiring Excellence” podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google, or other podcast streaming platforms.