Elevate with Nordling

My '25 for 25' Goals Inspired by the Happier Trifecta

Introduction

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I got the idea of writing a "25 for 2025" list from Gretchen Rubin as part of the Happier Trifecta. This trifecta offers different strategies to boost happiness and build habits throughout the year. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to being happier—these tools allow you to find what works best for you. Whether you feel energized by the clean slate of January 1, prefer to start your aims when it suits you, or need a boost to keep up your resolutions, you can use these strategies at any time. The best time to start is always now.

(January was a bit hectic for me, so I left it until February 23rd to compile this list.)

Your Year, Your Way

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Gretchen's research and experience show that when we set specific aims that match our personal preferences, energy levels, circumstances, and tendencies, we’re far more likely to achieve them. After taking Gretchen's quiz, I discovered that my tendency is to be a Questioner.

Personally, I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions, but I love the idea of keeping a solid list of my aims.

This Year’s Trifecta

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  1. Join the “25 in ’25” Challenge

    This year, I’m excited to participate in the “Read 25 in ’25” challenge, which encourages reading for 25 minutes every day in 2025. Many people want to read more but find it hard to keep the habit. I’ve already finished several books thanks to this challenge, and I’m tracking my progress on my Goodreads profile.

  2. Choose a One-Word Theme for 2025

    Picking a word or phrase to encapsulate my aims for 2025 is a fun and engaging way to focus my intentions, especially since I’m not a fan of resolutions. In 2024 I chose “Communication” as that was an area I wanted to improve in. My theme for this year is "Longevity," represented by the infinity symbol (∞), which serves as a reminder to make decisions once and stick to them. This theme can help me stay motivated and focused, leading me toward new ideas and unexpected possibilities.

    The concept of longevity resonates with me in various ways. It motivates me to adopt healthier eating habits, such as a personal modification of the Mediterranean diet and abstaining from alcohol. I’ve also started walking more and have incorporated a new bike and bells workout routine into my life. Additionally, I consume a lot of content revolving around lifestyle choices that promote a long and healthy life. The goal is to build habits that last for 100 years.

  3. Write a “25 for 2025” List

    When I set specific aims for myself, I’m far more likely to achieve them. I’ve taken the time to create a list of 25 things I’d like to accomplish this year. They can be big or small, enjoyable or challenging, serious or whimsical. I like to include a mix. The important thing is to keep them specific, concrete, and manageable. For example, “Try 25 new recipes” works better than “Become an accomplished cook.”

    You can be playful with "2025" by incorporating the numbers 2 and 5 to create different quantities. Focus on actions rather than outcomes. For instance, instead of saying “Learn Italian,” you might say “Practice Italian for 7 minutes a day.”

My “25 for 2025” List

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  1. Obtain a motorcycle license.
  2. Get a tattoo.
  3. Attend a conference outside of Sweden.
  4. Launch my freelancing business (offering services in IT, music, video, and writing).
  5. Establish a habit of working out at F247 gym in Stockholm (participate in follow-along group sessions).
  6. Successfully upgrade my website project (this site) to version 4 using the latest Eleventy version.
  7. Celebrate 25 anniversaries in 2025 (music, books, movies, etc.).
  8. Submit an original song to 2-5 local competitions for the Eurovision Contest (Melodifestivalen and others).
  9. Upload all my in-progress videos to YouTube.
  10. Perform an original song at an Open Mic Night.
  11. Experiment in the kitchen by trying a new recipe each month.
  12. Commit to 15 minutes of Duolingo each day and plan to take a Spanish course within the next three months.
  13. Ask someone out on a date and plan a unique experience.
  14. Read for 2 to 5 or 25 minutes each day.
  15. Listen to The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast daily and follow along with The Bible Recap to deepen my understanding and complete the entire Catholic Bible within a year.
  16. Visit The Swedish Museum of Performing Arts.
  17. Purchase my first business.
  18. Attend an in-person hackathon or game jam and collaborate with others to build something cool.
  19. Evaluate whether ordering groceries online adds value to my life.
  20. Go on an adventure in a hot air balloon.
  21. Throw a birthday party for myself.
  22. Enjoy the sauna 2-5 times this year and organize a sauna boat trip with friends.
  23. Get a health checkup to understand my unique epigenetics.
  24. Visit my “lumberjack” friend Robin in Malmö.
  25. Free Space!

It was a bit challenging to come up with so many different ideas. I moved some incomplete ones over from last year and tried to include something from all areas of life to grow holistically.

I’m excited for 2025, hope you are too! 🤩

Resources

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Listen to the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast.

What I'm Currently Reading

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