3 rules to build clarity and focus in 2025
I hope your year has started well! There’s something magical about new beginnings—the clean slate at the start of a year invites us to look inward and then forward.
Let’s do that together now: take a deeeep breath in, feel your chair supporting you, close your eyes, and sit with this question for the next 5 breaths:
What do you really hope for in 2025?
Think of this question as an invitation to connect with your intuition, rather than a demand. Let the answer come naturally.
For me, what came up is a desire to feel more at ease and trust what unfolds. I want to stay grounded in my vision for an abundant and authentic life, no matter what happens around me.
The devastating fires in LA just a few days ago reminded me that life unfolds in ways we can’t predict. And yet, it’s also true that we each have strong roots, deep fresilience and strength to keep moving.
I found that there are really just 3 simple rules to live by: 1) get clear on what to focus your energy on, 2) take the first step, and 3) keep moving and adapting.
In this newsletter, we’ll explore the first:
Get clear on what to focus your energy on
I often turn to Stephen Covey’s Circle of Control framework, it helps me stay laser focused on what matters and stop spinning my wheels.
I’ve used this so often over the years, and it helped me stay grounded and steady my business last year when I experienced my first downturn in 9 years of being a solopreneur.
Imagine three concentric circles:
1. The Circle of Control
We each have incredible freedom and also responsibility over our own actions.
And what drives our actions? Our habitual thinking, which is derived from old patterns and experiences.
Did you know that up to 70% of our automatic thoughts are disempowering? To create a clear, ambitious vision, we need to think differently:
Interrupt and reframe self-sabotaging thoughts. Notice your inner critic, breathe spaciously, let it be.
Practice self-supportive, compassionate self-talk. For example: “It’s okay to feel frustrated. Everyone struggles. May I be patient with myself.”
Set boundaries and choose wisely. Say yes to work that energizes you and no to what doesn’t. Honor your needs.
2. The Circle of Influence
Many clients believe leadership is about convincing others to follow their way. Let’s bust that assumption.
Being a good leader is not about forcing. It’s about co-creating. It’s going from me to we, and then to impact - check out my blog on this topic.
We want to keep our eye on the common goal, not our personal agenda. That means:
Approach conversations with curiosity, take up space, share your ideas courageously. You are in the room because your expertise matters.
Present your work with a focus on solving problems, not on seeking approval. Bring your best to your work, but don’t take your work so personally.
Make space for others’ ideas, co-create and solve problems as a team. You are not an island.
2. The Circle of Let-Go
So much energy gets drained worrying about what’s beyond our control—the economy, politics, others’ actions.
Acknowledge the forces far beyond your reach—and surrender to what you can’t influence. This can feel like such a release. BTW if you haven’t read Michael Singer’s Surrender Experiment, I highly recommend it.
Redirect your energy toward what truly matters. Let life be easier.
Remember, “You can’t control the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
When things don’t go our way, the ego can keep us stuck in powerlessness. With the right mindset, setbacks become true opportunities for personal evolution.
Prompt of the week:
Where is your energy going as you think about your vision for this year?
What’s within your control? What do you need to set yourself up for success? Make the future you proud.
Who can you influence, help, or collaborate with to bring your vision to life?
And what do you need to let go of to focus on what matters?
In my next newsletter, I’ll share how to craft a vision for the year and build an action plan to support it.
Remember: hold your vision close, but embrace the process. Celebrate each small step you take, let go of self-judgment, and instead focus on what you are learning.
Here’s to a year of courage, growth, and stepping into your unique brilliance.
Cheering you on,
Ramona
P.S. Ready to accelerate your growth? Let’s work together to unlock your next level. Book your discovery session here.
