Warren Shute is a multi award-winning Chartered Financial Planner, Certified Coach, author of The Money Plan, and Sunday Mirror columnist
As we approach the final quarter of 2025, the New Year’s Eve celebrations from the beginning of the year may already feel like distant memories.
Often, when a new year starts, we make resolutions – goals we hope to achieve in the upcoming twelve months, things that bring us joy and purpose. However, it’s a fact that only a minority of us actually accomplish what we set out to achieve. But why is this the case?
In essence, it boils down to our focus. There are deeper reasons behind our lack of focus on what we truly desire, but the fundamental cause for our unmet aspirations is that we often relegate them from “must” to “should.”
This phenomenon isn’t confined to New Year ’s resolutions; it extends to our lives as a whole. Many of us have never taken the time to decide how we want to live our lives. Life can be hectic, and we often find ourselves adrift like ships at sea, lacking a rudder and being carried along by the winds of circumstance.
While we can’t control external factors such as the cost of living, global crises, or inflation, we can control how we respond to these events and the meaning we attribute to them.
Our time on this planet is fleeting. If you’re in your 50s, you likely have fewer than 35 more new year’s celebrations to look forward to – a sobering realisation.
It’s crucial to remember that your past does not dictate your future. Why not make this year exceptional, one you’ll look back on with satisfaction rather than regret?
Start by answering a profound question: “How do you want to live the rest of your life?” This is a question I frequently pose to my clients. After asking it, I listen and give them the space to truly ponder what they want. Some seek simplicity, while others harbour grand ambitions. I’m not here to tell you what’s right for you; it’s your life to live on your terms, and my goal is to assist you in doing just that.
Once you have your answer, record it in your diary or smartphone notes. Take the time to ensure this is genuinely what you desire, not what you think you should want.
For instance, I often feel I should grow my business and increase my income, but, in truth, my greatest fulfilment comes from helping others achieve financial freedom – freedom from the burdens of financial worries.
When you’re clear about your desires, jot down the steps you need to take in the next three months to bring you closer to your goals. I firmly believe that personal growth is synonymous with truly living life. Making progress toward your desired outcomes will boost your confidence, happiness, and sense of fulfilment.
I work with clients from various income brackets, from those earning over a million pounds a year to those with no income. What they all share in common is a nervous system that influences their decision-making processes.
Ultimately, we all seek personal growth and aspire to make a positive impact in our lives and the lives of others.
We now have just twelve weeks left until we welcome 2026. Make this year count and decide how you want to shape the rest of your life.
For more money planning ideas please visit LexingtonWealth.co.uk.