In moments of national tension, fear often drives us further into our labels and away from each other. I recently tried to have an honest conversation about these divisions with one of my closest friends, only to feel his guardedness—and my own struggle to connect—get in the way. What I’ve been noticing, both personally and in my work with clients, is how fear of being misunderstood, losing identity, or facing the unknown makes real dialogue nearly impossible. If we can first acknowledge that fear, and understand our own values, we can begin to listen to each other with more compassion.

As we step into 2025, many of us are setting new goals and resolutions. Did you know that only 9% of people successfully keep their New Year's resolutions? It’s easy to get caught up in setting big, ambitious goals, but these often lead to disappointment when we can’t keep up with them. Studies show that smaller, actionable goals are far more effective.

By taking a systemic approach to goal-setting, understanding relational needs, and enlisting the help of an accountability partner, you can set and achieve goals that truly make a difference. Remember to break your goals into manageable tasks, celebrate successes, and practice gratitude along the way. Setting goals that matter is about finding the balance between ambition and practicality. Together, we can turn those goals into reality.