Building a better me in 2025: Health, wealth, and purpose

Happy New Year everyone!

While most people have set a new chapter of their lives in 2025, I have set a few of my own resolutions to achieve throughout the year.

I’ve summarised my New Year resolutions into three top goals that you may be able to relate to your own ambitions for the year.

1. Health and Fitness

Topping the list of my New Year goals is health and fitness.

My main priorities are to lose weight, build mental and physical strength, develop a healthy relationship with food, prioritise proper rest and recovery, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

I have been a “gym rat” for the past three years and enjoy the physical challenge of working out.

However, as a person who also enjoys food and the comfort it brings, I admit binge eating and overindulgence have been the biggest setbacks in my health and fitness goals.

Despite trying countless workout programmes, nutritional plans, and various diets, old habits often resurface.

This year, I’m committed to discipline and consistency.

Auckland Physiotherapy’s Adele Griffin says good habits are key.

“In fitness, it’s not about perfection but persistence. By making consistency your focus, you’ll see lasting, meaningful progress that benefits both your body and mind.”

Anytime Fitness co-owner Carolyn Hansen agrees.

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. Add to self-discipline, the power of consistency, and watch as this dynamic duo slowly but surely moves you closer to your health, fitness, and longevity goals.”

2. Financial Freedom

While “health is wealth”, I also aim to be in good financial health. My three key goals are to save more, spend less, and live within my means.

Building healthier habits that lead to long-term stability and peace of mind are key to achieving your financial goals. Photo/file

I admit life is hard when you have no money. Literally, it is mentally stressful and isolating.

While the cost of living plays a crucial factor in this, my spending habits outweigh my savings.

Acknowledging these raw feelings, I am setting small but realistic goals, such as creating a budget, tracking my expenses, and prioritising needs over wants.

By breaking my financial goals into manageable steps, I can build healthier habits that lead to long-term stability and peace of mind.

MoneyHub New Zealand has focus tips on setting financial goals.

“Figuring out what financial independence looks like to you, what your ideal lifestyle looks like, and how you can get there are essential details to include.

By breaking my financial goals into manageable steps, I can build healthier habits that lead to long-term stability and peace of mind. Photo/File

“Try to get specific with some targets, as a goal with metrics is much easier to track than a vague goal.

“The more focused your goals are, the higher the likelihood you’ll achieve them."

3. Purpose and happiness

While money can provide comfort and security, true happiness comes from relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose.

Since moving to NZ last May, I have questioned: What is my purpose in life? How can I pursue a life less ordinary? What can I offer to make my life more meaningful?

In a study on meditation for Pasifika students, Miriam Uele said this practice can be beneficial.

“Mindfulness meditation has been recognised as an effective tool to develop self-awareness and benefit one’s inner and outer world, and can help regulate emotions and behaviours during challenging times.”

Pursuing purpose and happiness this year. Photo/supplied.

The University of Auckland advised regularly practising gratitude to help manage anxiety and depression.

“Write down one thing that makes you happy or that you feel grateful for every morning and notice how much brighter your days seem as a result.”

Make 2025 your year

Whether you have similar goals and ambitions or something different, I hope you achieve them this year and make 2025 memorable.

My parting advice follows Albert Schweitzer’s famous quote: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”