Why Not 2025?

What if this is the year everything changes for the better? What if all the struggles, hard work, and hard times have prepared you for this moment? Imagine: the year when things start to go right. Would you even notice if they did?

Here’s the thing: as humans, we’re wired to notice discomfort, annoyances, and stress. It’s called negativity bias in psychology—the brain’s tendency to focus more on negative experiences than positive ones. This bias once helped our ancestors survive, but today it often keeps us stuck in cycles of self-criticism and worry.

The good news? You can retrain your brain to notice and appreciate the positive. This is known as neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new neural pathways based on where you focus your attention.

How to Make 2025 the Year of Good Changes

1. Notice Positive Changes Your brain naturally glosses over things that are going well unless you intentionally focus on them. Studies show that consciously practicing gratitude or reflecting on small wins can rewire your brain for positivity.

   • Action Step: Write down three things that went well each day. Over time, this simple habit strengthens your brain’s ability to see the good.

2. Celebrate Small Wins What’s the opposite of guilt, resentment, or remorse? Pride, gratitude, and joy. Focusing on even tiny accomplishments can boost your motivation and prevent downward spirals of self-doubt.

   • Action Step: When you achieve something—no matter how small—acknowledge it. Did you get out of bed earlier? Smile at a stranger? Cook a healthy meal? Celebrate it!

3. Smile More Smiling isn’t just a feel-good gesture; it’s backed by science. Studies show that smiling—even if you don’t feel like it—triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, your brain’s natural feel-good chemicals.

   • Action Step: Start each day with a smile. Share it with others. It’s contagious and can positively influence the mood of people around you.

4. Shift Your Focus When you actively look for things to be proud of or grateful for, you break the cycle of self-criticism. Research on positive psychology shows that focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses builds resilience and happiness.

   • Action Step: List one thing you’re proud of each week. It could be as simple as drinking more water or being kind to yourself.

5. Spread Positivity Positivity is powerful and contagious. When you radiate optimism, others feel it too. This phenomenon is supported by emotional contagion theory, which suggests that emotions can "spread" within groups.

   • Action Step: Be intentional about spreading good vibes. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or even just your presence can make a difference.

Why This Matters

Your brain is your most powerful tool. By consciously focusing on the positive, you create a ripple effect in your life and the lives of those around you. Start where you are. Notice your mind and body. Celebrate the small wins. Before you know it, you’ll see the positivity growing—and you’ll realize that 2025 is the year everything can change.

So, why not 2025? Let’s make it the year of noticing, celebrating, and sharing the good.

Scientific Sources:

• Negativity Bias: Baumeister, R. F., et al. (2001). Bad is stronger than good. Review of General Psychology.

• Neuroplasticity: Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself.

• Gratitude Practices: Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

• Smiling and Mood: Kraft, T. L., & Pressman, S. D. (2012). Grin and bear it: The influence of manipulated facial expression on the stress response. Psychological Science.

• Emotional Contagion: Hatfield, E., et al. (1994). Emotional Contagion.