By Jenniffer Barrette, CEO of Get Real About Books
As we stride into 2025, many of us grapple with the overwhelming chaos the first ten days have brought. As a third-generation California native, I am heartbroken over what has happened in my old stomping grounds of Southern California. Fires have ravaged communities, in the Midwest storms have tested our resilience, and political upheaval has left us questioning the state of the world. It can feel like we’re barely surviving, let alone thriving.
But amid these challenges, there is a path forward – one grounded in resilience, clarity, and authenticity. These themes are at the heart of my book, Get Real About Thriving in 2025, and they’re more relevant now than ever.
While it may seem like the world is falling apart, there is hope. Resilience, after all, isn’t just about surviving the storms – it’s about learning to thrive in them. Here are some actionable tips from my book to help you navigate the noise, overcome obstacles, and truly thrive, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
1. Start with a Mental Reset
When the world feels overwhelming, it’s easy to spiral into fear and negativity. But thriving begins with mindset. Here’s a quick practice to reset:
Pause and Breathe: Take three deep breaths, inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for six. This simple breathing technique activates your parasympathetic nervous system, calming your mind and body.
Name the Chaos: Write down what’s troubling you. Sometimes, simply naming our worries reduces their power over us and gives us a clearer sense of what we can control.
Choose Your Response: Reflect on what you can control and take one small, intentional step toward addressing it. Sometimes, a single action is enough to create momentum.
2. Build Resilience Through Daily Habits
Resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build. The foundation of strength comes from consistent, small habits. Here are a few that can help:
Morning Mindset Practice: Start your day by writing three things you’re grateful for, and one goal you’re excited to tackle. Gratitude shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance, and focusing on a goal creates a sense of purpose.
Move Your Body: A 10-minute walk can help reset your mood and increase your energy. Physical movement is one of the simplest ways to approach challenges with clarity and calm.
Limit the Noise: Set boundaries around news consumption. Pick one trusted source and check it once daily to stay informed without being overwhelmed. Protecting your mental space is crucial during times of turmoil.
3. Find Calm in Connection
Isolation can make crises feel insurmountable. But we are never truly alone in this world. By leaning into authentic connections, we can restore hope and perspective:
Reach Out: Call or text a friend or loved one to check in. Simply knowing someone is there for you can ease the weight of the world.
Share Your Truth: Be honest about your struggles. Vulnerability often invites connection, and others may be feeling similarly. You don’t have to navigate hardship alone.
Join a Community: Whether it’s a local group or an online forum, connecting with people who share your values can provide encouragement, resources, and solutions. Together, we are stronger.
4. Turn Challenges Into Growth Opportunities
Every obstacle holds the potential for growth. When faced with setbacks, we can reframe challenges as opportunities to adapt and evolve:
Reflect on Lessons: After facing a setback, ask yourself, “What did this teach me about myself or my priorities?” Every experience, even the difficult ones, offers valuable lessons.
Embrace Change: It’s easy to focus on what we’ve lost, but it’s essential to also focus on what we’ve gained. Change, even in its most difficult form, can bring unexpected blessings if we choose to see it that way.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Thriving is a journey, not a destination. Each step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
5. Focus on Purpose and Meaning
When chaos reigns, reconnecting with your purpose can provide the direction and strength you need to keep moving forward:
Identify Your “Why”: Reflect on what drives you. What brings you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose? Align your actions with these core values to stay grounded.
Serve Others: Volunteering or helping someone in need can shift your focus outward. When we help others, we are reminded of the strength of human connection, and we often find our own sense of purpose deepened.
Dream Boldly: Visualize the life you want to create. Write it down, break it into actionable steps, and take one step each day toward your dreams. Purpose fuels perseverance.
Thriving in 2025
This year may have tested us, but it also offers an opportunity to grow stronger, more compassionate, and more real. By embracing these actionable strategies, you can turn chaos into clarity and challenges into stepping stones toward a thriving life.
My book, Get Real About Thriving in 2025, dives deeper into these principles, offering practical tools and inspiring stories to help you embrace change, silence the noise, and live your best life.
Remember: Thriving isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain. Let’s get real about thriving together. Help one another. And be the best neighbor and friend we can be to those who need support.
Jenniffer Barrette is the CEO of Get Real About Books and the author of Get Real About Thriving in 2025. Her work focuses on resilience, mindset, and authentic living, helping readers navigate life’s challenges with clarity and strength.
Published by Drake M.
