Starting 2025 with Purpose: Reflect, Reset, and Grow

Dr. Ryan Corte

5 days ago3 min read

With the dawn of a new year, there’s no better time to reflect on where we’ve been, recalibrate our goals, and step forward with intention.

Here, I’ll share highlights from my recent solo podcast episode where I dove into starting 2025 with purpose, positivity, and momentum.

1. Start with Your Why

To chart a meaningful course for 2025, you need to understand why you do what you do. Your "why" is your foundation—the driving force behind your passion and purpose.

For me, my "why" centers on my faith, my family, and my commitment to service. As an optometrist, serving patients and enhancing their lives through eye care fuels my passion for our profession. Reflecting on your "why" can help reignite your motivation. Take time to journal, meditate, or even read Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why for deeper insights.

2. Build Strong Daily Habits

Success is built on small, consistent actions. One of my favorite professional development books, Atomic Habits by James Clear, underscores the power of incremental improvements. It takes an average of 66 days to form a habit, so start small and stay consistent.

Here are habits I prioritize:

Daily meditation and prayer.
Regular exercise.
Healthy eating and intentional consumption.
Connecting with family and peers.

I use the Evoday app to track my progress and stay accountable. Find tools that work for you and celebrate the small wins along the way.

3. Set SMART Goals

Goal setting and habit formation go hand in hand. Use the SMART acronym to create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

One of my goals for 2025 is to release a new episode of Ryan Reflects every Thursday, aiming for 1,000 total listens in the first year. It’s specific, measurable, and aligns with my passion for growing our profession.

Break your goals into achievable steps and keep them visible to stay motivated.

4. Manifest Your Goals

Visualization, affirmations, and prayer are powerful tools for turning goals into reality. Picture yourself achieving your dreams. Whether it’s building a practice, adopting a new specialization, or personal milestones like buying a home, envision the process and take intentional steps forward.

Write your goals down, revisit them regularly, and surround yourself with positivity.

5. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Your environment shapes your success. Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals who inspire and challenge you to grow. For me, this includes my professional network and mastermind groups within optometry. They hold me accountable and help me navigate challenges.

Identify your "tribe," and lean on them when the journey gets tough.

6. Reflect and Let Go

The past holds lessons, but it’s essential to let go of anything that no longer serves you. Reflect on the highs and lows of the previous year. For me, 2024 was a challenging year, marked by personal and professional trials, including the impact of Hurricane Helene in Asheville. Yet, even in adversity, there were blessings—like seeing my community rally and rebuild.

Letting go of frustrations and focusing on growth sets the stage for new opportunities in the year ahead.

7. Believe in Yourself

Above all, believe in your ability to achieve your dreams. Challenges are inevitable, but perseverance, self-belief, and action will carry you forward. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and trust the process. Life gets messy, but with faith in yourself and your vision, you can overcome any obstacle.