5 Life changes I made in 2025 that transformed my life (and future)
As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the changes that truly made a difference in my life this year. Some were small daily habits, while others completely shifted my mindset. From learning to invest instead of overspend, to finally sticking with a skincare routine, and setting boundaries that protected my peace. These five changes didn’t just make my year better; they’re setting the tone for an even more intentional and successful 2026.
Investing instead of spending
One of the biggest mindset shifts I made this year was learning to invest instead of constantly spending. I didn’t stop treating myself altogether, but I became more intentional about where my money goes. I started 2025 by adding 20% of all of my earnings to my IRA, but in August, I started doing the same with my husband’s as well. And by November, I had maxed out both of our IRAs. It felt empowering to see my priorities shift from short-term gratification to long-term growth, and it’s a habit I will definitely carry with me into 2026.
Maintaining an am and pm skincare routine
Another change that had a significant impact this year was committing to a consistent skincare routine, both in the morning and at night. Before 2025, my skincare routine consisted of washing my face and applying moisturizer before bed. After just a little bit of research and finding the right products for me, I now have a consistent AM and PM skincare routine that focuses on sun protection and hydration. The results were more than skin-deep; keeping that promise to myself every day helped me build discipline in other areas of my life as well.
Setting boundaries and protecting my energy
This is the year I finally realized that saying “no” is a form of self-respect. Setting boundaries both in my personal life and work was a big change at first, but it quickly became the healthiest change I made. I started paying attention to how I felt after certain commitments and gave myself permission to step back when something didn’t align with my priorities. Protecting my energy allowed me to show up more fully for the people and projects that actually matter, and it’s a boundary I’ll keep protecting in 2026.
Purposeful Planning and staying organized
One of the most impactful changes I made in 2025 was being more intentional with how I plan. I have always been a Type A planner, but this was the year I became more organized and intentional with those plans. Instead of posting content each day, I started scheduling and editing everything in advance so my posts went up consistently. I built a Notion system to plan each month, track deadlines, and organize ideas for future projects, which helped me stay creative without feeling scattered. I also invested in a digital planner for my personal and professional life. Having everything mapped out not only made my content stronger but also kept me on track in all areas of my life.
Saying yes to more golf (and fun)
At the end of the summer, I found myself wanting to say “yes” more, especially when it came to golf. For a long time, I treated it like something I had to schedule around work, but in 2025, I started viewing it as something that fills my cup. I said yes to spontaneous tee times, tournaments with friends, and a weekly girl golf meet up. Golf became less about scorecards and more about enjoying the moment, and that simple shift added so much happiness to my year.
Looking back, 2025 was the year I started choosing growth over comfort. Every habit, routine, and boundary I created helped me build a stronger foundation for what’s next. As I head into 2026, I am focusing on continuing to make choices that align with my goals and values. The lessons I learned this year are proof that small, intentional changes can completely transform your life.
