As 2025 begins, it’s time to start habits that can lead to a healthier, happier, and more productive year. Instead of setting lofty resolutions that often fade away by February, consider adopting small, consistent habits that can transform your life over time. As Ben Meer mentioned in an Instagram post, here are nine powerful techniques to ensure that 2025 becomes your best year yet.
Boost your charisma with the SHR method
Charisma is not an inborn characteristic, it can be developed using the SHR Method.This means making people feel important by letting them know they are seen, heard, and remembered (SHR). Use eye contact and specific compliments to make people feel acknowledged. Additionally, ask thoughtful questions to show genuine interest in their thoughts. For example, during a conversation, remember to follow up on something they mentioned previously, this simple act can leave a lasting impression.
Master budget by applying the 50-30-20 rule
The 50-30-20 Rule is an excellent way to budget: 50% for needs like housing, bills, and food, 30% for wants like entertainment and travel, and 20% for savings such as FDs, investment, and retirement savings. If you earn Rs 50,000 a month, then set aside Rs. 25,000 for essential expenses, Rs.15,000 for spending, and Rs.10,000 for savings.
Clearly communicate with a 4-bullet status update
Communication is key in both personal and professional relationships. When you give updates, use the 4-Bullet Status Update format: State what was asked of you, what you’ve done, what risks or blockers you’ve faced, and what you would do with more time. Most people in a professional setting are short of time, so this format keeps everyone in the know and on the same page about your progress.
Overcome perfectionism using the 70-20-10 rule
Perfectionism can hinder creativity, imagination and progress. Instead, adopt the 70-20-10 Rule, which suggests that 70% of your work will be average, 20% will be below par, and only 10% will be exceptional. Practice this mindset to encourage yourself to produce more work without the fear of failure holding you back. Just like if you’re writing a report, focus on completing it rather than obsessing over every detail being perfect.
Implement the 3-3-3 plan for productivity
To enhance your productivity, implement the 3-3-3 plan. This technique involves dedicating three hours to your most important project, completing three shorter tasks, and engaging in three maintenance activities. By defining what a ‘productive day’ looks like for you, you can find peace in your accomplishments, even if they don’t always align with traditional measures of success. If you’re working on a big project at work, spend three uninterrupted hours on it while also tackling smaller tasks like responding to emails or organising your workspace.
Learn effectively with the Feynman technique
The Feynman Technique is a powerful method for mastering new concepts through teaching. Start by selecting a topic you want to learn about and study it thoroughly. Then explain it as if teaching it to a child, this helps identify gaps in your understanding. Finally, revisit the material to fill in those gaps and simplify further. For example, if you’re learning about climate change, explain it simply to a friend or family member to brush-up your knowledge.
Reflect on mistakes with an after-action review
Learning from mistakes is essential for growth. Conduct an After-Action Review by asking yourself four key questions: What did I intend to achieve? What actually happened? Why did it happen? What will I do differently next time? This reflective practice helps you analyse your mistakes constructively and apply lessons learned moving forward.
Improve your communication skills with the 7-38-55 rule
Understanding how people perceive communication can improve your interactions significantly. According to the 7-38-55 Rule, only 7% of communication comes from words, 38% is based on tone and voice while a staggering 55% relies on body language. To communicate powerfully, maintain eye contact, smile genuinely, and use open body language during conversations.
Make ‘No’ your default decision
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overcommit yourself by saying ‘yes’ too often. Instead, make ‘no’ your default response unless something truly excites you. By prioritising what truly matters to you, be it projects or social engagements, you’ll free up time for what genuinely adds value to your life.
By committing to these simple yet effective techniques, you can create a year filled with purpose and achievement. Remember, it’s not about making drastic changes overnight, it is about consistent, meaningful actions that lead to lasting transformation. So, take that first step today and watch how your life evolves for the better. Here’s to a year of growth, happiness, and success, make it your best year yet!