How to Write Your Own Plot Twist in 2025
Ah, January. The season of fresh starts, endless resolutions, and the feeling that everyone else has a 10-step plan to “transform” their lives. It’s inspiring, but let’s be honest—it’s also overwhelming. And if we’re not careful, it can leave us feeling like passengers in our own stories, waiting for something to change or blaming circumstances we can’t control.
But what if this year was different? What if, instead of waiting for a plot twist to come to you, you wrote it yourself? What if you decided to take ownership of your story—your goals, your path, your choices—and created the life you’ve been dreaming of, brick by brick?
This isn’t about fixing everything overnight or becoming a new person by February. It’s about stepping into your power, letting go of what you can’t control, and making intentional choices that steer your story in the direction you want to go.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Take Ownership of Where You Are
Before you can write your next chapter, you need to understand your current one. Take an honest, compassionate look at your life. What’s working? What isn’t? Where are you stuck, and what patterns are keeping you there? This isn’t about blaming yourself or anyone else—it’s about awareness. For example:
Are you overwhelmed because you keep saying yes to things you don’t really want to do?
Do you feel stuck because you’re afraid to take risks or fail?
Once you identify the areas that need attention, you can start making intentional choices to address them. Remember: owning where you are doesn’t mean you love everything about it—it just means you acknowledge it so you can move forward.
2. Focus on What’s Within Your Control
Life throws curveballs we can’t predict, but focusing on what is within your control can help you feel empowered instead of defeated. Break this into actionable steps:
Create a morning routine that sets the tone for your day. Whether it’s journaling, stretching, or simply drinking your coffee mindfully, small habits can have a big impact.
Set boundaries that protect your energy. Maybe it’s saying no to a project that doesn’t align with your goals or limiting time with people who drain you.
Tackle one small, actionable task each day that moves you closer to your goals—send that email, schedule the workout, or research the next step in your plan.
By focusing on what you can control, you shift your energy from helplessness to action.
3. Define Your "Why"
Change feels impossible without a clear reason to pursue it. What motivates you? What are you working toward, and why does it matter? For instance:
If your goal is to exercise more, ask yourself why. Is it to feel stronger, to have more energy to play with your kids, or to boost your mental health?
If you’re dreaming of a career change, what’s driving that? Do you crave more fulfillment, flexibility, or financial stability?
Write your "why" down somewhere visible, like on a sticky note on your mirror or as the background on your phone. When motivation wanes (and it will), your "why" becomes the compass that keeps you moving forward.
4. Take Small, Consistent Steps
Big changes can feel daunting, but progress doesn’t have to happen all at once. Break your goals into bite-sized pieces and focus on consistency over perfection:
Want to save money? Start by setting up an automatic transfer of $10 a week to your savings account.
Trying to read more? Commit to just 10 minutes a day instead of aiming to finish a whole book in a weekend.
Hoping to improve relationships? Send one thoughtful text a day to someone you care about.
Over time, these small actions compound into meaningful change. Remember: it’s better to do a little consistently than to do a lot inconsistently.
5. Challenge the Stories Holding You Back
We all have internal narratives that keep us stuck. Maybe you tell yourself, “I’m not smart enough to go back to school,” or “I’ll never be successful because I’m too old.” These thoughts aren’t facts—they’re fears disguised as truths. Challenge them by asking:
Is this belief based on evidence, or is it just a story I’ve been telling myself?
What would I say to a friend who had this thought?
Replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. For instance, “I’ve failed too many times” becomes “Each failure has taught me something valuable.” The way you talk to yourself matters—make it kind, encouraging, and hopeful.
6. Make Space for Grief and Growth
Change often requires letting go—of habits, expectations, or even relationships. This can be hard, but it’s a necessary part of growth. Allow yourself to grieve what you’re leaving behind while staying open to what’s ahead. For example:
If you’re stepping away from a job that no longer serves you, honor the chapter it played in your life before embracing what’s next.
If a relationship ends, give yourself time to process the loss while focusing on the opportunities for self-discovery it creates.
Growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s worth it. Trust that the space you create by letting go will be filled with something meaningful.
7. Celebrate the Progress, Not Just the Destination
It’s easy to get so focused on the end goal that you overlook how far you’ve already come. Make it a habit to celebrate your wins—no matter how small:
Finished the first chapter of your book? Celebrate.
Went for a walk instead of skipping exercise altogether? Celebrate.
Set a boundary that felt uncomfortable but necessary? Celebrate.
Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up for yourself, day by day. And every step forward is worth acknowledging.
Life doesn’t just “happen.” It’s shaped by the choices you make every day. And while you can’t control every twist and turn, you can decide how to show up for yourself and your goals.
This year, stop waiting for permission. Stop blaming circumstances. Start writing your own plot twist by taking charge of the story that’s uniquely yours.
You don’t need to do it all, and you don’t need to do it perfectly. You just need to take that first step—and trust yourself to keep going. 💛
If you’d like more ideas and specific exercises to guide you to the best year yet, check out my book, “Love The Journey.”