How to Upgrade You in 2025 – Ep 159

This week, I’m unpacking how to evolve through changing conditions in our lives rather than trying to change ourselves. The more you give, the more you need, and I want to talk through how you can start your own personal upgrade in three simple steps.

Let’s dig into what makes you feel more alive, how to uncover those creative solutions when you’re feeling stuck, and why naming your goal gets you one step closer to achieving it. I know you’ll find this episode of Art2Life invaluable for setting your intentions for the year ahead.

Listen if you are interested in…

• Overcoming self-doubt is crucial for personal growth [5:18]
• Consider and evaluate areas like love and connection to enhance vitality [12:09]
• Get unstuck: If you had a magic wand, what would you create? [17:39]
• Set a named challenge to focus energy on achieving a specific goal [23:00]
• Dreams start small and grow with focus [27:31]

Making Change Happen in Your Life

The first step in my three-step process for initiating personal upgrades is built around the idea of remembering what makes you feel alive by focusing on five key areas: love, body, art, play, and soul.

1. Assess and Audit: Audit each of these areas to pinpoint what truly invigorates you. This reflective process sheds light on the activities that need more attention or adjustment.
2. Implement Small Changes: Drastic changes can be daunting, so start by taking incremental steps. Small changes can lead to significant personal growth, whether it’s spending more time doing art or rekindling a playful spirit.
3. Measure Progress: Journaling and other reflective practices help you monitor your successes. Celebrating small wins along the way helps you maintain momentum and acknowledge the positive shifts occurring in your life.

Employ Creative Problem Solving with the “Magic Wand” Question

The “Magic Wand” question is a transformative problem-solving tool. Ask yourself, “If you had a magic wand, what would you create?”

I learned this technique from my father, and it encourages people to envision an ideal solution to their problems without any constraints. You can uncover innovative and practical steps towards achieving your goals by temporarily removing perceived limits and allowing yourself to explore boundless possibilities. Sometimes, the act of visualization itself can bring about unexpected and positive solutions.

It’s also so important to recognize and overcome self-imposed limits that often stem from generational beliefs and personal experiences. Acknowledge your inherent deservingness of better conditions and greater success. Cultivating self-worth is a huge part of continuous personal development. Our growth can also inspire and uplift those around us.

Reflecting on What You Want in the Year Ahead

Take time each year to review, reflect, and plan ahead. I spend time in December to genuinely assess the past year. This includes evaluating both professional and personal accomplishments, setbacks, and areas for improvement.

By meticulously going over these things, I identify the “ingredients” in my environment that contributed to my growth or hindered it, which means I can make informed decisions on what to modify or keep in the months ahead.

An annual review is a powerful tool for auditing your progress and setting clear, actionable goals for the future. You create a heightened sense of self-awareness and align your objectives with your core values and passions. Integrating reflective practice into your routine allows you to recognize and stay responsive to your evolving needs and desires.

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Big Leap: A Guide to Transcending Personal Limits, Overcoming Fears, and Unleashing Your Authentic Greatness for a Better Life by Gay Hendricks
• Ali Mackie Art

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