The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast

How to Set Goals and Create Healthy Habits in 2025

Jan 1, 2025

Tired of failing New Year's resolutions? Embrace overarching themes instead! Dive into the pitfalls of perfectionism and discover how to transform goals into actionable steps. Explore the impact of evolutionary psychology on our sense of purpose and the importance of community in finding meaning. Learn about the complex nature of habit formation and strategies to break bad habits while fostering healthier routines. It’s a refreshing take on personal growth that brings wisdom without the pressure!

53:33

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Quick takeaways

The hosts emphasize the significance of establishing a guiding theme for the year instead of rigid resolutions to promote flexible growth.

They discuss the importance of addressing perfectionism and allowing for imperfection as a strategy for sustained personal progress.

The podcast highlights how engaging in fundamental social behaviors, rather than lofty ideals, provides true purpose and fulfillment in life.

Deep dives

The New Year, New You Dilemma

The podcast emphasizes the annual cycle of New Year's resolutions, highlighting how excitement often fades within weeks, leading back to old habits. The hosts reflect on their own experiences with resolutions, illustrating the struggle to maintain motivation after the initial enthusiasm wanes. They acknowledge the societal rituals associated with January 1st as moments for self-reflection and assessment of life goals. Despite initial cynicism, they recognize the value in periodically revisiting life goals, even if not strictly adhering to typical resolutions.

Intro

2min

The Perils of New Year's Resolutions and Embracing Themes

2min

Overcoming Perfectionism

7min

Embracing Change and Growth

8min

Exploring Evolution's Role in Defining Life's Purpose

3min

Exploring Life's Purpose

14min

Understanding the Complexity of Habit Formation

2min

Breaking the Habit Loop

14min

In this special New Year's episode of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck podcast, we dive into the perennial challenge of making meaningful changes in our lives. Rather than falling into the typical "new year, new you" trap that leads most people to abandon their resolutions by February, Drew and I explore a different approach to personal transformation. We share our own struggles with perfectionism, control, and finding purpose.

We also dig into some research about how evolution may have shaped our sense of purpose, the science of habit formation, and offer practical strategies for making lasting changes. Whether you're setting goals for the new year or just trying to build better habits, this episode will help you approach personal growth with more wisdom and less pressure in 2025. Enjoy.

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Theme song: Icarus Lives by Periphery, used with permission from Periphery.