Living the ‘And’: Balancing Goals and Realities in 2025
It’s mid-January—about that time when the shiny New Year’s goals we set for 2025 start to feel a little less, well, shiny. Maybe you’re rethinking them, wondering, What was I thinking? Or struggling to squeeze these aspirations into a schedule that already feels packed. Sometimes, life takes over, and we gravitate back to what’s comfortable. If you’re like me, your dreams are probably a little more expansive than your calendar allows.
Meaningful progress doesn’t come from doing everything; it comes from doing a few things well. This is why I love choosing a word to guide my year. For years now, my word has been the same: simplicity.
Ironic, right? Simplicity sounds straightforward, but for me, it’s an endless puzzle. I crave spaciousness in my schedule, yet I have perfectionist tendencies that seem to create complexity at every turn. It’s like being caught between two magnets pulling in opposite directions.
And this brings us to something powerful: polarities.
What Are Polarities?
Polarities are interdependent pairs—opposites that rely on each other over time. They’re not problems to be solved but dynamics to be managed. For example, you can’t “solve” the need for both work and rest. You need both in a constant dance, adjusting based on your current context and priorities.
Take my relationship with simplicity. On one hand, I long for a streamlined, spacious life. On the other, I thrive on the complexity of ideas, projects, and creativity. Neither side is “better.” What matters is learning to move between the two in a way that serves me—and my goals.
Are You Treating a Polarity Like a Problem?
You might be trying to “fix” something that’s not broken but simply needs balance. For example, do you feel stuck waiting for perfect information before making decisions? That pull to have all the answers can paralyze you, creating anxiety or indecision.
But let’s imagine instead that you balanced “perfect information” with “sufficient information.” By recognizing the cost of chasing perfection—lost time, missed opportunities—you can start to embrace the value of having what you need to move forward with confidence.
This balance doesn’t mean perfection loses its place; it means you learn to dance between the poles.
Common Polarities We Often See
Here are a few polarities you might recognize:
• Data-driven AND Intuitive Knowing
• Candor AND Diplomacy
• Individual Contributor AND Collaborator
• Get the Job Done AND Build Relationships
• Structured AND Flexible
• Planning AND Execution
These aren’t either/or scenarios. They’re both/and relationships. Each side brings value, but the magic lies in learning to leverage the best of both.
Finding Balance in 2025: Navigating the Power of Both/And
As we move further into the new year, consider giving yourself permission to embrace the “and”—to pursue your goals while also accepting and living with what is.
Balancing polarities is a practice—it takes awareness, kindness to yourself, and sometimes, a little help. Whether you’re managing perfection and imperfection, structure and spontaneity, or ambition and rest, the goal isn’t to “solve” the tension but to navigate it with intention.
If reflecting on your goals for 2025 sounds like the next right step, check out our 2025 Leadership Growth Workbook. It’s a great resource for getting clarity (no surprise there—our company name, Adisa, means clarity!) and setting yourself up for meaningful progress.
Here’s to a year of growth, balance, and discovering the power of both/and!