Reflect, refocus and rise… It’s time to shift your perspective. Next year is yours, and it starts with understanding who you are and what you truly want.

1. Reflect with purpose

The first step to becoming the man you want to be is getting to know the man you currently are. This means carving out time for honest self-reflection. Grab a pen and notebook, find a quiet spot and start asking yourself some tough questions:  

• What have I accomplished this year?
  Write down everything, big or small. Don’t just focus on the professional milestones or the fitness goals – think about the personal victories too. Did you mend a relationship? Learn something new? Show up for someone when it mattered?

• Where did I fall short?
  Without judgement, note the goals you didn’t reach. It helps to acknowledge them, but don’t dwell on them. These are not failures; they’re opportunities for growth. 

• What truly matters to me?
  Dig deep into your values. These are the things that fuel your purpose. This process of reflection isn’t about beating yourself up; it’s about clarity and understanding where you are so that you can map out where you want to go. 

2. Meditate to connect with your true self 

Once you’ve reflected on the year, it’s time to silence the noise. Meditation isn’t just about relaxation, it’s a powerful tool for connecting with your inner self. Block out the worked and tune in to what’s truly important – your thoughts, feelings and desires.  

Start small: find a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Let thoughts come and go without judgement. Over time, you’ll find that the chatter in your mind quiets, and what remains is the truth of who you are and what you want.  

Guided meditation apps can be incredibly effective here. Look for ones that focus on self-discovery or finding your purpose. These will help you delve deeper into your subconscious, uncovering insights you might not even realise you had.  

3. Engage in meaningful conversations 

Reflection and meditation are personal journeys, but the third step requires you to step outside of yourself. We’re social creatures and, sometimes, it’s through conversations with others that we gain the most profound insights about ourselves.   

Seek out conversations with people who inspire you, challenge you or simply know you well. These might be mentors, friends or even new connections who share your values. Talk about your reflections, your goals and your struggles. Listen to their perspectives but also notice how you feel as you speak. Often, the act of verbalising your thoughts can bring clarity and help you understand your own desires more deeply.  

These conversations can be transformative. They can help you see blind spots, reveal new possibilities and reaffirm your purpose. Don’t shy away from vulnerability here; it’s in these raw moments that you often find the greatest strength.  

4. Craft a plan with purpose 

Now that you’ve reflected, meditated and connected with others, it’s time to set your intentions for the year ahead. This isn’t about creating a rigid to-do list, it’s about setting a vision for the man you want to become. Ask yourself:  

What do I want to achieve? 
Break this down into career, relationships and personal growth. Be specific, but flexible. Life is unpredictable and your goals should be able to adapt.  

How do I want to feel? 
Goals are about more than just achievement – they’re about fulfilment. Do you want to feel confident, connected or content? Let these feelings guide your actions.  

What habits will support my purpose? 
Daily actions lead to big changes. Identify the habits that will help you stay aligned with your purpose. This could be anything from regular exercise to daily journalling or meditation practice.  

5. Embrace your journey  

Finally, remember that personal growth is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks and there will be times when you feel like you’re not making progress. That’s okay. Growth happens in the discomfort, in the moments when you push through the challenges.  

Next year is going to be your year, not because you’ll achieve every goal you set but because you’ll be living with purpose. You’ll be more connected to who you are and what you want. And that, my guy, is what’s going to make you a better man.  

Text: Victor Muckmuck 

Illustratiion: Getty/Gallo Images 

Also read: How to love yourself