As 2024 comes to an end, many people find themselves reflecting on the year -- its challenges, wins, and lessons.
New Year's resolutions go beyond goal-setting; they invite us to reflect on our past journey and envision the path ahead.
Recommended Videos
New Year traditions from Houston, around the world
Through a series of interviews, we've captured the thoughts of Houstonians who shared how 2024 impacted them and what they hope to achieve in 2025.
Their stories offer inspiration and a reminder that every year is a stepping stone toward personal growth.
Reflecting on 2024: Stories of growth and resilience
For many, 2024 was a year of transformation. From career shifts to renewed focus on family, the people we spoke with highlighted the ways they adapted and grew in the face of life's unpredictability.
Shaunelle Jones, a loving grandmother, shared how unexpected setbacks turned into motivation for personal transformation. " When Covid hit... I broke my leg [and] I gained a lot of weight and it threw off my lifestyle," she said " So for 2024, I was able to get back on track...I'm down 50 pounds."Ryan Miller, a father of one and soon to be two, recently discovered he is expecting another baby as his family continues to grow. Reflecting on his 2024, Ryan described it as "definitely some highs" and no lows. A couple of months ago, Ryan and his wife, Nikki, found out she was pregnant. "We're going to have another baby here mid next year. So that definitely [will] be an exciting adventure," Ryan shared.McKenna Alder, a college student, reflected on her experiences in 2024. "It was hard, but good... school is very hard. I was in a really hard part of my program and then just dating [was] very hard. A lot of things did not go the way I hoped, but that's okay," she shared, highlighting both the challenges and the resilience she found throughout the year.Kathryn Ballstaedt, a piano teacher, shared her excitement about ending the year with several new students eager to learn piano under her guidance. 'I'm going to have to start the [New Year] out by doing all my [piano] scheduling,' she said. Kathryn expressed that teaching piano is 'really rewarding,' and she truly loves it.
These reflections highlight a common theme: the importance of aligning life with personal values.
Whether it was overcoming challenges, embracing low points, or celebrating career shifts and relationships, 2024 became a year of re-evaluating what truly matters most.
What's your biggest lesson of 2024? Here's what KPRC 2 staff learnedSetting goals for 2025: Turning insights into action
As we look to 2025, the Houstonians we interviewed shared their aspirations for the year ahead.
From improving health to achieving financial stability, their goals reflect a commitment to intentional living.
Shaunelle plans to focus both on family time and her personal well-being. "I do have a number one goal to spend time with [my] family. My family's not here in Houston... I plan to spend more time with the [grand]kids," she shared. "I have been on top of my health and well-being, so that's going to roll into 2025. I expect 2025 to be even more awesome".Ryan, meanwhile, is focusing on achieving financial goals and planning memorable vacations for his family. "We're actually very close [to] paying off [my wife's] student loans... so [my wife and I are] really excited," he shared. Ryan is also eagerly looking forward to a family trip to Disneyland in 2025.McKenna's goal for the upcoming year is to focus more on the aspects of life she can control. "School... internships... hobbies. That's kind of what I'm excited for in the New Year. There's so much in life that's not just like boys," she shared. She also expressed her excitement about pursuing a cherished aspiration in 2025: earning her scuba diving certification. "That's been on the bucket list for a long time," she said.Kathryn Ballstaedt is dedicated to maintaining her momentum, embracing and enjoying the fulfilling place she has reached in her life. "I'm getting into good exercise habits already, but just think to keep those up. And then same with my education... I learned lots of things this last year and I want to continue doing that. Kathryn shared she is "in a good place right now".
Experts recommend setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to stay on track.
For example, committing to weekly gym sessions or saving a set amount each month can make big aspirations feel achievable.
2024 recap: Can't-miss stories from KPRC 2Tips for crafting your own New Year's goals
Inspired by the stories we heard, here are some actionable tips for setting and achieving your goals in 2025:
Reflect on 2024: Take time to assess what worked, what didn't, and what you want to improve.Be Specific: Vague goals like "get healthier" are harder to stick to. Instead, aim for "work out three times a week" or "eat five servings of vegetables daily."Write It Down: Studies show that written goals are more likely to be achieved.Track Progress: Use apps, journals, or spreadsheets to monitor your journey.Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledging small wins keeps motivation high.Conclusion: Reflect, reset, and reach forward
As we say goodbye to 2024, let's carry forward its lessons and embrace the possibilities of 2025.
Whether it's building stronger relationships, pursuing personal passions, or taking small steps toward big dreams, every goal begins with intention.
What are your goals for 2025? Share them in the comments below and join the conversation.
Together, we can make this year one of growth and fulfillment.