Choose the Goal Choose the Lifestyle

Congratulations to all our 2025 Best of Life winners! These winning business owners had a dream and worked hard to make it a reality, and Canton and Woodstock Family Life readers have rewarded them with their patronage and votes. Be sure to check out pages 20-21 to see the list of this year's recipients.

Speaking of dreams, many consider January a time to make resolutions, create vision boards, or set new goals for the year ahead. Sometimes, we can get a little lofty and choose big goals without being realistic about what it takes to achieve them. In other words, reaching and maintaining our goals may require complete lifestyle changes we haven't fully considered.

For example, we often see images or videos of successful people with flashy material possessions or before-and-after transformation photos of those who have lost significant weight and added lots of muscle. What we don't see are the sacrifices they made or continue to make to achieve and maintain these accomplishments.

For instance, we don't see the seven-day work weeks and time away from family it often takes to create and run a successful business to fund the beautiful home we notice in someone's social media photo. We don't see the weighing and prepping of every morsel of food that enters the mouth of the person who has lost 50 pounds; the hours spent grinding in the gym; or the parties, sweet treats, and other indulgences they give up.

So, when we choose big goals such as these, we must understand that what we're really choosing is to commit to a new lifestyle.

"It's easy to want the public rewards, but you also have to want the hidden costs." -James Clear

With careful consideration, planning, and preparation, you will set yourself up for success this year.

Best wishes for a wonderful 2025 — may all your dreams come true!