If you missed part one, you can read it here: Big goals, fresh adventures and positive habits for 2025
As we enter the third month of 2025, now is the perfect time to pause and check in. At the start of the year, I introduced the Blueprint for Big Goals, Meaningful Adventures, and Lasting Habits—a system designed to create long-term transformation. Whether you’ve been consistent or feel like you’ve lost momentum, this is your chance to reassess, make adjustments and get back on track.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals is focusing too much on the end result and not enough on the process. It’s easy to get discouraged if progress feels slow, but real change isn’t about perfection—it’s about daily actions that build over time. Instead of asking, “Am I there yet?” a better question is, “Are my habits and systems helping me succeed?” If the answer is no, then it’s time to refine them.
My two-month check-in: Progress, adjustments and lessons learned
This check-in is my personal reflection on the goals I set at the start of the year and how they’re shaping my daily life. I’m sharing my experience as an example of how goal-setting can be a dynamic process—one that evolves and adapts over time. By setting clear objectives in different areas of my life—health, personal growth, and creativity—I ensure that I’m always learning and progressing. Just as I push myself physically and mentally, I apply the same discipline and curiosity to my photography and creative work. The structure I build in one area strengthens my ability to grow in others.
At the beginning of the year, I set my Misogi—a transformative challenge designed to push limits and spark growth. For me, that challenge is preparing for hip replacement surgery, a major step toward reclaiming mobility and improving my quality of life. This journey hasn’t just been about reaching surgery day; it’s been about building a lifestyle that will support my long-term health and recovery.
A huge part of that has been focusing on nutrition and movement. Cooking healthy meals has become a priority, and I’ve surrounded myself with professional chefs, foodie friends and family members who share a passion for mindful eating.
But this journey isn’t just about my body—it’s about personal and creative growth as well. Cooking has become more than just a way to fuel my body; it has turned into a shared experience with my brother, sister, and cousins, who also love cooking. We’ve been experimenting with new recipes, exchanging ideas, and enjoying the process together. These moments of bonding over food have made the journey even more rewarding, reinforcing the importance of community and connection in personal growth.
My mornings start early—5:30 AM—with a structured routine that includes sauna therapy, pool exercises and movement training. While in the sauna, I take time to say my morning prayers, using the quiet space to reflect, center myself, and set the tone for the day. These rituals help maintain flexibility, reduce stiffness, and prepare my body for the demands of recovery while also keeping me grounded mentally and spiritually.
Beyond the physical work, I’ve also made adjustments at home to ensure I’ll be comfortable post-surgery. I rearranged my space to improve mobility, invested in a massage chair to aid recovery, and researched ways to accelerate healing.
But recovery isn’t the only goal—I’ve also been focusing on personal and creative projects. One of my biggest long-term commitments is writing The Sustainable Non-Restrictive Diet, a book focused on healthy eating without deprivation. To bring this vision to life, I’ve been improving my food photography skills, studying the techniques of world-class photographers like Lou Manna, Joe Glyda, and Nicole Young. Capturing food in a way that tells a story is just as important as the words on the page.
Mini adventures: Finding energy and inspiration
Big transformations require moments of excitement and inspiration, which is why I committed to six mini adventures this year. These aren’t just about travel—they’re about learning, connecting, and pushing creative boundaries.
The first adventure on my list is a photography retreat in Saint Augustine with Rick Friedman and Rick Ferro. This trip is more than just a getaway; it’s an opportunity to create a new photography course while being immersed in a visually rich, historic environment. Merging work with passion in this way keeps learning engaging and rewarding.
The role of small daily habits in lasting change
While big challenges and exciting experiences are important, true transformation happens in the small, daily habits that shape our routines. One habit I’ve committed to is silent meditation—10 to 15 minutes a day of complete stillness, without music or distractions. Practicing this after my sauna and pool therapy sessions has helped me clear my mind, reduce stress, and improve focus.
To deepen my meditation practice, I’ve been reading books on mindfulness and learning from experts in the field. Gaining new insights into how meditation can support both recovery and mental clarity has been a game-changer.
Your two-month check-in: Where are you in your journey?
Now, it’s time for you to check in. Take a moment to reflect—are your current habits and systems supporting your goals? Have you built in experiences that excite and inspire you? If you feel like you’ve drifted off course, now is the perfect time to realign.
If your daily systems aren’t working for you, tweak them so they fit your current reality instead of forcing something that no longer serves you. If you haven’t planned a mini adventure, find something exciting to look forward to—whether it’s a trip, a class, or a creative challenge. And if your habits aren’t contributing to real, lasting change, focus on small, consistent actions rather than waiting for motivation to strike.
Growth isn’t about reaching a finish line—it’s about committing to a process that keeps moving you forward. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to reset, consider this it. Take one action today that realigns you with your blueprint. Write it down, commit to it and let’s keep going.
