The Roman God Janus is depicted as having two faces—one looking forward, and one backward. In mythology he represents new beginnings, transitions, and time. As we approach the new year, it’s a good opportunity for us, like Janus, to look backward to review the past, and also forward to set new goals for ourself.

We are all “works in progress,” and while we need to build on our successes, let’s not be discouraged about where we fell short. Take some time now to introspect and see in what ways you have succeeded; analyze where you could have done better; and decide on the goals you want to set for 2025. Let’s look at these three components.

First, look at your successes in accomplishing your goals from last year. A friend of mine told me, “A goal I set for myself in 2024 was not to speak negatively about a person at work with whom I had a hard time getting along. At first it was really difficult, and sometimes I had to walk out of a room when I felt myself about to spew negativity. Little by little, I began to feel an inner strength developing. As the year progressed, whenever I felt tempted to criticize this person, I could feel a wave of energy supporting me not to fall into that trap. Finally it seemed very natural to remain silent, or even to say something positive. I was so happy with the results that this year my goal is not to speak negatively about anyone.” Her success in achieving last year’s goal is giving her the confidence to keep building on what she was able to accomplish.

Next, it’s also important to look at where we fell short in what we set out to do. Guilt and self-blame are not helpful emotions, and we should not identify with our mistakes. Rather, simply analyze where you have a weak area, and then try to apply the energy of your successes to that behavior. In other words, learn both from where you succeeded in your goals and where you failed, and move forward with changing yourself.

Sometimes people say, “But I can’t change, because my past karma is too strong.” To the question, “How much free will to change ourselves do we really have?” Yoganandaji had a very helpful answer. He said that there is no such thing as fate, but rather destiny, determined by our past actions, or karma. And that about seventy-five percent of who we are is set by past karma, but the other twenty-five percent can be created through our free choice and effort of will.

Thus, we do indeed have the ability to transcend our weaknesses through self-effort. That quarter of who we are, representing our free will, can determine whether we remain bound by past habits, or move forward instead in freedom.

yogananda in samadhi as a painting based on his samadhi poem new painting by jyotish

“Samadhi,” by Nayaswami Jyotish.

Finally, as 2025 approaches, set new goals for yourself, but not too many. There are a number of ways to approach this. Some people like to make a list of physical, mental, and spiritual goals. Others like to choose only one goal and focus on it. Whatever approach you prefer, take time now to apply everything we’ve talked about. Look at your successes and build on them; see how you could have done better in your weak areas; and, using free will, decide who you want to become in the year ahead.

Paramhansa Yogananda wrote: “Picture the new year as a garden you are responsible for planting. Sow the seeds of good habits in this soil, and weed out worries and wrong actions of the past. If you are not a good gardener, you will have to come back on earth to try again.” His implication is that if we are good gardeners, we will be treading the sure path that leads to liberation.

A wonderful spiritual portal opens before us with the beginning of each new year. Continued effort and determination help us to achieve our goals in life. In Sanskrit, the term, siddha, means one who has attained Self-realization, but literally it means “one who is successful.” Let us work towards this kind of success that leads to true happiness and freedom in God.

Wishing you a new year filled with attaining your highest goals,

Nayaswami Devi

Listen to Devi as she first reads the blog, then expands on its meaning and messages for readers with behind-the-blog commentary. Subscribe to the podcast or download the audio recording by right-clicking here. Or listen to it here (10:51):

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Looking Forward, Looking Back