Here’s how to thrive, not just survive, in 2025

What does it mean to truly thrive? The word has many definitions, including to grow vigorously; to flourish, develop and be successful; to become and continue to be strong and healthy. We like to define thriving this way: It’s when you’re aligned with your dreams, purpose and passion to the extent that you wake up every day excited about your work and what your future holds. 

And that’s what we wish for you in 2025. Don’t just survive—thrive! You can do it, and here’s how.

First, evaluate. 

How would you rate your level of thriving over the past few months, on a scale where zero means “not at all thriving” and 10 means “really thriving”? How important is thriving to you, on a scale of zero for “not at all” to 10 for “extremely important”? What can you do to achieve a higher level of thriving or sustain it? 

If your rate of thriving is not what you would like it to be, it’s time to take a look at your “thriving story”—that is, the story you tell yourself that explains why it’s not happening for you at this point in your life. Examine whether this story is still true for you and what things about it you might be able to change.

Next, get your dreams and purpose in clear focus. 

Your dreams give birth to your purpose and passion in life. It’s time to get in touch with what you really want to work toward. Take your dreams seriously! Dreams aren’t silly—they ignite motivation, guide energy investments, and drive engagement. If you need to get in touch with your dreams again, ask yourself what you would do in the next two to five years if you knew you could not fail.

To identify what gives your life meaning and purpose, answer these questions:

• Who/what matters most to you?
• How do you define success in your life?
• What impact do you want to have on others?
• How do you want other people to describe you?
• What makes your life really worth living?

It can be helpful to summarize your answers to these questions into a “purpose statement.” Put your purpose statement somewhere where you can see it every day.

Time to get aligned. 

Now that you have a sense of your dreams and what gives you a sense of purpose, it’s time to take a deep look at whether your life is mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally aligned with these. If your energy investments—the time and energy you spend on things—aren’t often devoted to your purpose and dreams, ask yourself what’s taking you off course.

Maybe your thriving story itself is what is taking you off track. If so, it may be time to rewrite it! See if you can rephrase what you believe about where you are in your life in positive terms. Open up to new possibilities. Writing them down can be a powerful key to changing how you look at your life.

Make an action plan. 

Ask yourself what actions you can take to align better with your dreams, purpose and passion in the next 90 days. Write down your goals and put the list where you can see it every day. Remember, it doesn’t matter how old you are or where you are now—persistence is the main key to success.

Have fun! 

If pursuing your dreams and purpose seems like a lot of work, it’s time to cultivate a growth mindset and make it fun. Experiment with new ways of doing things, remember to play and be optimistic, try to associate with positive-minded people and above all, develop an attitude of gratitude. Taking and giving a daily dose of Vitamin G (gratitude) can improve your mood, your sleep, your blood pressure, heart health and level of optimism.

A note to readers from Dr. Melnyk, who is retiring, or as she likes to say, “re-firing,” this month:

I have been truly blessed to be able to pursue my dreams, passion and purpose as The Ohio State University’s inaugural vice president for health promotion and chief wellness officer over the past 13 years, and I have so enjoyed writing this column for Ohio State Alumni Magazine during my tenure here. The thanks and gratitude I have received from readers throughout the years have touched my heart and filled my cup. I wish you great health and happiness, and hope that you will never stop pursing your dreams.

Be well,
Bern