In The Equalizer 2, Denzel Washington delivers a chilling question to Marton Csokas: “Who do you see when you look at me?” It’s a loaded inquiry—one that leaves both the recipient and the audience pondering their perceptions, intentions, and identities.

Now, let’s turn that question inward: Who do people see when they look at you? More importantly, who do you see when you catch your own reflection in the mirror? Pause for a moment and consider this: Are you still staring at the same person you saw at the end of 2023? The beginning of 2024? If the answer is “yes,” that’s a red flag waving wildly in the breeze.

Life is about growth, transformation, and deliberate progress. A year can—and should—reshape us. Think about it: You wouldn’t want to binge-watch an entire series only to realize that none of the characters evolved, would you? So why settle for the same plotline in your own story?

Here’s the key question: Who do you want to see staring back at you in December 2025? Imagine that person—not just their physical appearance, but their character, achievements, and the confidence they exude. Imagine a version of yourself who has grown wiser, stronger, and more capable. It’s an inspiring image, but one that requires effort starting now.

Let’s be honest: You can’t just stumble into a better version of yourself. Growth isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. You’re not going to wake up on January 1, 2025, magically ready to conquer the year. No, the preparation starts today. Every decision you make—every habit you form or break, every book you read, every risk you take—adds up. This is the pregame. It’s the warm-up lap. It’s the montage scene where you’re doing push-ups, sweating bullets, and mentally gearing up for what’s ahead.

December 2025 will come, whether you’re ready for it or not. The only question is: Will you greet it as a person who made significant strides toward becoming the best version of themselves? Or will you look back with regret, realizing that the version of you from late 2023 is still hanging around, unchanged?

The choice is yours. But here’s the good news: The work starts now. You’ve got a solid year to lay the foundation. Don’t wait until January 1 to set resolutions that fizzle out by February. Begin today—with intention, purpose, and the determination to reflect a version of yourself that you’ll be proud of. Come December 2025, the mirror won’t just show your reflection; it will reveal the hard-fought triumph of growth, grit, and transformation.

“But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works — this person will be blessed in what he does.”
—James 1:25 (CSB)