Welcome to 2025! A fresh year, a fresh start, and a chance to take charge of your future. Whether you’re aiming for something new or building on what you’ve already achieved, one thing is guaranteed: you’ll hear a lot of advice along the way. Some of it will lift you up, while some will make you doubt yourself. And too often, that doubt will come in the form of a “No.”
Those “No’s” sound like:
- “You’re too old to start something new.”
- “You are not qualified”
- “It’s too hard, you’re not cut out for it.”
- “It’s a waste of time.”
- “That’s not really your area.”
- “People won’t trust you.”
- “Don’t take that risk, stay in your safe job.”
It’s important to remember that these “No’s,” even if they come from well-meaning people, are shaped by their own fears and limitations. They don’t show what’s possible for you. If you give in to those doubts, they can stop you from reaching your full potential.

The Power of Listening to Yourself
In 2025, I want to encourage you to trust yourself more than ever. Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. It happens when you take risks, face challenges, and push yourself into the unknown. The road ahead seems uncertain, but that’s where the opportunity lies.
If you focus too much on the doubts others place on you, it can be easy to lose sight of your own vision. Remember, those doubts are usually rooted in someone else’s limitations, not your own potential. Your journey is yours alone, and only you can know what’s best for you.
If you let the negative voices influence your decisions, you will find yourself stuck, too afraid to act or follow your dreams. But success isn’t a straight line. It’s full of bumps, stops, and moments where you have to take a leap of faith. And that’s okay.
Every “No” you hear is actually a sign that you’re doing something outside the ordinary. Instead of letting it stop you, take it as a sign that you’re on the right track. The people who’ve succeeded in life didn’t get there by listening to other people’s doubts, they pushed ahead.
This is your year. Block out the negativity, trust your abilities, and believe in what you can achieve. Don’t let anyone define what’s possible for you. While others speak from their own fears, you have the power to shape your own path.
Keep your vision clear, stick to your goals, and don’t be afraid to take a few calculated risks. The road will not always be smooth, but the reward will be worth it. By believing in yourself, you’ll not only overcome the “No’s,” but you’ll set the stage for a life that’s meaningful and fulfilling.

So, as we step into 2025, remember this: You have everything you need to succeed. Trust yourself, tune out the doubts, and take the first step toward the future you want. The best is yet to come.

Jhocelin Gilbert is the founder of La Paila Canada. She is a dedicated professional from the Dominican Republic who focuses on education, migration, and community empowerment in Canada. Her commitment to the Hispanic community and her desire to help others make her an important figure in the immigrant experience in her new home, Winnipeg.


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