We are approaching the end of 2024, a year that has flown by in the perception of many. Due to a technology-dependent, fast-paced and productivist lifestyle, which Byung-Chul ^Han1 diagnosed as the society of fatigue, many are exhausted. Others observe with bewilderment the actions of governments and dramatic events that would surprise even George ^Orwell2. In fact, when we look at problems from a macro perspective, we feel less able to deal with the complexity of the issues.

Fortunately, for 2025, we can prepare from a personal and contextualized perspective about our actions, something more feasible and sensible. When it comes to planning for the future, many people write lists of resolutions or goals. These lists usually involve material goals or achievements, such as acquiring something, or accomplishing something, like a trip. But few think about their personal purpose, understood as who they want to be and what lifestyle they want to live in order to answer that call.

Artificial intelligence and the future of society: trends in 2025

However, the future that awaits us demands a deeper and more honest review of purpose. This is because the trends for 2025 will be very challenging for the future of work, social relations and the lifestyle that is being designed on a global level. The main trend I’m referring to is artificial intelligence, bearing in mind its positive and negative impacts, as well as its disruptive power over our lives and the economy.

A second trend stems from the first: the growing international call to think about the future of society in the age of AI. This comes to each of us as a series of questions: who am I becoming by delegating my work to AI? How do I prepare for a reality mediated by AI? What kind of life do we want to build as a society?

That’s why not only the goals but also the way in which personal objectives are formulated make all the difference. Much more than listing what you want to acquire or achieve, people and companies need to rethink their purpose. Three initial points can help rethink intentions for 2025.

Three points for the search for purpose

1. First point: think about personal goals not as an isolated individual, but taking into account the interested parties or stakeholders in your life. This means taking on board the fact that we depend on others for almost everything and without them we can’t evolve as people. The answers to the questions “who do I want to be” and “how do I want to live” must take this into account. Count on the possible help of others and think about how you can contribute to the goals of the people around you.
2. Secondly: to evaluate how to adopt a balanced lifestyle, between the various spheres of life and the responsibilities we assume. How to do this: establish habits in your routine and have the perseverance to respond to the respective calls from your sphere, work, family, etc. Also make time for leisure and recreation, as they renew our energy and are a source of creativity. It is also worth recommending the moderate use of technology and social networks, which have caused social and cognitive problems.
3. Third: think carefully and long-term about your purpose. In your personal plan, 2025 can be a first step towards a larger life project, to be realized gradually in the future. Once you understand your purpose, identify the steps or small objectives to achieve it. Important: for both individuals and companies, each stage in planning is important: establishment, implementation, evaluation and celebration. So celebrate the small achievements by celebrating with others. Leaders should pay more attention to celebratory rites in organizations.

Conclusion

The three points presented are certainly not the only ones related to purpose, but they represent a life that is less individualistic, more balanced and more integral in the long term.

Finally, it’s worth pointing out that thinking about your personal purpose and the questions “who do I want to be?” and “how do I want to live?” isn’t necessarily something you have to do alone. One of the complementary methods we can use is to draw a picture of our goals and keep it in sight (it worked for me!). The great value of realizing one’s personal purpose is that, as agents, we experience a meaningful life in which we can connect who we are to ways of serving others. With a direction in our life plan, we are less vulnerable to distractions and have more control over the direction of our lives.

Notes

1. Han, B-C. (2024). The society of tiredness. Barcelona: Herder.
2. Here I refer to George Orwell’s dystopian vision in his book “1984“.