How's it Going So Far, 2025?

Irene Son

The countdowns ended, the calendars flipped and the confetti has now been swept away. Now that we’re officially one month into 2025, it’s time to reflect: How’s it going so far? 

Following a year as dramatic as 2024—chanted by many as “2024theplot” —2025 is already beginning to take on a distinct personality. The year is rapidly establishing itself, from the newest social media trends to popular New Year’s resolutions and even a new presidential term. 

Though 2025 is presenting a new angle on the custom, New Year’s resolutions remain a staple of January’s energy. The trend of the season has become defined as micro-habits rather than big, drastic life changes. Smaller, more manageable goals are becoming more popular, such as journaling for five minutes daily and doom-scrolling less on social media. 

But not every early 2025 incident has been lighthearted. For instance, the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles serve as a sobering reminder of climate change. The catastrophe spurred new discussions about climate resilience, as communities came together to support those impacted, and emergency personnel put in endless hours of work. Social media emerged as a crucial tool in increasing charitable contributions and raising awareness of the short and long-term effects of climate change. These wildfires serve as a reminder that resolutions may and should go beyond individual objectives to include global responsibilities, highlighting the need for coordinating mindfulness and sustainability practices with practical change.

The shift in executive power from Joe Biden to now-President Donald Trump has also been a pivotal plot point. With just a few hours in office, Trump signed multiple executive orders—such as dismantling federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement—that may greatly affect the future of the U.S. 

Of course, each year has its own cultural quirks, too. The once-glorified hustle culture is dwindling even more as the silent quitting mindset turns into a categorical rejection of burnout. As sustainability continues to gain popularity, fast fashion is becoming less popular. Echoing the concepts of the "de-influencing" movement, authenticity is beginning to replace highly polished and produced information.

Though it is still very early into 2025, it already seems like a year full of both possibilities and change. You can feel the energy—movement without perfection, trends that encourage simplicity and a shared emphasis on living intentionally—whether you're keeping your resolutions or taking things day by day. How is it going thus far? That is for you to figure out. There is plenty of time to make this year one to remember and be personally proud of because it is a blank canvas.