The Power of the 6 F’s
As the calendar flips into a new year, so do our hopes for what’s ahead. The ads remind us to join Peloton, try Noom, or open a Robinhood account. Blog posts flood our feeds with tips to stick to resolutions and finally break bad habits.
Motivating? Sure. Inspiring? Maybe. But experience has shown me that focusing intentionally on a few areas and setting tangible goals for the next 365 days can profoundly impact what actually happens, instead of simply hoping for a better year. It starts with asking key questions like:
“What do I/we want this year?”
“What are my goals?”
“What needs to change?”
Enter the 6 F’s:
Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, and Fun.
This framework provides a holistic way to think about life’s many dimensions—what to focus on, nurture, adjust, or eliminate. It’s ideal for those who like a deliberate approach to life. If that’s you, here’s a refreshed snapshot of how this could look in today’s world:
Faith
Explore meditation apps like Calm or Headspace to cultivate spiritual mindfulness.
Join a local service group or volunteer project aligned with your values.
Attend a retreat or participate in a virtual masterclass on purpose and gratitude.
Commit to reading one book on spiritual growth (e.g., The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron).
Dedicate a day each month to unplug, reflect, and recharge.
Family
Plan monthly “connection days” with family—simple activities like a hike, game night, or movie marathon.
Establish a digital-free dinner routine to encourage meaningful conversation.
Rotate a “chef of the week” among family members to share responsibility and creativity in meal planning.
Discuss personal and family goals in an annual or quarterly family meeting.
Friends
Schedule monthly coffee catch-ups or happy hours with friends you want to stay connected with.
Host a themed gathering—like a “Retro Movie Night” or “Cultural Potluck Dinner.”
Build friendships through shared passions—join a book club, a sports league, or a class (dance, cooking, or coding!).
Use apps like Meetup or Bumble BFF to expand your circle, especially if you’ve moved recently.
Finances
Automate your savings goals with tools like YNAB, Mint, or Digit.
Reassess subscriptions and recurring expenses—cut what doesn’t add value.
Allocate 10% of your annual income toward growth: take a course, hire a coach, or attend a conference.
Explore sustainable investment options or funds aligned with your values.
Fitness
Try something new: yoga, pilates, pickleball, or even rock climbing.
Use fitness trackers to gamify your goals (steps, heart rate, etc.).
Set realistic targets: complete a charity 5K, join a walking club, or stretch daily.
Add wellness activities into your routine, like breathwork or a 10-minute mobility session.
Fun
Book tickets to a concert, play, or sports game you’ve always wanted to attend.
Start a “bucket list” jar where family or friends contribute fun activity ideas.
Explore a new hobby—painting, gardening, or learning a language.
Plan one “micro-adventure” each month: a day trip to a nearby town, kayaking, or a food festival.
Explore travel options, even locally, for a refreshing weekend getaway.
Why Write It Down?
Research shows that written goals are far more likely to be achieved. Personally, I’ve seen it play out—reviewing notes from previous years, I’ve marveled at the dreams that materialized simply because I wrote them down.
A Practical Process
Here’s a modernized approach to setting your intentions:
Take Time Away: Whether it’s a local Airbnb, a cozy café, or simply a quiet room, give yourself space to reflect.
Celebrate Wins: Start by reviewing what brought you joy last year. Use this energy to fuel your dreaming.
Dream Freely: Focus on one category at a time and jot down aspirations—big or small. Don’t edit yourself.
Prioritize: From your list, select the most meaningful and realistic goals to focus on this year.
While the 6 F’s framework won’t address every detail of life, it’s a powerful way to zoom out, reset, and realign. So as we step into a new year, let’s embrace the possibilities of what’s to come—what will challenge us, grow us, and bring us joy.
Here’s to 2025 and all the stories yet to be written.
