There’s an interesting mathematical fact around the year 2025.
2025, itself is a square: i.e. (45 x 45)
It’s a product of two squares: i.e. (9² x 5²) = 2025
It is the sum of 3-squares: i.e. (40²+ 20²+5²) = 2025
It’s the first square after 1936
It’s the sum of cubes of all the single digits, from 1 to 9: viz.(1³+2³+……9³) = 2025.
While interesting, data can be reverse-engineered to achieve various goals, such as in 2025. This can be accomplished with nearly any number; there are even game shows based on this concept. However, reversing one’s life like Benjamin Button (reversing time) is considered impossible. But can you forward-engineer your life and then reflect on it with a sense of satisfaction? Here are some tips to help in the process:
1. Write Your Eulogy to Define Your Legacy
Imagine how you’d want to be remembered. Writing your eulogy provides clarity on the life you aspire to lead. Whether it’s being remembered for humour, compassion, or achievements, this exercise shifts your perspective to what truly matters.
Example: “He was a visionary who embraced every challenge with curiosity, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and resilience.”
2. Set a Path, Not Just Goals
Goals can feel finite and restrictive, such as “Lose 10 pounds” or “Run a marathon.” Instead, define a path that reflects ongoing growth, like “Pursue a healthy and active lifestyle” or “Cultivate curiosity and a love for learning.”
Tip: Focus on being rather than doing. For example:
• Instead of “Quit smoking,” think, “Be mindful and cherish my health.”
• Instead of “Exercise three times a week,” consider, “Stay active and joyful in movement.”
3. Reflect Without Judgment
As the year comes to a close, take time to reflect on your journey. Have you stayed true to your chosen path? Did you deviate from it? Reflect without self-judgment or excessive praise. Acknowledge your progress.
Exercise: Journal about your year:
• What moments felt aligned with your values?
• Where did you feel off-track, and what can you learn from it?
4. Prioritize Human Connection
In an age of digital greetings, authentic connection is a rare gem. Make an effort to converse with people, whether by phone, video call, or in person. If time is short, acknowledge messages with thoughtful replies, even if it’s just simple emojis.
Action Step:
• Call someone you haven’t spoken to in months.
• Set aside time to reconnect with one meaningful person each week.
5. Measure, But With Gratitude
Track what matters – your health, finances, or personal growth – but instead of fixating on where you “should” be, appreciate where you are. Gratitude fosters contentment and prevents ambition from turning into dissatisfaction.
Exercise:
• List three things about yourself you’re grateful for each month.
• Celebrate small wins: a good conversation, a step toward health, or a moment of peace.
And here are the pitfalls / watch outs
1. I can always get fitter since I was an athlete in the past
2. Let’s do something good, e.g. donate to a charity or feed a hungry mouth
3. Shall we plan a holiday with friends in the new year
4. I am still young and need to work harder to achieve my goals
Many of these thoughts and actions are rooted in nostalgia or wishful thinking. The concept of ‘IKIGAI,’ or purpose, is neither defined nor understood, leading to repetitive cycles of the same exercise. Inaction also stems from our laziness; the effort needed to change ourselves is often more challenging than one anticipates and demands daily discipline. You may learn a few dance steps, but unless the music resonates with your soul, you cannot truly dance.
Ask yourself a simple question: Are you moving in the right direction at a pace that is comfortable for you and does not stress others? Hold a mirror to your mind, and if all you get are random thoughts about what you could do, then serious introspection is required. The here and now approach would help you move forward. Don’t push for change; accept it. Similarly, don’t change anything just for the sake of change.
Forward-Engineer with Vision
Steve Jobs was not a coding geek like Bill Gates, but he was always focused on user experience. This user experience is what defines Apple products to this day. Quite often, they are not revolutionary but are built well ( the back of the products looks as good as the front, thanks to Steve’s father’s carpentry advice to his son), integrate well, and tend to be secure. If you were to build your own life like an Apple Product, how would you go about it?
Just like the unique mathematical relationships of 2025, your life holds infinite patterns waiting to be uncovered. Face the coming year as a conscious designer of your journey, led by the person you aspire to become. While reverse engineering can unveil fascinating truths about your current situation, forward engineering empowers you to shape the direction you will take.
Steve Correa is an Executive Coach and Author of The Indian Boss at Work, Thinking Global, Acting Indian.
Ronald D’Souza has Corporate and Consulting Experience and mentors new startup’s.
This article appeared in Medium: https://medium.com/@stevecorrea.com/reverse-engineering-2025-a-reflection-and-forward-looking-guide-17dc3507fb60
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