Having ‘Main Character Energy’ in 2025 and Beyond

In this age of social media and the constant pressure to prioritize self-expression, the concept of having “main character energy” has recently captured the imagination of popular culture. This recent internet-born slang expression reflects the central idea of viewing your life as a narrative where you’re the protagonist, who is taking charge of your story, and embracing a sense of adventure, purpose, and individuality in what you choose to do in your free time. As we enter the new year of 2025, this mindset offers a guide to prioritizing experiences and hobbies that bring both joy and excitement as we aim to lead more fulfilling lives.

What exactly does it mean to have “main character energy”? At its core, “main character energy” is about seeing yourself as the center of your life, with complete control over what you do, where you go, and who you spend your time with. At its essence, it’s about celebrating authenticity, confidence, and self-awareness. Popular culture has fueled this idea, emphasizing the need to live boldly and create new memories through having unique experiences, both individually and with others in your life.

The concept also ties into the broader cultural shift toward mindfulness and self-care. Being the “main character” doesn’t mean being self-absorbed or ignoring others. Rather, it’s about finding as much meaning as possible in your daily life and curating experiences that reflect your passions and interests. It’s also about stepping out of your comfort zone to challenge yourself with new activities and experiences. Instead of falling into an endless and mundane routine throughout the year, having “main character energy” means starting a new hobby, embarking on a trip to a new place, or learning a skill you’ve been curious about.

Living with “main character energy” is less about the aesthetics of a lifestyle and more about harnessing your mindset and actions. It’s about taking ownership of your narrative and injecting it with moments that make life feel both cinematic and memorable. Here’s how you can channel this energy in 2025:

First, prioritize your experiences over material things. In 2025, we should focus more on trading material possessions for memorable experiences. Whether it’s traveling to a new city or country, trying a new restaurant down the street, taking a salsa dance class, or learning a new language, stepping out of your comfort zone can create unforgettable memories and help you grow as a person.

Additionally, rediscover those hobbies that ignite your creativity or start new ones. Painting, writing, coding, gardening, hiking, or even starting a book club can make your life feel more vibrant and less routine. When you invest in your passions, your life gains greater depth, and you become more connected to your overall story.

Main character moments aren’t reserved for those grand adventures that may occur just once a year or a few times each year. They’re also about making the most of the mundane in our daily lives. Romantic or memorable moments can exist in small, everyday joys, no matter how routine they seem. Sipping coffee in the morning, walking through a park, listening to the birds chirping, or watching a sunset can feel magical when you slow down and savor the moment instead of rushing to the next task.

If you’re a fan of cinema or books, you’ll notice protagonists in movies and novels take leaps of faith and so should you. Apply for that dream job, take a sabbatical to travel the world, confess your feelings to someone you love, or start a side hustle or passion project and see it grow. Bold moves in your life create turning points in your personal story.

Engaging in “main character” activities in your life means intentionally seeking out joy, adventure, and self-expression instead of waiting for them to find you, which rarely happens. It’s about taking a solo trip and feeling the thrill of independence, creating a music playlist that feels like the soundtrack to your life, or hosting a themed dinner party with friends who share your interests and passions. These moments don’t just fill your time or break up your routine; they also enrich your narrative.

In 2025 and beyond, prioritizing “main character energy” means embracing life with a renewed sense of wonder and enthusiasm. It’s about creating the biggest story worth telling: the one of a life, filled with curiosity, courage, and connection. When you step into the role of the main character, you’re not just living life like everyone else is. You are choosing instead to make it truly your own with your own interests, passions, and joys at the forefront, thriving as a result and making the most of the limited time we have on this planet. The best part of embracing the “main character” energy in your own life? The pen is always in your hands to write your own story as you see fit.