Can I be honest with you? 2024 was tough. Don’t get me wrong, I accomplished many of the goals that I set for myself at the start of the year. It feels good to say that. But, and it’s a big but, it didn’t always feel good to experience it. There were moments when it felt like I couldn’t win for losing. I’d accomplish things I set my sights on, only to realize that in some areas of my life, I had lost focus, lost perspective, or even faced unexpected challenges that totally blindsided me. Can I get an amen?
I don’t think it’s just me. I think many of us started this year determined to accomplish things we’ve never done before and step into roles we’ve never walked in. And let me tell you: anytime you accomplish what you prayed for, it’s often unveiled to you just how much more you need to grow, evolve, and change. Healthy perspective usually comes in the midst of trials, tests, and situations that require perseverance.
So, as we gear up for 2025, it’s important to reflect, recalibrate, and set ourselves up for a year that’s not just about accomplishing goals but about doing so with purpose, clarity, and intentionality. Here are five transformational steps that will help you start 2025 strong:
1. Reflect on Last Year’s Wins
Yes, I said it—take a moment to reflect. I know, I know, we don’t want to get stuck looking in the rearview mirror, but hear me out. Most leaders never take the time to really reflect on their successes from the previous year. Listen, I’m not the one to say get distracted or enamored by the past, but I am saying it’s critical to acknowledge what went right and what went wrong.
Taking a step back and recognizing the wins you had throughout 2024 can be a reminder of how far you’ve come. But even more important than the successes is the value of learning from the challenges you faced. This reflection process is not just about congratulating yourself—it’s about seeing how much you’ve grown and using that as fuel for the year ahead.
Think about the areas where you succeeded, whether it was personal growth, family, business, or ministry. What worked? What didn’t? And most importantly, what did you learn about yourself and your capabilities along the way? When you take the time to reflect, you can use these lessons to propel you forward. Because the truth is, the challenges you faced last year will serve as the groundwork for new opportunities and breakthroughs in 2025.
2. Remember What You Stand For
One of the most important things you can do as a leader is recalibrate. At least once a year, if not two or three times, it’s necessary to stop and ask: What do I stand for? What are your core beliefs? What values guide your actions, both personally and professionally? What does your family, your business, and your ministry stand for?
I can tell you from experience, it’s easy to lose sight of your foundation in the hustle and bustle of life. We get caught up in the day-to-day grind, chasing new goals, and navigating obstacles, but we have to remember the "why" behind everything we do.
If you’re being honest, there are probably areas where you’ve strayed from your values or lost touch with what truly matters. Maybe it’s the pressure of business demands or the distractions of everyday life. Whatever the reason, take time to revisit what you stand for and realign yourself with those core principles. If you stand for integrity, growth, and servant leadership, for example, evaluate where you’ve honored those principles—and where you might have compromised.
Taking this time to recalibrate will provide the clarity you need to walk into 2025 with renewed confidence and a stronger sense of purpose.
3. Check on Those You Lead
Leadership isn’t just about you—it’s about those you lead. Too often, we’re so focused on our own development and success that we forget to check on the people around us. Have you ever had a moment where you realized that those you’re leading aren’t doing as well as you thought? They may tell you they’re okay, but are they really?
You’ve probably heard the expression, “They say they’re fine, but are they?” Well, it’s true. Leaders must make it a point to check in with their team, whether it’s at the start of the year or throughout the year. The health and well-being of those you lead is just as important as your own.
Take a moment at the beginning of 2025 to evaluate how your team is really doing. Are they inspired and motivated? Are they burning out or feeling disconnected? It’s easy to get wrapped up in your own journey and forget to check on those who are working hard by your side.
I know that sometimes, as leaders, we get caught up in providing for and protecting our teams, but it’s just as critical to work with them. Ask the tough questions: How can you support them better? How can you foster more unity and accountability within your team? How can you help them avoid burnout?
If you truly want to lead effectively in 2025, you must be just as invested in your team’s well-being as you are in your own.
4. Evaluate What New Practices and Procedures Are Required to Achieve Next Year’s Goals
As you sit down and assess your goals and trajectory for the new year, it’s just as important to evaluate how you’re going to get there. Too often, I meet leaders who set brilliant goals for themselves but fail to address the internal strategies necessary to stay healthy and focused along the way.
What are the mental, physical, and spiritual practices you need to implement to stay at your very best in 2025? This is a question that deserves deep reflection. What habits do you need to establish or improve upon to keep your mindset sharp? What self-care practices will ensure that you remain balanced and healthy throughout the year?
Beyond your individual goals, you must also assess your team’s strategies. How can you ensure that your team stays aligned, focused, and motivated? How can you protect them from burnout and keep them engaged in the work you’re doing together? Evaluate your team’s internal practices just as much as you evaluate your own. It’s essential that you put systems in place to help everyone maintain balance and clarity.
Success is not just about setting external goals—it’s about ensuring the internal practices and procedures are in place to sustain that success.
5. Set Up Personal Checkpoints
If there’s one piece of advice I can give you as you approach 2025, it’s this: set up checkpoints throughout the year for both your personal well-being and your team’s well-being. It’s easy to start the year with motivation, drive, and determination, but without checkpoints, you risk losing sight of where you’re heading.
It’s not just about checking your profits or how many clients or students you’ve helped. Those metrics are important, but your personal well-being should always be a priority. Are you staying true to your values? Are you maintaining your health—mentally, physically, spiritually? Are you still grounded in your purpose? These are the checkpoints that will ensure your long-term success and fulfillment.
The same goes for your team. As leaders, we can often forget to check on the people who are working with us. But it’s vital to make sure they’re staying motivated, engaged, and balanced. Schedule regular check-ins—not just about performance, but about their personal growth, well-being, and satisfaction with their work.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to reach the finish line—it’s to make sure you and your team are better for having run the race. Don’t let the chase for success become an idol that takes your eyes off of what truly matters.
Conclusion
Starting 2025 with purpose and clarity isn’t just about setting new goals—it’s about building on the lessons you’ve learned, taking care of your own well-being, and ensuring that those you lead are equipped and supported. By reflecting on last year’s wins, recalibrating your values, checking on your team, evaluating new practices, and setting up personal checkpoints, you’ll set yourself up for a year of transformation and success.
As a motivational speaker and leader, my purpose is to inspire you to walk into the new year with the clarity and drive needed to achieve your goals. So, take these five transformational steps and make 2025 your year of purpose, growth, and impact.
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