If your inbox and social media feeds are anything like mine, you’re probably drowning in a sea of “New Year, New You” propaganda. It’s all about starting over, setting huge goals, and pushing harder than ever. Frankly, it’s exhausting just thinking about it.

But what if you didn’t start over? What if you didn’t push harder? Instead, what if you started smarter this year?

You’ve already learned a ton in 2024—some lessons the easy way, some the hard way. So why not use that knowledge to work smarter in 2025? Forget wiping the slate clean. Build on what you already know. And here’s a plot twist: you don’t have to begin on January 1st. You can start smarter whenever it feels right. (Gasp! I know—the success gurus just collectively rolled over in their graves!)

I’ve had plenty of Januarys where I eased into the year—kind of like I would with a cold plunge. (Okay, I’m not doing a cold plunge anytime soon, but you get my point.) Maybe your fresh start is in February, or in spring when Mother Nature wakes up and shakes off the frost. You do you, Boo. There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for getting your act together.

Now, I know you’re tuned in to the same radio station as everyone else: WIIFM—What’s In It For Me? Why bother starting smarter or doing anything differently? I’m glad you asked. Here’s the thing: when you’re intentional and on-purpose, you feel more connected to your work, your people, and your purpose.

And guess what? That connection leads to less stress and more fulfillment. (And hey, maybe even fresher breath and whiter teeth! Okay, I can’t promise that last part.) Most importantly, though, is that fulfilled people make better leaders. Boom. Mic drop.

If you’re still with me, I’ve got some start smarter ideas to share—a buffet of options, if you will. Pick what resonates, skip what doesn’t. And remember, don’t just adopt these ideas—adapt them to fit your life. Ready? Let’s dive in:

Start Smarter Ideas (in no particular order):

1. Close Out the Year Like a Boss. Before you start planning your grand 2025 intentions, take a moment to reflect on 2024. What worked? What didn’t? What will you do differently? Think of it as your CEO wrap-up.
2. Take a Walk Down Memory Lane. Review your journals, calendar, and photos. I’ll bet a gallon of gumbo you’ve forgotten some of the cool things you did this year.
3. Celebrate Your Wins. We need more celebrations up in here! Think Kool & the Gang-style, “Celebrate good times, c’mon!” Seriously, this is one of the hardest habits for my high-achieving clients to embrace, but it’s so important.
4. Clear the Clutter. You know I love a good decluttering session. Tackle your closets, office, desk, email inbox, and even your digital files. And don’t forget to unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read (not this one, though!).
5. Choose 3 Words for the Year. Pick three words that will guide you in 2025. Write them out daily to keep yourself on track. It’s like having a personal compass.
6. Add a New Positive Habit Each Quarter. No need to decide now—just make the commitment to focus on building one new habit every quarter. Slow and steady wins the race.
7. Drop One Negative Habit Each Quarter. Let’s be real: we’ve all got some habits we need to ditch. Pick one each quarter and kick it to the curb.
8. Try Something New. Challenge yourself to try something new every quarter (or every month if you’re feeling ambitious). It could be a new hobby, a different type of cuisine, or anything that sparks your curiosity.
9. Declutter Your Digital Life. Delete apps you never use (or the ones you use too much). They could be getting in the way of building better habits.
10. Bring More Play into Your Life. Play isn’t just for kids. I kicked off this year by taking my grands to Storyland in New Orleans, and it was a blast. Find ways to incorporate more fun and playfulness into your days.
11. Be the Instigator in Your Relationships. Remember AT&T’s old slogan: “Reach out and touch someone”? Set the intention to be the one who initiates meaningful connections with the people you care about.
12. Get Outside More. This one’s for me, but feel free to borrow it. There’s something about being in nature that clears my head and fills my heart. Whether it’s a walk in the park, lunch on the patio, or a game of fetch with my needy Golden Retriever, it’s all good.

So, how will you start smarter in 2025? Hit reply and let me know what resonated with you. And if you want a guide on the side, let’s talk! Schedule a discovery call. We’ll figure out the best program for you. Cheers to starting smarter—whenever and however you choose!