2024 Review and 2025 Roadmap – #10
"Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything must be said again.” – André Gide
Happy New Year! This newsletter will serve two purposes: a reflection of 2024 and a roadmap to create a winning formula for 2025.
Best of 2024
Book: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
While some view this book as a guide to manipulation, it’s truly a masterclass in human interaction. Greene’s historical references and practical lessons make it a must-read for anyone seeking personal or professional growth. If you only pick up one book this year, let it be this one—the insights will serve you for a lifetime.
Podcast: The Best Moments of Modern Wisdom 2024 with Chris Williamson
I know—choosing a "best of" podcast compilation might feel like cheating, but Chris’s diverse lineup of guests offers profound insights across all aspects of life. This is a goldmine of wisdom you won’t want to miss.
Stoicism: “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca.
How often do our fears and worries materialize as badly as we expect? Likely far less than we imagine. Focus on what you can control rather than outcomes. Embrace the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
2025 Models
I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions or tying goals to an arbitrary date. Too often, the pressure to succeed leads to discouragement at the first misstep. Instead, focus on small, actionable habits that you can start anytime—including now.
The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now.
To that end, here are a few habits to help you level up in 2025:
Stack Your Wins Early: Create a morning routine that sets a positive tone for your day. Here’s mine: I wake up at 4:30 AM every day, make breakfast, take a cold plunge, read, and hit the gym by 5:35 AM. This routine gives me five wins before the day’s chaos begins: accountability (4:30 AM alarm), proper nutrition (breakfast), mental resilience (cold plunge), intellectual stimulation (reading), and physical fitness. Your routine doesn’t need to mirror mine but remember—those early hours are likely the only time you can control completely. Use them wisely.
21-Day No-Complaints Challenge: Commit to 21 days without complaining, criticizing, or gossiping. Each time you slip, start over. Completing this challenge may take longer than you expect, but it will reshape how you perceive and respond to the world.
30-Day Minimalism Challenge: Declutter by removing one item on day one, two items on day two, and so on until day 30. By the end, you’ll have eliminated 465 items and gained clarity on how much unnecessary stuff occupies your life.
Daily Gratitude Jar: Start with an empty jar. Each day, write down something you’re grateful for and add it to the jar. At year’s end, review your notes to reflect on the year’s highlights. This simple act shifts your focus to the positive and creates a meaningful keepsake.
2025 Trend: Authenticity
As we navigate a world saturated with curated social media and AI-generated content, the hunger for authenticity is stronger than ever. People crave genuine connection and realness—both in others and within themselves.
“The absolute best you can hope for if you’re playing a role is to be the 2nd best in the world at being someone else.” – Chris Williamson
I challenge you to embrace your authenticity in 2025. Being true to yourself is not just liberating—it’s a powerful way to connect with others and build a fulfilling life. Find what authenticity means to you and live it boldly.