Forget Resolutions. Here’s How Leaders Win in 2025

The start of a new year is an electric time.

It’s the season of plans, resolutions, and the unshakable belief that this year will be different.

Businesses, initiatives, and projects all hinge on the statement: “In 2025, we will do X, Y, and Z.”

At least for the first couple of weeks.

Or maybe never if we’re pressing play on Deathcab for Cutie’s New Year.

No one begins the year by mapping out failures.

Yet, as the months unfold, we may see a string of unmet goals—not merely as a sign of defeat but hopefully as lessons learned.

Failures are inevitable. Seasoned leaders know that the path to success is not linear: what separates success from stagnation is how you plan, respond, and persist.

So, as we step into 2025, let’s break down how to plan for—and achieve—success as a leader.

Here are four principles that I’m personally reminded of as we carry in the year ahead:

1. Leadership Has No Autopilot

Many leaders dream of scaling their business to the point where they can “step back.” But here’s the truth: you sign up to be involved.

The best leaders I’ve worked with have deep knowledge of nearly every aspect of their business. While you don’t have to do everything, you must understand it. From KPIs to client experiences to operational workflows—great leaders are always learning and steering the ship.

2. Leadership by Example (Good and Bad)

The phrase “if you want it done right, do it yourself” doesn’t scale.

However, leading by example does.

Your job as a leader is to:

• Cast a clear vision. Paint the picture of success so vividly that your team sees it, too.

• Steward the process. Show your team how to move forward—not just what to do.

• Get in the trenches. Meet regularly with your team, understand the challenges, and stay connected to the work.

Success is a shared effort, and the leader sets the tone.

3. Equip Your Team with Pathways to Success

One of the most frustrating moments as a leader is when your team brings you a problem and says, “We hit a wall.”

Strong leaders don’t just solve problems—they teach their teams to think beyond barriers.

This means equipping your people with:

• Option A, B, and C. Encourage contingency thinking—when one plan fails, have another ready.

• A culture of problem-solving. Teach your team to present solutions, not just challenges.

• Progressive action. The only way forward is through. Keep asking, “What’s next?”

4. Success Is a Game of Compounding

There’s no shortcut to success. It’s not an overnight 10x or 20x return. It’s about making progress day by day, one step at a time.

Sometimes, you score a touchdown on your first play from scrimmage.

Sometimes, you get sacked, fumble, and injured on the same play.

The clock keeps ticking.

The key is resilience.

As John Maxwell says:

“Success is not a destination—it’s a journey. The greatest leaders don’t just reach the top; they help others climb with them.”

2025: A Year to Build, Progress, and Persist

This year, I’m excited to see what you’re building and how I can help you succeed.

Whether it’s scaling your wealth management firm, creating better data systems, or tackling a new initiative—let’s make 2025 a year of impact, progress, and resilience.

For me, I’m deeply grateful to be in the success business—helping advisors, leaders, and businesses grow and thrive.

Let’s do some truly meaningful work, one step at a time.

Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year. Let’s get to work.