As the Calendar Turns

2025 is just days from being in the past.  

This is the last time I can share my insights before the calendar turns.

I'm excited for 2026, but I know I can’t put a period at the end of the 2025 chapter yet.

PERIOD or COMMA

Years ago, I heard this adage.  “Don’t put a period where a comma belongs.”  I also think you could switch it to say "don't put a period where a comma belongs."

Let me translate this to the current.  I have at times gotten so ready for what's next, I was ending the sentence. I took the time during the holiday season to totally check out.  

Not so much on my family, but on finishing strong.

Instead of maintaining the healthy habits and disciplines I had for the year, I let up.  Stopped living.

There are a few times in life when a significant timing event occurs, such as the end of one year and the start of another.

What's funny is that the phenomenon is mainly psychological.

Even when it's physical, a new year budget, business transition, etc, the mental approach is psychological and emotional.

As the calendar turned from 1999 to 2000, people lost their minds.

When the calendar turned from 2020 to 2021, people were excited to leave the hardest and most challenging year of their lives behind.

However, December 27, 1999, varied little, if at all, from January 3, 2000.

The way of life on December 26, 2020, was almost the same as on January 5, 2021.

But it all felt different. Because we, as a society, made it so.

There were periods placed at the end of the sentence that marked the end of each year for some people.

Others just kept writing and used a comma to transition the storyline.

Existing, Repairing, or Planning

Over the next few days, we can either work to repair issues in 2025 or prepare for 2026.  Both have merit.  The thing that doesn't serve anyone is simply existing.

The people around us deserve better.

If we focus solely on existing, we are using life.  Repairing and preparing is consciously choosing that, no matter what the calendar says, as long as we are living, the point in the current sentence is a comma.

A BIG 2026

Ive been working on a lot in 2025 for 2026.

The IDL Roundtable kicks off the week of January 19th.  I’ll be hosting a free webinar on January 7th, where you can learn more about the Roundtable and leadership skills training.

I will host the third Impact-Driven Leader Summit on May 7 & 8 in Spokane again.

I have three amazing guest speakers who will blow you away with their stories, lessons, and impact.  I'm looking forward to sharing about them in the coming weeks.

And to put the cherry on top.  My first book will be published.  The Things We Hide: A Guide to Identifying Hidden Barriers and Leading with Authenticity

I’ll share more about each of these in the coming weeks and months as this newsletter transitions to a new format.

Podcast

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to chat with Brian Beckcom.  Building on his quote above and shifting from 2025 to 2026, I want to share a couple of key takeaways.

1. Curiosity and Learning

Brian discussed the importance of curiosity and the willingness to learn as a "magic power," highlighting how these qualities drive personal and professional growth. This aligns with the idea that where you focus your attention shapes your experiences and development.

2. Authenticity and Trust

In our conversation, we emphasized the value of authenticity and truthfulness, even when discussing weaknesses. This focus on genuine interactions and relationships underscores how attention to honesty and integrity can define one's life and career.

3. Attention as a Resource

Brian mentioned that the most valuable resource today is our attention and where we choose to place it. This point directly supports the sentiment that attention dictates our conscious experience and ultimately shapes our lives.

Did you catch this podcast? If not, listen to it here.