Is there anything quite as exhilarating as planning a trip? From choosing the destination to mapping out the itinerary, every step brings a sense of purpose and anticipation. You can almost feel the sand between your toes or hear the rustle of leaves on a mountain trail—long before you even pack your bags.

That’s the power of anticipation. It keeps us focused and motivated, infusing each day with excitement. But here’s the thing: we can harness that same energy when pursuing our goals. By treating them like a grand adventure, complete with milestones as checkpoints, we can navigate life’s inevitable detours with grace.

Think about it. When planning a trip, you don’t throw out the entire plan just because your favorite airline cancels a flight. You find another route or rework your schedule. Similarly, setbacks in life shouldn’t derail your journey toward a goal. They’re just opportunities to recalibrate and keep moving forward.

Here’s how you can bring that trip-planning excitement into your goal-setting:

1. Choose a Destination (Your Goal): Be clear about where you want to go. The more vivid the goal, the more inspired you’ll feel.
2. Map the Route (Create Milestones): Break your goal into smaller, achievable steps. Each milestone is like a landmark on your journey—a reason to celebrate progress.
3. Pack Strategically (Prepare for Challenges): Just like you pack essentials for a trip, equip yourself with the tools and resources you need to succeed. And don’t forget a flexible mindset—it’s your carry-on for life’s turbulence.
4. Savor the Journey (Stay Engaged): Don’t rush to the destination. Relish every step, even the unexpected layovers, because they’re part of what makes the adventure memorable.

Anticipation is a powerful force. It turns ordinary preparation into an extraordinary experience, giving us a taste of what’s to come. When we approach our goals with the same enthusiasm we bring to trip planning, we’re unstoppable—even when life throws in a few flight delays.

So, where are you headed next? Set your sights high, plan with passion, and let the excitement of the journey fuel your way forward.

“Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 (CSB)

We’ve all heard it: “Actions speak louder than words.” And it’s true—what you do always carries more weight than what you say. Words can inspire, but actions confirm the truth behind them.

Consider this: How do your actions reinforce what you say about your values, your work ethic, or your standards? If people are misinterpreting your message, it’s often because your actions aren’t backing it up.

Take Martin Luther King Jr., for example. His words—like the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech—stirred hearts and cast a vision for a better future. But it was his actions—marching in Selma, enduring imprisonment, and leading peaceful protests—that gave those words undeniable weight. Without his unwavering commitment to nonviolent action, his speeches might have been dismissed as mere rhetoric. His integrity in action made his words credible.

As leaders, we must recognize that our words set expectations, but it’s our actions that prove we mean what we say. Preaching teamwork without being collaborative, or promising accountability without delivering results, creates a trust deficit. It’s not what you say; it’s what you do that builds credibility.

1 John 3:18 captures this beautifully:

“Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth” (CSB).

This verse reminds us that words, without actions to back them, are empty.

So, shut up and talk—through your actions. Let what you do give power and credibility to what you say. After all, integrity isn’t just about saying the right things; it’s about living them.

Pause for a moment and ask yourself: what brain are you thinking with right now? Is it your intellect or your emotion? Dig a little deeper. Is it your stomach whispering hunger-fueled urgency? Your ego defending its fragile pride? Perhaps it’s pain, anger, disdain, love, passion, fear, lust, hope, or empathy. Each of these “brains” represents different triggers, emotions, and bodily reactions. But here’s the real question: do you know which one you’re using? And if so, do you know why or what set it off?

Here’s the fascinating part—we have the ability to switch to a different brain. Our intellectual brain can override a surge of anger, or our empathetic brain can drown out a moment of disdain. But can you make that switch in the heat of the moment? Can you choose clarity over chaos now?

This daily dance of self-awareness is one I continually engage in. I strive to better understand myself because self-awareness is the bridge to better communication with others. When I recognize which brain I’m using, I can more deliberately access the appropriate one to navigate personal and professional interactions effectively. Understanding my triggers isn’t just about managing them—it’s about mastering them to achieve progress toward my goals.

Self-mastery isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong journey. Each day, I take small steps to recognize which brain is in the driver’s seat, learn from it, and, if necessary, switch to a more appropriate navigator. Progress comes not from perfection but from persistence.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us,

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, CSB)

When we guide our minds intentionally, we align our thoughts with what truly matters. And that is the ultimate form of self-mastery.

May you become a become a better version of yourself this year. May you take intentional steps daily towards your goals, build momentum and don’t stop if you slip up.

Happy New Year! The time is here,
To start afresh, to persevere.
To dream aloud, to rise and grow,
And take the steps that make it so.

A better you is within your reach,
In every lesson life will teach.
With daily strides, momentum builds,
A tapestry of effort skilled.

Slip-ups happen—that’s okay,
Dust off your knees and find your way.
Success is not in never falling,
But in the rise, the forward calling.

So set your sights, be bold, be true,
The world awaits the best of you.
This year’s a canvas, fresh and new,
Paint it bright—your dreams in view.

The ball drop tradition in New York City’s Times Square began on December 31, 1907, to welcome in 1908. For over 115 years, it has marked a moment of collective celebration and reflection. Adolph S. Ochs, the publisher of The New York Times, initiated the event as a replacement for fireworks, which had been banned due to safety concerns.

The original ball, a 700-pound structure of iron and wood illuminated by 100 25-watt incandescent bulbs, has evolved into today’s dazzling, high-tech masterpiece. Despite pauses during 1942 and 1943 for wartime blackouts, the ball drop has remained a cherished annual tradition.

As the final ten seconds of the year tick away, the ball begins its descent. At zero, loud shouts of “Happy New Year!” echo across the country. That moment—zero—signals a fresh start. A chance to set new intentions, embrace change, and take action.

Many people make resolutions only to abandon them a few weeks into the year. But what if you chose just one meaningful change for 2025? What if you started now? Write down a plan of action. Clear out something old or unneeded. Try a new activity. Extend an overdue apology. Tell someone you love them.

Zero isn’t just a countdown—it’s a mindset. It’s an opportunity to realign, refocus, and renew.

What will your mindset be when the clock strikes zero tonight? Make it count.

In The Equalizer 2, Denzel Washington delivers a chilling question to Marton Csokas: “Who do you see when you look at me?” It’s a loaded inquiry—one that leaves both the recipient and the audience pondering their perceptions, intentions, and identities.

Now, let’s turn that question inward: Who do people see when they look at you? More importantly, who do you see when you catch your own reflection in the mirror? Pause for a moment and consider this: Are you still staring at the same person you saw at the end of 2023? The beginning of 2024? If the answer is “yes,” that’s a red flag waving wildly in the breeze.

Life is about growth, transformation, and deliberate progress. A year can—and should—reshape us. Think about it: You wouldn’t want to binge-watch an entire series only to realize that none of the characters evolved, would you? So why settle for the same plotline in your own story?

Here’s the key question: Who do you want to see staring back at you in December 2025? Imagine that person—not just their physical appearance, but their character, achievements, and the confidence they exude. Imagine a version of yourself who has grown wiser, stronger, and more capable. It’s an inspiring image, but one that requires effort starting now.

Let’s be honest: You can’t just stumble into a better version of yourself. Growth isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. You’re not going to wake up on January 1, 2025, magically ready to conquer the year. No, the preparation starts today. Every decision you make—every habit you form or break, every book you read, every risk you take—adds up. This is the pregame. It’s the warm-up lap. It’s the montage scene where you’re doing push-ups, sweating bullets, and mentally gearing up for what’s ahead.

December 2025 will come, whether you’re ready for it or not. The only question is: Will you greet it as a person who made significant strides toward becoming the best version of themselves? Or will you look back with regret, realizing that the version of you from late 2023 is still hanging around, unchanged?

The choice is yours. But here’s the good news: The work starts now. You’ve got a solid year to lay the foundation. Don’t wait until January 1 to set resolutions that fizzle out by February. Begin today—with intention, purpose, and the determination to reflect a version of yourself that you’ll be proud of. Come December 2025, the mirror won’t just show your reflection; it will reveal the hard-fought triumph of growth, grit, and transformation.

“But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works — this person will be blessed in what he does.”
—James 1:25 (CSB)

In the book of Daniel, the prophet prayed, and God answered immediately. But the angel carrying that answer was delayed by spiritual opposition. The answer was on its way, but it didn’t come without a fight. Isn’t that how life works sometimes? We pray, we hope, we work hard, and when the breakthrough finally arrives, we discover the journey is far from over.

Jim Rohn wisely said, “Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better.” At first glance, that might seem harsh. But dig deeper, and you’ll find wisdom that transforms lives. Life isn’t handing out smooth rides; it’s offering opportunities to build resilience, sharpen skills, and cultivate the mental toughness needed to hold on to what we earn.

Picture a ship navigating turbulent seas. The captain doesn’t waste energy lamenting the storm or wishing for calmer waters. Instead, they adjust the sails, chart the course, and keep moving forward. This is how we should approach our challenges. When headwinds blow, they aren’t there to defeat us; they’re there to strengthen us.

I used to long for an easier path. I’d hope for clear skies and smooth sailing, thinking that ease was a sign of success. Then reality hit: the path worth walking is rarely easy. It’s filled with resistance that tests our resolve. So, I shifted my mindset.

Now, I expect turbulence. I expect to face many rejections, which strengthens my resolve to hold on for that eventual “yes.”  I anticipate the multiple turbulent days, weeks, or even months before the tides change to smoother waters. When I brace myself for the process, I’m less likely to give up in discouragement because I know it’s just part of the journey.

It’s like going to the gym to build muscle. Resistance isn’t there to stop you; it’s there to grow you. Every storm sharpens my ability to steer through the next.

To stay the course, I feed myself a steady diet of inspiration and focus. What and who I listen to matters. These daily doses of encouragement remind me that persistence, optimism, and grit are my greatest tools in this fight.

So, when the answer comes—and it will—expect to roll up your sleeves and sweat a little to make it work. Expect the battles, the setbacks, and the turbulence. But also expect this: when the breakthrough arrives, the joy of winning the fight will far outweigh the discomfort of the struggle.

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9, CSB)

We often hear the term “win-win” tossed around, typically referring to a situation where two people benefit. Think business deals, partnerships, or the age-old “we both walk away happy” scenario. But what if I told you that you can have a win-win all by yourself?

Here’s the kicker: typically, we view good things that happen as “wins,” and bad things as “losses.” A promotion? Win. A setback? Loss. But what if we reframed those setbacks—those so-called losses—as actual wins in disguise?

When something doesn’t go as planned, it can feel like the universe is conspiring against you. The car breaks down, the project stalls, or you get the dreaded rejection email. Instant loss, right? But what if those “losses” are simply preparing you for the win that’s just around the corner? Maybe you’re being shaped for a bigger opportunity, learning valuable lessons, or developing resilience that will pay off in ways you can’t yet see.

Imagine this: a loss today could be the very thing that equips you for the triumph tomorrow. A good friend of mine once said, “If you’re going through a rough patch, remember—storms don’t last forever, and when they pass, you’ll have a clearer view of the horizon.” That’s a win-win waiting to unfold.

The truth is, setbacks don’t have to be defeat. They’re part of the process—like sharpening a knife before it’s ready to cut through the toughest challenges. So, the next time you’re faced with a “loss,” ask yourself, “What is this preparing me for?” There’s a win on the horizon, and it’s closer than you think.

Scripture to reflect on:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:2-4 (CSB)