You already know how to succeed by everyone else’s standards. You’ve hit the targets, earned the promotions, led the teams. But here’s what nobody tells you: The size of your goals isn’t the issue. It’s whether they actually matter to you.

After years of working with leaders, I’ve noticed a pattern. The ones who build lasting success aren’t constantly reaching for bigger goals – they’re crystal clear on what success means to them personally.

Let’s get practical about what this looks like:

👎 Instead of: “I must respond to every ping immediately to be seen as reliable”
🙌 Try: Set one non-negotiable boundary next week. Try no Slack after 7pm. Notice what shifts in your energy and your team’s independence.

👎 Instead of: “I need everyone’s input before making this call”
🙌 Try: Make one decision this week using just your judgment and experience. Trust that your expertise is enough.

👎 Instead of: “I’ll rest when I hit this next milestone”
🙌 Try: Build in one small energy-protecting ritual. Actually step away for lunch or leave early for that yoga class. Track how it affects your decision-making and presence.

Sustainable leadership isn’t about doing more.

It’s about choosing where to focus your energy so you can create meaningful impact without depleting yourself.

Your 2025 Challenge: Start small. Choose one “should” that’s draining you and experiment with letting it go for a few weeks. Notice what happens when you lead from what matters to you, not what you think others expect.

💭 Question for Reflection: What’s one expectation you’re ready to release in 2025? What might become possible when you do?

Remember: You’ve already proven you can succeed by external standards. Now it’s time to define success on your terms.

Wishing you clarity and courage in the new year, my friends. ✨