Design Your Next: Leveraging the New Year's Fresh Start Effect ⭐️


Leading by Design

Pausing for an intentional moment – design your 2025

Hey Reader,

As we find ourselves at the threshold of a new year, we're approaching a “temporal landmark” – a significant point in time that creates a natural pause for reflection and intention-setting. The New Year is a powerful example of a temporal landmark, as it creates a psychological "fresh start effect" that makes it an ideal moment to align actions with values.

I see it as a moment when we can both honor our journey and intentionally shape what's next. This isn't just another year-end reflection email; it's an invitation to design your next chapter with purpose.

This is also not a "set your goals and CRUSH the next year!" vibe, as we are not human doings, we are human beings!

⚡️ FWD this email to 2 friends to give them a nudge to join you on this journey, and be your built in accountabilibuddies. ⚡️

Why Year-end Reflection?

Year-end reflection is not just about checking off accomplishments or setting resolutions – it's about understanding the patterns that shaped our year and using that wisdom to design what's next. Research shows that temporal landmarks like the New Year create a psychological "fresh start effect," making this the perfect moment to align your actions with your deepest values.

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Harvesting Wisdom from 2024

Let's begin with some purposeful reflection. Grab your favorite notebook (or reply to this email!) and consider:

  • What moments made you feel most energized and aligned this year?
  • Which challenges taught you the most about your leadership style?
  • What patterns do you notice in your most successful projects or interactions?
  • Where did you set and maintain boundaries effectively?
  • Who really stood out to you as a source of championship or rejuvenation?

Your Values Compass Check

Before we leap into 2025 planning, let's ensure your next steps align with your core values. We start with Values for each of our clients and Leadership Students, so grab our workbook here if you need to check in on your values:

  1. List your top 5 values
  2. Rate how well your current work/life honors each value (1-10)
  3. Identify one small shift that could bring greater alignment

Designing Your 2025

Now comes the exciting part – designing your next chapter. Instead of traditional goal-setting, let's approach this through the lens of intentional design:

  • What is important to you in the year ahead? Why?
  • How will you pay attention to alignment rather than just achievement or productivity?
  • What does life look like in late 2025?
  • What's your "MVP" (Minimum Viable Progress) for the first quarter of the year?
  • Which boundaries need to be established or reinforced?

Your Next Steps

Remember, this isn't about perfect planning – it's about being intentional. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't, and trust your intuition as you craft your path forward.

Share your answers to the Designing Your 2025 questions above with 1 person over coffee (or your fave bev). Putting your intentions out into the universe and speaking your truth aloud also has a psychological effect that empowers you even further.

Not sure who to tell? Reply to this email with your thoughts and I promise I’ll respond to cheer you on!

Here's to designing, and living, an aligned and purposeful 2025.

Alison

p.s. when you're ready, here’s how I can support you in creating the life you want in 2025:
❤️ Individual Coaching
❤️ Team/Company Systemic Leadership Training
❤️ Online Courses for Design Leaders

p.p.s.

⚡️ FWD this email to 2 friends to give them a nudge to join you on this journey, and be your built in accountabilibuddies. ⚡️

Coach & Trainer

Alison Gretz, ACC

Executive Coach, future of work & Leadership Development thought leader, Mum to 2 small humans, prior leader to teams of hundreds.

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