The New Year is a famous time to set intentions for the year ahead. Gyms pack out in January with resolution-goers who have vowed to get their bodies in better shape. Liquor cabinets stay shut as Dry January takes hold. The collective energy of renewal is hard to resist.
For years, I joined right in, setting bold goals and dreaming of how to be better than ever. Each January, I embraced the chance to start fresh with the intention to grow, change, and strive for more.
But this year feels different. For the first time, I hesitated before setting my goals. At first, the lack of initiative concerned me. Was I losing my drive? I sat with the discomfort and began to realize that, after years of chasing, I was finally feeling closer to something I didn’t expect—contentment.
Contentment doesn’t mean the absence of ambition; it’s about recognizing the value of what’s already here. As leaders, we’re often wired to pursue more growth, impact, and success. Yet, when we pause to appreciate our current state, we find clarity about what truly matters moving forward.
This year, instead of asking myself, “What’s next?” I’m asking, “What’s enough?” What’s enough for me to feel fulfilled? What’s enough to bring meaning and joy to my work and life? What’s enough to nurture the relationships I care about most? These questions aren’t about settling; they’re about recalibrating. They shift the focus from striving endlessly to cherishing what already exists while building intentionally on that foundation.
As leaders, asking ‘What’s enough?’ invites us to consider how we can lead with greater clarity, authenticity, and purpose—not by doing more, but by aligning our energy with what truly matters. It’s a subtle yet powerful shift that allows us to lead from a place of strength grounded in gratitude and intention.
As 2025 grabs hold, consider celebrating the greatness around you for a few moments. Here are three questions to guide your reflections:
- What are you already doing well that deserves more attention?
- How can you celebrate progress instead of only striving for perfection?
- What intentions feel meaningful rather than just measurable?
Let’s approach this New Year with ambition, a sense of purpose, and gratitude for how far we’ve come.
