Every December for the past 18 years, I recap the biggest lessons I learned during the past 12 months:
Chill Factor – This was a rollercoaster year of headlines. “Recession on the horizon. Interest rates climb. Stocks retreat.” “Recession fears alleviated. Interest rates fall. Stock market soars.” “Biden in. Biden out. Harris in.” “Shots fired at Trump.” “Polls say Harris will win.” “Trump reclaims presidency.” Add all the international turmoil and… weeeee!… life is one wild ride. My takeaway? We’re never really in control, so better to learn from the year’s biggest blockbuster – Inside Out 2 – and reduce Anxiety. After all, more surprises will come.
Single Focus – While we create a one-page business plan each year, I’m not a New Year’s Resolution type. A couple weeks ago, one of our LAH Insight alliance coaches shared something he does: choose one word as an annual theme. In hindsight, our word for 2024 was ‘agility’ – as we adapted systems to grow our coaches from three to 18. Still deciding what the new word will be. Leader in the clubhouse is ‘discipline’ with ‘capitalize’ still on the course.
Working Above – Our kids are at the point in their careers where they’re learning to manage up. Sometimes that is rewarding… when a boss or N+2 supports them. Sometimes that can be frustrating… when a boss or N+2 says that’s not how we do it here. Those who already made this journey understand the challenges of navigating others who have ‘go for it’ and ‘nix’ privilege. If you’re in mid- or upper- management, maybe pause to consider where you could be more open to new ideas. If you’re on the way up, remember how this felt when you’re in charge.
Query This – An 81-year-old Vietnam veteran introduced a few coaching peers and me to ChatGPT in December 2022. I soon became comfortable using it and Claude.ai for kickstarting ideas. In September, I watched Gary Sanchez – founder of the Why Institute – interview his virtual self. Now when prepping for a WHY.os Discovery debriefing, I have a five-minute ‘conversation’ with GaryBot to get the master’s take. Makes me wonder what even more impressive AI is on the horizon elsewhere that will make life easier.
Checking In – There is a theory people come into your life when they are needed. Some stick around. Others drift away. Recently, I called a longtime friend after his mother died. While I haven’t seen him in person in a long time, we picked up as if he still lived a few blocks away. At the end he summarized this philosophy perfectly: “In sales, I talk to 10 people every day and I don’t care about their personal life. Spending 30 minutes with you just now made my day.”
Curtain Call – Best quote I heard from a client in 2024 was about being comfortable with whatever happens and confident you’ll make the right decision: “Life is not a dress rehearsal; it’s show time.”
Blocked Writer – Beginning in 2010, I devotedly wrote three blogs every month. Then in the fall I realized my last entry was in April. Ramping up an expanded coaching practice took priority… and I allowed my pen to dry up. Of course, excuses are worthless, so I am putting it in writing here that I will return to creating those three entries beginning in January. Hold me accountable.
Life Stage – For years I joked, ‘My grandfather biological clock is ticking.’ Now we have two grandsons… and, of course, they’re the most adorable three-year-old and five-month-old in the world. Although they live west of Austin, we see them often thanks to UT football games. The oldest calls my wife Kathy ‘Birdie’ and me ‘Putt’ [IYKYK]. A friend told me, ‘Grandkids make having raised kids worthwhile.”
Remember When – I attended an online class where the presenter asked us to take five minutes to write down all the people we influenced over the years. “It’s who you impact during your lifetime that matters,” he said. I use a similar coaching technique with those at the backend of their careers: “At your retirement party, what will they say about you?” Who’s on your list?
Gift Giving – Each year during this reflection, I share a worthy charity that is making a difference in the world. As the son of a WWII Navy veteran, brother of an Army veteran, and son-in-law of a career Naval officer, Boot Campaign touches my heart. Their simple premise is to give back to those who serve(d) – and more than 92% of donations are returned in program services. During the past decade, they’ve helped honor and restore the lives of 9,500 veterans and military families through individualized, life-improving care. If you’re financially able, please consider making a contribution.
Finally, continuing the tradition, a quote from long ago that stands the test of time: “For uncounted millions, Christmas expresses the deepest hopes for a world of peace where love rather than mistrust will flourish between neighbors.” ~ John F. Kennedy
Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Season’s Greetings. Wishing you a wonderful 2025 that’s filled with peace, love, trust… and continued success in all things.