The Bold Start: Breaking Out of the Routine in 2025
As we step into 2025, there’s a wave of energy in the air—goals are being set, resolutions made. But what if the most transformative move this year isn’t about adding new goals, but challenging the old ones?
It’s time to break the mold, to ask bold questions, and to challenge the status quo. Inspired by Jim Collins’ principle of questioning “why,” this edition will guide you through five powerful steps to make 2025 the year of bold breakthroughs and meaningful growth.
5 Steps to Challenge the Norms and Kickstart Your Year
1. Ask the Uncomfortable “Why?” Routine is comfortable, but it can stifle innovation. Begin your year by questioning processes, habits, and assumptions.
Example: Why do we use this outdated workflow? Is there a better way?
Action: Identify one routine to reassess this week and commit to change if it no longer serves you.
2. Reframe Obstacles as Opportunities Every challenge hides a potential opportunity. Instead of seeing roadblocks, see stepping stones.
Example: What if a budget cut pushes us to find innovative, cost-effective solutions?
Action: Identify one challenge you’re facing and brainstorm three new ways to approach it.
3. Collaborate for Fresh Perspectives Safe, consensus-driven decisions often lack boldness. Bring in diverse voices to disrupt the norm.
Example: Create a “disruption team” that challenges the default approach on major projects.
Action: Encourage your team (or yourself!) to play devil’s advocate on a current project.
4. Pilot and Iterate on New Ideas Waiting for perfection slows progress. Test new approaches in small, safe ways to see what works.
Example: Instead of overhauling a system, try a new tool or strategy on a single team or project first.
Action: Choose one small-scale experiment to run in January. Measure, learn, and refine.
5. Embrace the Discomfort of Change Change can be intimidating, but it’s also where growth lives. Reframe discomfort as a sign of progress.
Example: Starting a new initiative may feel risky, but it opens doors to transformative results.
Action: Identify one change you’ve resisted and take a small but meaningful first step.
closing thought
“Success in 2025 isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing differently. Start the year by challenging assumptions, pushing boundaries, and embracing bold moves.”
Ready To Start
How will you challenge the norms this year? Share your boldest ideas, experiments, or breakthroughs in the comments. Let’s spark a conversation and inspire each other to make 2025 a year of transformation. If you enjoyed this edition, consider sharing it with someone who’s ready to rethink their approach this year!