Looking Back - Looking Ahead

First let me wish a good new year to each one of you. Thanks for being part of my community of people who make the world a better place. Each year, I spend devoted time reflecting on the year that passed and setting intentions ahead - something I suggest each one of us do. One of the most interesting questions I like to think about is: “What were the habits that defined me last year?” and “What are the habits I hope to define me this year?” I am focusing this year on how I start my day with more intention: mediation, gratitude, and daily reflection at the very start of my day. As I always tell people, habit is destiny. What is a habit you want to begin or end in 2024?

Reflecting on 2023, it was a year of transition for me and for the world. After almost seven years, I left my work as an active co-founder of Blueprint at the University of British Columbia where we focused on a more positive way forward for men and boys. While that work is still important to me, I felt there was other work beckoning me. Health took center stage for me this year, with a significant surgery and some recent health issues to end the year. Just last week, I found out about the death of a dear friend and mentor; it reminded how fragile life is and how important it is to live well and do it NOW.

The world is a hotter and more unstable place than a year ago. We have major wars raging in Ukraine and Gaza and an internal war in America promising us the most contentious and ugly presidential campaign of our lifetime. I just finished a bucket list trip to Patagonia where the evidence of glacial melting is becoming evident. There is much work we need to do in the world.

Highlights of My 2023 & What’s Up for 2024:

It was a very busy year with scores of speaking engagements on Purpose and on Stepping Up, with bookings both in person and virtually. I am loving the opportunity to influence people around the globe from my office and enjoying events with connection in person. I had several significant executive coaching relationships and conducted two online courses on happiness. Stay tuned for the next online course coming soon.

We launched and grew our podcast The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations . We now have twenty-four episodes and have interviewed authors, CEOs, scientists and thought leaders on the future. Please check out the podcast and subscribe.

I have just been invited to be a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center , a top ten think in Washington DC that works on issues of peace, international security, and climate resilience. I am excited to be engaged in their important work going forward.

Many of you remember that I did a TEDx talk a decade ago, challenging my generation to step up to create a sustainable future. As the Baby Boomers move into a new phase, we are going to be the longest lived, most highly educated, wealthiest and largest percentage of elders in human history. Boomers see these years after sixty as a new chapter and I am both speaking and working to focus this cohort towards both personal purpose and using their talent/wealth/influence to contribute to society. I have joined the board of the Elder’s Action Network and am doing talks on how to stay purposeful and contribute as we age.

Many of you have asked if there is another book on the way? The short answer is not this year, but something is starting to brew… and you will be the first to know when the time comes.

Thanks to you who gave me the privilege for us to work together this year. Your work and lives inspire me. Your interest in my work encourages me deeply.

Let’s all hope that 2024 becomes a year of peace and purpose for all of us.

Dr. John Izzo has spoken to over one million people, advised over 500 companies, authored nine best-selling books, and helped some of the world's most admired companies. He has been a pioneer in creating successful businesses and emerging work trends for over twenty-five years.