Thrive in 2025: A Bold Call to Action for Your Best Year Yet

As we step into February, it’s time to shift gears and fully embrace the potential this year holds. 2025 isn’t just another page on the calendar—it’s a chance to rewrite your narrative, take control of your destiny, and thrive in ways you never imagined.

Thriving starts with you. It’s about making the decision to prioritise yourself—your wellbeing, your goals, your dreams. It’s about self-love, not in the fleeting sense, but as a foundation for everything you do. When you love yourself enough to set boundaries, say no to what drains you, and fiercely pursue what energises you, you unlock a version of yourself that’s unstoppable.

This year, let’s push beyond survival mode. Let’s embrace challenges as opportunities, turn setbacks into comebacks, and meet every moment with purpose and passion. 2025 is the year to live boldly, dream courageously, and create a life that reflects the best of who you are.

Thriving Looks Different to Everyone

Thriving—it’s a word we hear so often, but have you ever stopped to think about what it really means? For some, thriving might look like building a successful business or chasing ambitious goals. For others, it’s finding balance, nurturing relationships, or simply carving out moments of peace in a busy world.

Here’s what I’ve learned: thriving isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s deeply personal, shaped by who we are, where we’ve been, and what we value most. And that’s the beauty of it—your version of thriving doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

For me, thriving in this chapter of my life means honouring my Third Age framework: dedicating time to family and wellbeing, fuelling my creativity and leadership, and giving back in ways that align with my purpose. It’s about slowing down to appreciate life’s richness while also embracing the opportunities to create and contribute.

But thriving hasn’t always looked like this for me. There were times when it meant navigating challenges, like adjusting to change or balancing work and personal life. Sometimes, thriving was simply surviving—putting one foot in front of the other and trusting that better days would come.

And that’s the thing: thriving evolves. What it looks like today might be different tomorrow, and that’s okay. It’s not about meeting society’s definition of success or living up to someone else’s expectations. It’s about finding what feels right for you, in this moment, and leaning into it fully.

So, let me ask you: what does thriving look like for you right now? Maybe it’s taking a bold step toward a dream you’ve been holding back on. Or perhaps it’s giving yourself permission to rest, to heal, or to say no to something that doesn’t serve you.

However you define it, remember this—your version of thriving is valid. It’s enough. And it’s worth celebrating.

A Lesson in Thriving: Tandem Biking Across the Carolinas

Last year, I found myself on a tandem bike, pedalling the Palmetto Trail across the Carolinas with Graham. It wasn’t just about the miles we covered or the breathtaking landscapes we passed—it was about connection, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The trip wasn’t easy. There were moments when the trail felt endless, the sun unrelenting, and the challenges unyielding. But with each push of the pedal, I was reminded of the power of teamwork and the strength that comes from simply showing up, even when it’s hard. There’s something humbling about relying on someone else, knowing that your rhythm, balance, and destination are tied to theirs.

For me, that journey was more than a physical feat—it was a metaphor for thriving. Thriving isn’t about perfection or never encountering obstacles; it’s about finding ways to keep going, even when the path gets rough. It’s about recognising the beauty in shared experiences, the joy in the journey itself, and the resilience we uncover when we keep pushing forward.

The ride also taught me an important lesson about self-love and balance. Taking the time to embark on that adventure wasn’t just an escape—it was an act of prioritising my own joy, creativity, and wellbeing. And isn’t that what thriving is all about?

As we settle into 2025, I keep that experience close to my heart. Thriving doesn’t mean sprinting through life; sometimes, it’s about pacing yourself, leaning on others when you need to, and appreciating the moments along the way.

Your 2025 Soundtrack to Thrive ??

Music has a way of lifting us, energising us, and grounding us all at once. For me, it’s always been a source of inspiration—a reminder to keep moving forward, stay connected, and thrive. This February, I’m sharing a playlist that reflects that mindset:

?? Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum: A soulful anthem that fills me with energy and hope. ?? Stick Together – Roxy Music: A perfect reminder that thriving is even better when we’re connected to others. ?? Tusk – Fleetwood Mac: A rhythmic, bold track that inspires me to march to my own beat. ?? Anything by Ezra Collective: This group is all about creativity and joy, and their music always makes me feel alive. ?? Day Dream Believer – The Monkees: A nostalgic feel-good track that reminds me to keep dreaming big. ?? Jani Yoga Breath-work: Not a song, but breath-work has become part of my “soundtrack” for thriving. It’s grounding, healing, and the perfect reset button for a busy day.

What’s on your thrive playlist this month? Share your favourite songs or routines that keep you inspired—I’d love to hear them! ???

Three Powerful Tools to Thrive in 2025 ???

Thriving isn’t just about big wins—it’s about building small, meaningful habits that keep you aligned, energised, and grounded. Over the years, I’ve found three practices that have transformed the way I approach life. Here’s what they look like:

1?? Night-time Review of Highlights At the end of each day, I take a few minutes to reflect on the highlights—those moments that made me smile, gave me peace, or taught me something new. It could be a kind word from a friend, a breakthrough in a project, or even a quiet moment of gratitude. This habit helps me go to bed with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, no matter how the day went.

2?? Daily 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 Planning This is one of the most grounding habits I’ve ever developed, and it’s based on my personal framework for life. Each day, I divide my focus into three parts:

• 1/3 for family, physical, and mental wellbeing: Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, going for a walk, or meditating, this time keeps me connected to what matters most.
• 1/3 for creativity and leadership: This is where I pour energy into my passions, like music, writing, and mentoring others.
• 1/3 for purpose and giving back: Whether it’s helping someone in need, volunteering, or simply showing kindness, this reminds me that life is bigger than just me. This approach keeps me balanced and ensures no area of my life is neglected.

3?? Gratitude Chanting Gratitude is the cornerstone of thriving, and I’ve recently started incorporating gratitude chanting into my day. It’s a simple, rhythmic way of vocalising what I’m thankful for—kind of like meditation with words. For example, I might repeat, “I’m grateful for my health, my creativity, my family,” while focusing on the feeling of gratitude. It’s calming, grounding, and a beautiful way to centre myself.

These practices may seem small, but they’ve had a profound impact on my ability to thrive. What daily habits help you stay grounded and energised? I’d love to hear how you keep thriving in 2025. Drop your thoughts in the comments!?

The Resilience of the Human Spirit

Resilience is something I’ve learned to embrace through both life’s big and small moments. One that stands out for me was when I started reflecting on my framework for life in this new chapter I call the Third Age. Breaking my time into thirds—one for family and wellbeing, one for creativity and leadership, and one for purpose and giving back—didn’t happen overnight. It took a lot of trial and error, reflection, and, yes, resilience.

Shaping my life around this balance wasn’t easy. There were days when it felt impossible to juggle everything or when self-doubt crept in, whispering that I wasn’t doing enough. But what kept me grounded was the decision to keep trying, to adapt when things didn’t work, and to honour what truly mattered to me.

That’s what resilience is: not just enduring, but evolving. It’s about taking life’s challenges—whether they’re big like losing someone close, or small like managing an overwhelming schedule—and using them to shape a life that reflects your deepest values.

I’ve seen this same resilience in the people around me. In friends building new careers, in families adapting to change, and in communities holding onto joy and connection despite struggles. The resilience of the human spirit is remarkable—it’s not flashy or loud, but it’s deeply powerful.

As we move through 2025, I want to carry this reminder with me: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about leaning into the journey, even when it’s messy, and finding purpose in every step.

Saying No: The Hardest, Most Liberating Thing You Can Do ?

For years, I thought saying yes made me a better person. Yes to opportunities, yes to favours, yes to things that drained me because I didn’t want to let anyone down. But here’s what I’ve learned: every “yes” you say without intention is a “no” to something that truly matters.

Saying no is one of the most powerful acts of self-love. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about setting boundaries that protect your energy and give you the space to thrive.

I’ll admit, it’s not always easy. Recently, I turned down a project that I knew wasn’t aligned with my goals. It felt uncomfortable at first, but the relief I felt afterwards was a reminder that I did the right thing for me.

Next time you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself:

• Is this aligned with my goals?
• Will this bring me joy or growth?
• Am I saying yes out of obligation or genuine desire?

Remember, no is a complete sentence. What’s one thing you’ve said no to recently that helped you thrive? Let’s celebrate those moments in the comments.

?? Thriving with AI: Partnering with Technology for Growth ??

AI. It’s a term that sparks excitement for some, fear for others, and curiosity in nearly everyone. But here’s the thing: AI isn’t here to replace us—it’s here to partner with us. And when used intentionally, it can become a powerful tool for thriving in every aspect of life and work.

I’ve been reflecting on how AI has become a quiet yet transformative force in my daily routine. It’s not about letting it take over, but about collaboration—using it to elevate what I do, spark creativity, and free up time for what truly matters.

Here are three ways I’ve embraced AI to thrive:

1?? Creative Sparring Partner Whether I’m brainstorming content, refining ideas for music, or structuring a new project, AI has become a go-to tool for sparking creativity. It doesn’t replace my voice—it amplifies it. Sometimes, it offers a perspective I hadn’t considered, or a jumping-off point when I’m staring at a blank page.

2?? Time and Energy Optimiser From scheduling my day to automating routine tasks, AI helps me focus on the things only I can do. Tools like chatbots, smart scheduling apps, and even AI-driven analytics have become my behind-the-scenes team, giving me more space for creativity, family, and purpose-driven work.

3?? Learning and Exploration AI has opened doors to learning like never before. Whether it’s discovering new trends in digital marketing, diving deeper into topics I’m passionate about, or experimenting with AI music tools, it’s been an ally in my quest for growth and curiosity.

Of course, thriving with AI isn’t about blindly adopting every new tool—it’s about being intentional. Ask yourself:

• How can this technology serve my goals?
• Will it make life easier, more creative, or more meaningful?
• Does it align with my values?

The truth is, AI isn’t the future—it’s the present. And it’s here to help us thrive if we’re willing to embrace it with an open mind and a clear purpose.

The Self-Love Challenge: A Journey Back to Yourself ??

Let’s be honest—self-love can feel like a buzzword, something that sounds nice but often gets lost in the chaos of our day-to-day lives. We’re so used to giving—our time, our energy, our care—that we forget to give to ourselves. But here’s the truth I’ve come to learn: thriving starts with how much love and care you’re willing to give yourself.

Self-love isn’t indulgent—it’s foundational. It’s the quiet force that helps you set boundaries, dream boldly, and move through life with purpose. But it’s also a practice. A muscle we need to strengthen, especially when life gets hard.

So, here’s a challenge for February: let’s spend 7 days rediscovering what it means to love ourselves deeply and unapologetically. Not in the big, dramatic ways, but in the small, meaningful moments that remind us of our worth.

? Day 1: Write down 3 things you genuinely love about yourself. This isn’t about surface-level compliments—it’s about finding the traits that make you you. Think about the way you listen, the courage you’ve shown, or the kindness you offer.

? Day 2: Carve out one hour for yourself. No guilt. No interruptions. Do something that brings you joy—a walk, a long bath, or a project you’ve been meaning to start.

? Day 3: Set one boundary you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s saying no to an extra commitment, or protecting your time from distractions. Honour your energy.

? Day 4: Gratitude, but not as you know it. Write down 5 things you’re grateful for, but focus on the tiny details—like the way sunlight hits your desk in the morning or the sound of your favourite song.

? Day 5: Create something, anything. A doodle, a melody, a batch of brownies. Creativity is one of the purest ways to connect with yourself—it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours.

? Day 6: Reach out to someone who fills your cup. A friend, a family member, a mentor—send them a text or a call to say thank you. Self-love often thrives in connection.

? Day 7: Treat yourself without holding back. Whether it’s your favourite meal, a good laugh, or simply taking the day slow, remind yourself you deserve moments of joy.

This isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about remembering that you matter. That your wellbeing isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

What’s one thing you could do today to show yourself some love? Let’s start this challenge together and make self-love the foundation for thriving in 2025. ?

Great Leadership Requires a Full, Vibrant Life

As we navigate the world’s whirlwind of change, the way we lead needs to evolve. Leadership today isn’t just about strategy or execution—it’s about connection, empathy, and bringing our full humanity to the table.

I recently came across this HBR article and wanted to add a few reflections based on my own journey:

?? Leaders with full lives lead better. There’s a one-dimensional dullness to leaders who only work. Hobbies, friendships, family, sport, volunteering—all of these add depth to who we are and how we see the world. They enrich our perspective, making us more relatable and attuned to the people we work with.

?? Broad relationships build broader leadership. The richness of learning about ourselves through connections beyond work hierarchies is invaluable. Whether it’s family, friends, or even chance encounters, these relationships expand our lens and deepen our understanding of people. And in leadership, understanding people is everything.

?? Experience creates agility. Leaders who’ve embraced life’s many facets—through challenges, adventures, and personal pursuits—bring a grounded agility and authenticity to their leadership. These qualities are invaluable when lifting high-performing teams in extraordinary ways, especially in times of uncertainty and change.

If you’re between projects right now, it’s the perfect time to invest in yourself. Explore a new hobby, volunteer in your community, reconnect with loved ones, or even just take time to reflect. These moments of growth outside of work will inevitably feed back into the way you lead.

Leadership isn’t just about leading—it’s about living. It’s about being curious, staying open, and embracing all the colours life has to offer.

I’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you balance leadership with a rich personal life? What simple pursuits have shaped you as a leader? Let’s start the conversation below.

#Leadership #LifeBeyondWork #HumanCenteredLeadership

Exploring Work and Balance! ??

In the world of defining overwork, we each paint our unique picture—an individualised mix that doesn't follow any set rules. Sounds interesting, right? Let's dive into the dance between hard work and the mysterious territory of overdrive, where the connection might be as intriguing as it is ever-changing.

Everyone's Take on Overwork:

Overwork means different things to different people—a personal story waiting to be written rather than a rigid formula. It's like an open canvas where you get to fill in the colours.

Balancing Act:

Ever thought about finding the right mix between hard work and not going into overdrive? Imagine it as a dance—sometimes the steps aren't clear, but the rhythm keeps us moving forward, discovering new steps along the way.

Achievement and Pushing Limits:

In my three decades of business, here's what I've seen: those who combine hard work with occasionally pushing boundaries often find themselves not just reaching but going beyond their goals. It's like a sweet spot where achievement and dedication meet in a unique harmony.

The Art of Listening: Lessons from Japan

When I think about the power of listening, I’m reminded of my time working in Japan. It was a masterclass in understanding that communication isn’t just about speaking – it’s about truly hearing and observing.

In Japan, silence often carries as much weight as words. I learned to pause, to let moments breathe, and to resist the urge to fill the space. This taught me the value of listening beyond just words – to tone, body language, and what’s left unsaid.

Active listening builds trust, deepens relationships, and unlocks opportunities. Whether it’s a business conversation or a personal connection, being fully present makes all the difference.

So today, ask yourself: Are you really listening? Or just waiting for your turn to speak?

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Closing thoughts

As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, I want to leave you with this: thriving is a journey, not a destination. It’s about showing up for yourself in small, meaningful ways every day. It’s about celebrating progress, no matter how small, and embracing the moments of joy, connection, and growth that make life rich.

People often ask me, “What’s the first step to moving away from survival mode? From going through the motions—living, but without real joy for the gift of life itself?” It’s not an easy question to answer, but here’s where I think it starts:

We’ve had so many interactions this year with people whose personal levels of stress are so visible in everything they say and do. Talking openly about our challenges—whether it’s feeling trapped, being lonely, having no voice, not feeling enough, over-pleasing, or struggling to find time for what truly brings us joy—is an essential first step.

We all have to make choices, and prioritising self-care is one of the most important ones. Without it, we’re not only harming ourselves but also impacting those around us. As Arianna Huffington says so beautifully in her Thrive work:

“We all have within us the ability to move from struggle to grace.”

That shift—from struggle to grace—requires us to cultivate our ability to truly listen, both to ourselves and to others. It means being willing to help each other open up, supporting one another as we map our paths from survival to thriving.?

I also love this wisdom from William James:

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

So, as we step further into 2025, let’s make the choice to prioritise self-care, to cultivate grace, and to choose thoughts and actions that lift us and those around us.

Warmest Harriet?