TJIF: Reflections, Aspirations, and Finding Purpose in 2025

For the first time in my career, I was able to take some time off during the holidays—avoiding the year-end rush to close and the new year’s planning and budget cycle. I took full advantage of this extended break to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025 through a different lens.

As part of my job transition in 2024, I became much more intentional about finding a role that would have the greatest impact for me and my family. Despite significant effort and countless conversations, I still haven’t found the role I envisioned for myself.

During this break, I focused on refining what I truly want—and, just as importantly, what I don’t want—in a job. I dedicated time to gaining clarity on what I aspire to in the spirit of a vocation, rather than simply meeting the specific qualifications of a job description. This shift allowed me to approach the idea of vocation aspirationally, thinking of a job as something that fits into that greater purpose, rather than defining it.

As part of this process, I wrote down 10 aspirations and began reading them aloud twice a day with the intention of putting them into the universe to cultivate and attract a life and vocation that aligns with these aspirations.

Here are five aspirations that have risen to the top as the most meaningful to me:

1. I cultivate loving, supportive, and mutually beneficial relationships. Relationships are multifaceted, and they require work to cultivate. I’m done with one-way giving and constantly making accommodations for others without receiving something meaningful in return. A relationship should build both people up at the same time.
2. I am a respected authority and authentic leader in my field. I’ve been at this a long time and have gained a wealth of experience along the way. I want to be recognized for what I bring to the table—my expertise, passion, and dedication to the craft and the people who make it happen.
3. I live purposefully, making a meaningful impact in the world. My purpose is to help others see their own potential. This is the best way I know to make a meaningful impact on those around me.
4. I harness my creative talents to innovate and inspire. I want to create, build, and solve big, complex problems. I want ideas to flow freely into actions that see the light of day.
5. I expand my horizons, embracing growth and a global spirit. I miss my global travels—seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I aspire to get out into the world again, experiencing the discomfort and growth that comes from stepping into unfamiliar surroundings. (The picture above is my best friend "The Hitcher" and we used to get out and explore the world together a bunch on skis. Miss those days.)

My overriding intention for 2025 is to seek out opportunities that allow me to truly live these aspirations for myself and my family. I’m looking for people and organizations that align with this vision and can help me bring it to life.?

More to come on this…