Not Your New Years Warrior.

With the New Year come the New Year’s Marathon Champions—those who sprint into January with all the velocity to last about three months, if that. And listen, if that’s you, no judgment here. We’ve all been there. In fact, we might even be conditioned for it—chasing short-term gains with quick payoffs. We don’t always frame it that way, but deep down, many of us crave the quick hit: a "75 Hard" challenge where we’re ultra-disciplined and hyper-committed, expecting rapid results… only to lose the progress shortly afterward.

Lately, I’ve been asking myself a different question: how can I shift from a 75 Hard to a 365 Medium? How can I cultivate discipline that sustains me throughout a lifetime, rather than burning out after a set period? One of my favorite books on consistency, discipline, and habits is Consistency Is Key by Ryan Holiday. He uses a powerful analogy of a water pump: in the beginning, it takes great effort to get the water flowing, but once it starts, maintaining the flow requires only minimal, consistent effort. Stop, and you have to exert the same monumental effort to start again. The lesson? Starting anything new demands significant energy, but once you find your rhythm, consistent practice keeps you going with far less strain.

I won’t delve too deeply into consistency here—my last article covered that—but if you’re inspired to deepen your practice in the new year, feel free to revisit it.

I’ve been someone who’s chased ambition fueled by self-interest. In New York, that’s often celebrated. But there are limits to everything, and sacrificing yourself or others for success crosses those boundaries. This year, I want to set intentions without overextending myself—without compromising balance, centeredness, or well-being.

I’ve always loved a good paradigm shift—a small change in perspective that yields significant results. For me, it starts by focusing on what I did accomplish last year instead of obsessing over unmet goals. The key question is, “How can my successes hold more value than the goals I missed? And how can I build on those accomplishments in the new year?” This year, I’m leaning into multiplication. My goals aren’t about 10X-ing my business, income, or social status. Instead, I want to see the lessons and progress from last year carry forward and grow in their own time. I’m doubling down on what I’ve already started—on what consistency in my values can bring.

So, I’m not a New Year, New Me warrior. In fact, I’m not aiming to be a warrior at all. I don’t need to reinvent myself. I’m content with what I’ve built so far. No more fighting, no more chasing. Instead, I’m embracing the how and what of growth: how my business evolves, how my self-mastery deepens, how my relationships flourish… and what will nurture these outcomes. If newness arises, I’ll welcome it, but I’m not hungry for it—I’m already full. This first quarter is about auditing my life—prioritizing rest, reflection, and study.

Why enter the new year starving when you just harvested and feasted? Let it rest. Let it digest. More isn’t always more.

This phase isn’t about exponential growth. Once you’ve done the hard work, achieved the milestone, and hit the goal, what’s next? Consistency. It maintains progress and builds quietly over time. But we’re often seduced by the need for immediate gratification. We want tangible proof of success—fast, dramatic, and undeniable. Let it go. Sustainable success isn’t always a big, flashy leap. Sometimes it’s steady, unremarkable, and modest.

Contentment doesn’t mean losing ambition. True ambition is rooted in purpose, not fleeting wins. When you’re driven by the value of the journey, your passion endures beyond the goal itself. You’re not burnt out from sprinting—you’re fueled by something deeper. That’s the next level of growth. It’s not glamorous or dazzling, but it’s lasting.

We often disconnect from reality in the New Year, assuming that celebrations will magically bring transformation. It’s like discovering Santa isn’t real. Someone had to work to buy those gifts. In the same way, a new calendar year won’t grant you discipline—only your actions will. Desire and inspiration are fleeting sparks. Discipline is what holds them.

So instead of sprinting into January, let’s embrace rest, reflection, and preparation. Cultivate stillness and listen for the quiet voice inside you—the one even you haven’t heard before.

New Year… I hope to accomplish everything I set out to do, one goal at a time.