Reflect and Reset for the New Year

As the year winds down and the calendar inches closer to 2025, I invite you to take a meaningful pause. My hope is that these words reach you during a moment of restoration, where you are embracing time with loved ones, reflecting on your journey, and finding opportunities to recharge physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Winter Break is a gift—a time to clear the noise and center ourselves as we prepare to lead with purpose into the new year.

This past year has been a challenging yet transformative one for me. I reflect on a pivotal moment back in February when a heart episode led to an ambulance ride and a stark reminder of life’s fragility. That experience set me on a path of healing, physically and emotionally. Renewing my dedication to fitness has been a much needed salve. Therapy has helped me confront and overcome anxiety, and the unwavering support of family and friends has kept me grounded. These challenges have not only renewed my faith but have also strengthened my resolve to serve with clarity and gratitude.

In 2024, I rediscovered the beauty of creation and connection. I launched three new podcast series (“Hope Amplified,” “Why The Beatles Matter,” and the upcoming “Chords of Connection”) and overcame my writer’s block to return to this blog, laying the groundwork for a new book. I also concluded “The Principal Liner Notes Podcast” with the feeling of satisfying closure and the hope of exploring new territories of expression. Most importantly, I learned to savor life’s small moments—the ones that weave together into a tapestry of hope, joy, and connection. Letting go of toxic ties and re-embracing meaningful relationships has been a powerful act of resetting my personal and professional compass.

The word “reset” has emerged as my guiding star for 2025. It first resonated with me during a professional development session on leadership, where I encountered Penny Zenker’s The Reset Mindset. Her definition of a reset mindset—“a way of thinking that focuses on dynamic reassessment and the willingness to reinvent”—perfectly encapsulates what leaders need to navigate challenges and inspire reinvention within their teams. The concept reappeared during a keynote at a leadership conference, and a trusted thought partner encouraged me to dive deeper into Zenker’s work. I’m savoring the insights from this book, which validates my journey and offers actionable steps for growth and leadership.

As we prepare to embrace 2025, I encourage us to adopt a Reset Mindset—one that empowers us to pause, reassess, and reinvent with intentionality. Here are four action steps for leaders to reset and lead with renewed purpose:

1. Take Intentional Time to Recharge Daily

Leadership can be all-consuming, but it’s essential to carve out moments each day to refuel. Whether through meditation, exercise, or simply a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these intentional pauses restore our energy and focus. As Zenker notes, “recharge time” is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for clarity and effectiveness.

2. Revisit Your School’s Vision and Mission with the Faculty

The new year is an ideal time to recalibrate and ensure alignment with your team. Engage your faculty in meaningful conversations about your school’s vision and mission. Reflect together on what’s working, what needs reimagining, and how you can collaboratively set the course for a thriving 2025.

3. Read The Reset Mindset by Penny Zenker with a Thought Partner

Growth is amplified when shared. Invite a trusted colleague or thought partner to join you in reading The Reset Mindset. Use it as a springboard for dialogue, reflection, and the co-creation of strategies to navigate challenges and inspire reinvention within your school community. Discover The Reset Mindset here.

4. Pursue Personal Passions

Leaders are at their best when they bring their whole, authentic selves to the table. Dedicate time to personal pursuits that ignite your joy—whether it’s workouts, exploring new hobbies, or simply trying something new. These moments of personal fulfillment recharge our spirits and fuel our leadership.

Reflecting on 2024, I’m reminded of how my favorite band, The Beatles, exemplified the art of the reset. After the tumultuous 1966 World Tour, they reinvented themselves as “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” creating a timeless masterpiece. Later, during the “Get Back/Let It Be” sessions, they overcame discord to perform live once again, rediscovering their connection as a band. These moments of reinvention hold lessons for us as leaders—to embrace change, foster collaboration, and find new possibilities amid challenges. Explore these stories in The Pepper Effect: Tap into the Magic of Creativity, Collaboration, and Innovation.

As I step into 2025, I carry forward the lessons of intentional resetting—a process that has given me clarity, optimism, and purpose. I look forward to the opportunities ahead, both in my personal journey and within the schoolhouse I am privileged to serve. Together, let’s reset, reassess, and reimagine a brighter future for ourselves and our school communities.

Here’s to 2025—a year of reinvention, resilience, and renewal.