After a few weird years, I’m ready to work again in 2025. But this time, I’m doing it on my terms. No burnout, sickness, or sacrificing my well-being for someone else’s agenda. If you’re thinking about how to work smarter, not harder, here’s how I’m approaching it—and maybe you can, too.
Boundaries: Protecting My Time
My inbox is like a magnet for random requests, sales pitches, other people’s emergencies, and drama. It’s exhausting. Michael Hyatt has this great quote, “What gets scheduled gets done.” I live by that, but I’d add this: What doesn’t get scheduled doesn’t get done until the planned stuff is done—and maybe not even then. This year, I’m prioritizing my calendar over my inbox. If it’s not on my schedule, it doesn’t exist. I’ve spent years reacting to other people’s priorities. Not anymore. I’ll protect my time and energy, which everyone should try.
Prioritize Work That Matters
I’m old enough to know what I’m good at and what I should decline. For example, I’m not great at keynoting sales kickoffs. My cynical Gen Xer brain can’t hype people up. I’m more like, “Motivate yourselves.” But I’m great at moderating panels, sharing my ideas, and helping others shine. That’s where I thrive, so that’s what I will do more of in 2025. The takeaway here? Focus on the work that plays to your strengths and leave the rest behind. When it comes to my career, someone else can be the rah-rah person.
Listen to Your Body
Carlos Escobar introduced me to the Spoon Theory, which changed my life. The idea is simple: You only have so many spoons (units of energy) to use in a day. If you waste them on things that don’t matter, you’re out of spoons when it’s time to do the important stuff. In 2025, I will be intentional about where my spoons go. If something feels off, I’m stopping. If I’m tired, I’m resting. There’s no heroism in ignoring your body, just a shortcut to exhaustion. Protect your spoons—they’re finite.
Create Systems for Support
During the pandemic, I built a strong team of professionals who have my back. It made all the difference. But even with a great team, I still need better automation and processes. I’m working on that, and so should you. Sound systems save you time and energy, whether it’s a calendar app, a task management system, or just setting clear expectations with your team. They also make it easier to say no to chaos.
Make Time for Joy
This one’s tricky. I’m a 50-year-old woman who spent 17 years in the working-class neighborhoods of Chicago and another 17+ years in the South. Joy isn’t something I’ve always known how to express. Do you brag about it? Keep it private? Share it? I’m still figuring it out. But here’s what I know: Joy matters. Joy keeps me grounded, whether running, hanging with friends, or just sitting with my cats, Roxy and Spicy. It reminds me why I’m working in the first place.
In 2025, I’m approaching work differently: focused, intentional, and unapologetically protective of my time, energy, and joy. These aren’t just resolutions. They are survival strategies. If you’re ready to rethink how you work, start by setting your boundaries, listening to your body, and choosing what truly matters. Don’t wait for burnout to force your hand. I’m not sure why I was waiting for an invitation to do these things, but if you’d like to join me, I’d love to invite you along for this ride.