How to Hit the Ground Running in 2025: A Guide to Starting Strong
As I emerge from the haze of public holidays, festive overindulgence, and a complete loss of schedule, I find I keep coming back to one question: How do I make the most out of 2025?
The answer, as it turns out, boils down to one simple principle: partnership.
I don’t live on a workload island. My desk sits in a bustling city, surrounded by laneways and highways leading to teams who, like me, are trying to shake off the holiday haze and kick things into gear as things fire up in February. I’m reminded of one thing: if I want to make 2025 count, I need to do that little bit more than I did last year.
So, here are my top tips for maximising your energy and leaning into the whole “new year, new me” vibe, while you’ve still got it.
- Give Before You Take
The harsh truth? No one cares about your workload as much as you do. The good news? You can still make an impact by focusing on how you approach others.
Before locking in that meeting or sending that email, ask yourself: How am I supporting the person I’m about to engage with?
- Will this reduce their cognitive load?
- Can I deliver a collective win?
- Am I providing a solution instead of just another problem?
Companies fostering strong collaboration are up to five times more likely to be high performing than those without a collaborative approach however a critical factor to this could be purpose. You’re far more likely to be productive when you align your efforts with others’.
So before approaching your stakeholders, instead of asking what’s in it for me, start by asking what’s in it for them and consider your value proposition more broadly as a member of the team.
- Ask Before You Tell
I was that kid—the one who constantly asked “But why?” (Much to my parents’ despair.) Back then, it felt like a flaw. Now, I know it’s a superpower.
Curiosity keeps you learning, growing, and discovering. No one knows everything, and that’s the best part! Each interaction is an opportunity to learn something new. So, channel your inner child, ask thoughtful questions, and embrace the joy of not knowing. The more you learn, the greater your potential.
- You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup
Curiosity and generosity require fuel. If your tank is running on empty, you’re not doing yourself—or anyone else—any favours.
Take stock of your needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. Set boundaries to protect your energy and allocate time for personal growth. Whether it’s learning a new skill, hitting the gym, or simply taking a proper lunch break, investing in yourself pays dividends.
The Bottom Line
Starting the year strong doesn’t mean going full steam ahead. It’s about creating space for collaboration, staying curious, and managing your energy wisely.
So, once you’ve rehydrated your ferns, and remembered all your logins, take a moment to reflect. What’s your intention for 2025 and how will you go about achieving it?
Things that caught my attention this week:
Contingent Workforce Survey 2025
Do you use a contingent workforce? Yes? Well, ATC are running their Contingent Workforce Survey now and want YOU to tell them what you think about all things CW. The data will be presented at the Contingent Workforce Forum in May 2025, so it’s your chance to tell them what matters.
Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
Do yourself a favour and get onto it ASAP. This book speaks to the difference between different leadership styles but can easily be applied at the individual level. Are you a multiplier or a diminisher? According to a study cited in the book, organizations led by multipliers outperform their competition by 8 times. This statistic underscores the power of leadership that empowers others rather than diminishes their potential.
Quick fact: multipliers get 2 times more productivity out of their teams whilst diminshers get only 50% productivity out of theirs.
10 ways to boost your productivity at work
Do more, stress less. It sounds great but how can we make that happen? Have a read for a few good tips.
