There’s a growing trend out there. It’s largely driven by economists and media commentators. It’s called “Survive to 25.” Sadly, an increasing number of leaders are also jumping on the bandwagon, especially in December.

Stuff “Survive to 25” and stuff that trends that economists and media commentators are so eager to promote. This sentiment “Survive to 25” often implies that 2024 has been a terrible time, that we should put the last 12 months behind us, survive till 2025 and hope things will “get better.” That sounds like a strategy of hope. Perhaps I should give this the benefit of doubt. Perhaps this mindset makes perfect sense if we’re only thinking about the economy and market trends. But we’re leaders. We work with people. Perhaps it’s time we reframe this sentiment.

Yes, 2024 has been a tough year for people, and for leaders at all levels of organisations. The impact of the wave of redundancies and restructures cannot be understated. For a lot of people 2024 has been a white-knuckle ride. But that’s NOT a bad thing.

Markets and economies trend, recover and reset. But when it comes to people – we grow and become stronger from challenges and adverse experiences. We come out better. The challenges don’t get easier – we just get stronger. From adversity comes strength; from uncertainty comes clarity; from mistakes come wisdom; from fear comes courage; and from challenge comes growth.

Through that reframe, 2024 has been a good year. It has made us stronger – as individuals, teams and organisations. A reframe like this, can help you and your people see things from a perspective of empowerment, strength, and ownership. This is far more valuable than simply waiting and hoping that 2025 will bring better luck. There is no such thing as luck, only perceptions and actions.

Now, as the year comes to a close, many of us are looking forward to a well-earned break and quality time with family. After the mad rush of Christmas, Boxing Day and News Year behind us, we will finally get a chance to put our feet up. Then, in those quieter moments, with a cup of tea or beer in hand it’s natural to reflect on the year that’s been – and the year ahead. You might think about your life and work priorities, your team, your organisation, or perhaps what’s next for you.

You may ask yourself where you want to take your career or business in 2025, what professional development to focus on, or what sort of work-life balance to create for the coming year. These reflections are invaluable. They help us remain aligned with our goals and identify what we want to achieve as professionals, as leaders, and as individuals.

So, as you reflect, I invite you to think about the challenges of 2024 through a new lens. Think how those experiences have helped you grow and made you into a stronger person. Instead of simply resetting or surviving, let 2025 be the year you think differently, aim higher, and dream bigger. 2025 is going to be the best year ever – if you believe it will be, and if you want it to be!

Leader and personal growth is a reflective journey.

As the Māori whakataukī goes “Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamua – Look back & reflect so you can move forward”