Plan Your Best Year Yet
I recently bought a big wall calendar with all the months of 2025 on it. While I’ve written down a few big events, I’m taking my time contemplating what else to include. Perhaps it’s because next year I’ll be turning 50, and I’m so excited for what this new decade holds.
Several months ago, I heard Lloyd Reeb speak. He coaches CEOs and executives on how to nurture relationships that matter most. His talk truly fascinated me, and I’ve watched it several times since.
One of the things I love about our group of friends is that each of us plans an outing for a night during the month we’re assigned. I came up with the theme: “It’s the Story of Your Life.” Inspired by Lloyd’s talk, I created a framework for it. I’m a big believer that if you’re going to write a great story, you need an outline and margin for fun.
Here’s the outline:
1. Who Will You Love Extravagantly?
(Extravagant doesn’t mean expensive.)
Who are the 10 people (or the right number for you) you want to focus on loving deeply? Really… write them down. My list ended up being 11, and it helped me truly clarify who matters most.
2. When Will You Love Them?
I often say, “What gets scheduled gets done.”
- Workouts? Scheduled.
- Dates with Jeff? Scheduled.
- Time with my people? Now scheduled.
When you prioritize your list, these relationships get your first yeses.
For example, my parents are on my list. This week, they’re moving out of the house they’ve lived in for 40 years. Right now, I’m on a plane to help them move. Having this list made the decision to fly home an easy “yes.”
3. How Will You Love Them?
Do you know what brings them joy?
Lloyd shared an idea that Jeff and I copied: we asked each other, “What are 10 things you love?” Jeff’s list surprised me in a few ways! He loves great movies, music, and laughing. So now, when I think about how to love him, I plan dates to movies, concerts, or comedians.
I’m working on this list with my kids, too—it’s a little harder to pull it out of them, but it’s worth it!
Travel + Adventure = Life Change
On my list is travel and adventure. I truly believe that life change happens in community. We need people by our side when times are hard and to laugh with when life is good.
Over the years, I’ve hosted trips that create both adventure and connection. Whether it’s work award trips, mission trips to Juárez, Costa Rica, and Italy, or bucket-list destinations, these experiences are always special.
This year, we’re heading to Peru to visit Machu Picchu, a bucket-list item for me. It’s predicted that soon you won’t be able to explore inside and will only see it from a distance. If Machu Picchu is on your list, there’s still time to join us! It’s been so rewarding to see the friendships formed from these trips over the years.
Mark Batterson said it best:
“Change of place + Change of pace = Change of perspective.”
Your Turn
I hope this inspires you to reflect and take action. Here’s what I suggest:
- Write down 10 people (or your right number).
- Decide when you’ll connect with them.
- Plan how you’ll connect with them.
What I know is this: we’re all busy, and time flies. Be intentional with these relationships. The investment is worth it.
Let me know if you’re curious about Peru or just want to share your list of 10 people!
Here’s to making 2025 the year of connection, love, and adventure!