As we prepare to welcome 2025, there’s an almost automatic push to talk about new goals, fresh plans, and bold visions. But before you dive headfirst into plotting your next move, I invite you to pause. Not for the sake of planning more, but for the sake of appreciating what’s already here.

Gratitude is often undervalued in leadership, yet it holds transformative power. It’s not just a “feel-good” practice; it’s a grounding force that enhances clarity, builds resilience, and fosters connection. As we explore this idea, let’s tie it to the principles in All In – where leadership is about more than just achieving; it’s about showing up fully, both for others and for yourself.

Gratitude as the foundation of leadership

Leadership isn’t about flawless execution or hitting every metric. It’s about authenticity, being present, and making choices that align with your values. Gratitude acts as a mirror, helping you see where you stand today – not just in terms of achievements, but in how you’ve grown and the lives you’ve touched.

Aligning leadership with your highest purpose is something I emphasized in All In. When you start with gratitude, you anchor yourself in this alignment. You’re no longer chasing external validation or arbitrary goals; instead, you’re moving forward with intention and integrity. I see it working in my companies, and it’s a win -win.

Reflecting on 2024: gratitude inventory

Before leaping into 2025, take a moment to conduct a “gratitude inventory.” This isn’t about glossing over challenges or forcing positivity. It’s about recognizing the fullness of your journey.

Ask yourself:

• What moments shaped me as a leader this year?
• Who contributed to my growth – whether through support, challenge, or inspiration?
• What am I proud of, even if it didn’t look like success to others?

Reflecting on these questions fosters humility and perspective. It helps you see that leadership is less about perfection and more about progress. 

The ripple effect of gratitude in leadership

One of the key messages in All In is that great leadership has a multiplier effect. Gratitude is central to this. When you express appreciation genuinely and often you create a culture of recognition. Your team feels valued, motivated, and connected to a shared purpose.

But the ripple effect extends beyond your business. As a leader, your energy influences everyone around you. A mindset rooted in gratitude fosters optimism and trust, whether you’re interacting with employees, clients, or partners.

From gratitude to vision: mindful goal-setting for 2025

Gratitude can act as a springboard into the future. It gives you the clarity to set goals that matter. Goals aligned with the kind of leader you want to be. Start with your why. This echoes a theme from All In: the importance of knowing what drives you at your core. Why do you do what you do? What impact do you hope to have, not just financially but in the lives you touch? Once your why is clear, move to the how. How can you lead more mindfully in 2025? How can you integrate gratitude into your systems, communication, and strategy. Finally, define your what. What tangible actions will help you manifest this vision? Break it into small, manageable steps that build momentum. Celebrate progress, not just outcomes.

Leadership is demanding, no matter how much experience you have. But gratitude equips you with resilience. When challenges arise, and they will, gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s possible. Think about the tough moments from 2024. Gratitude doesn’t mean sugarcoating them, but it does mean asking: What did I learn? How did I grow?

Gratitude is your secret weapon. It reminds you of your strength and of all the reasons to keep moving forward.

Gratitude as a daily practice

In All In, I discuss the importance of routines that center and empower you, and gratitude can do just that. Because gratitude isn’t just an end-of-year exercise; it’s a daily practice. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your leadership:

• Start the day with acknowledgment. Each morning, write down three things you’re grateful for. They can be as simple as a good cup of coffee or as profound as a supportive team.
• Express it out loud. Take time to thank your team members and collaborators – not just for results, but for effort and intention.
• Reflect during challenges. When faced with difficulty, pause and identify one thing you can appreciate about the situation. It shifts your mindset from reaction to curiosity.

Going All In on leadership in 2025

If there’s one thing I hope you carry with you into the new year, it’s this: Leadership starts within. Gratitude connects you to your purpose, grounds you in the present, and lights the way forward.

As you think about the goals you want to achieve in 2025, don’t forget the person behind them – you. Your growth as a leader isn’t just about strategy or skill; it’s about cultivating a mindset that allows you to show up fully and lead authentically. The pages of All In are a reminder that leadership is a journey, not a destination. Gratitude is your compass, helping you navigate with clarity and care. So, as you plan for the year ahead, make room for gratitude—not just as a moment, but as a movement in your life and leadership.

Here’s to a mindful, meaningful, and gratitude-filled 2025. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering for you every step of the way.

Wishing you health and wealth.

-Mike

PS – To transform your working environment and create an unstoppable team, get ALL IN now.