The Two Habits That Will Transform Your 2025

The Secret to an Excellent Year? Mastering the Basics

Ever notice how success isn’t about doing the flashy stuff? It’s about mastering the fundamentals—again and again.

That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking about as we kick off 2025. This year, I’m doubling down on two habits:

1️⃣ Reading (or listening to) a book a week – But instead of just new titles, I’m revisiting some of my all-time favorites. The classics that shaped me. The ones that hit different when you’re in a new phase of life. Check out my reading list here. 

2️⃣ 10 minutes of burpees every morning – Straight from Jocko Willink, this is about discipline, mental strength, and pushing through what you don’t want to do. (And trust me, I never want to do burpees.)

It’s only been a few weeks, and the impact? Huge. Re-reading my favorite books has given me fresh perspectives, and the daily burpees? It’s a mental game-changer.

But here’s where it gets even better—I’m taking it one step further.

The Book-a-Month Challenge

I get it—not everyone wants to commit to a book a week. So let’s start simpler. A book a month.

To hold myself accountable, I’ll be doing a solo episode each month breaking down the best book I read. First up: Am I Being Too Subtle? by Sam Zell. Listen to the episode here.

Zell was a legendary entrepreneur who built empires by thinking differently. His five core principles? Absolute gold:

• 🔄 Be contrarian & opportunistic – The best opportunities aren’t where everyone else is looking.

• ⚖️ Focus on downside, not just upside – Winning isn’t just about chasing gains. It’s about managing risk.

• 🤝 Relationships matter – 50-year relationships beat one-off transactions.

• 🎯 Keep it simple – The best deals (and businesses) aren’t overcomplicated.

• 🧠 Stay curious & agile – Success comes from spotting opportunity where others see obstacles.

Your Challenge: Join Me

📚 Pick a book this month. Read or listen to it. Absorb the lessons. Apply them.

💪 And if you’re feeling extra bold, throw in the 10-minute burpee challenge, too. You’ll be shocked at what a daily discipline shift can do.

Here’s to an excellent 2025. Let’s build the habits that shape our best year yet.