It’s time we close the chapter on 2024 and prepare to embrace the opportunities of 2025. Hopefully, at this time of year, many of us will reflect on the past year while setting goals for the one ahead. This time of year also brings with it a renewed sense of possibility – a chance to recalibrate, refocus, and reimagine our paths forward. If you’re striving for greater success in the coming year, I believe the answer lies in the tenacious balance of three key principles: passion, purpose, and profits. These pillars are not just ideal benchmarks; they’re the foundation of a life lived fully – connecting the personal, professional, and spiritual realms.

Find and Fuel Your Passion

Passion is the engine that drives success. It’s the spark that keeps you going when challenges arise and the reason you leap out of bed in the morning (or at least most mornings). But here’s the truth: passion isn’t always something you find; it’s often something you cultivate. In 2025, take the time to identify what truly excites you. What are the activities, pursuits, or causes that make you feel alive? If you’re unsure, experiment. Try new things, engage in meaningful conversations, and pay attention to the moments when you feel most energized. Passion is infectious – when you’re passionate about your work or a cause, others will be drawn to your energy, and opportunities will follow.

Align Your Actions with Your Purpose

Passion gets you moving, but purpose gives you direction. Purpose is the deeper “why” behind what you do. It’s what turns hard work into meaningful work and goals into a mission. Ask yourself: What impact do I want to have in the world? Whether your purpose is tied to helping others, creating beauty, solving problems, or building something lasting, it must resonate with your values and beliefs.

Aligning your actions with your purpose isn’t just good for your soul – it’s also good for your results. When your professional endeavors align with your personal and spiritual goals, you create momentum that can’t be stopped. As you plan for 2025, take the time to revisit your core values. Look for ways to integrate your purpose into your daily routines, professional projects, and even personal relationships. When you operate from a place of authenticity, every step you take feels significant.

Prioritize Profits Wisely

Profits are essential, whether in terms of financial stability, personal growth, or creating meaningful opportunities. Focus on strengthening your financial foundation by managing your money effectively, making smart investment decisions, and building equity in both your personal and professional life. By being intentional about how you grow and allocate your resources, you can create lasting value and greater opportunities for the future.

In 2025, think strategically about how you define and pursue profits. Are you maximizing your time and resources in ways that genuinely add value to your life and the lives of others? Make decisions that balance immediate wins with long-term growth. When your profits – financial or otherwise – are reinvested into your passion and purpose, you’ll find success that feels fulfilling rather than fleeting.

Connecting the Dots

The start of a new year offers an opportunity to recalibrate – taking stock of what worked, what didn’t, and what truly matters moving forward. If your goal is greater success in the new year, consider focusing on these three interconnected principles. Passion, purpose, and profits are not separate entities; they’re interwoven. These aren’t just abstract ideas – they are practical tools to create alignment in your personal, professional, and spiritual pursuits. Wishing you a year of tremendous success in all of your endeavors!

Would you rather have a 4-day workweek of 40 hours or a 6-day workweek of 30 hours? Please email or message me to let me know your choice! Please let me know if you have a good “Would you rather” question, and we will highlight your submission.

Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is a respected Real Estate & Finance Executive, Writer, Speaker, Coach, and Advisor. As the President and Chief Lending Officer of Approved Funding, a leading national mortgage banker and direct lender, Shmuel has facilitated over $3 billion of mortgages over the past two decades. Shmuel’s expertise spans various licenses and certifications, including specialized mortgage underwriter, licensed real estate agent, and accredited coach. His market insights and experience are highly sought after in the real estate, finance, and coaching industries. In addition, Shmuel is a seasoned real estate investor and property manager, facilitating thousands of rentals nationwide. Shmuel can be reached at www.approvedfunding.com/shmuel.