It took me a whole week to realize we’re in the last month of 2025! 🤯 Seriously, where did the time go?? It seems like I was just writing and talking to people about refocusing for 2025 and setting goals. Yes, I’m one of those who still believe in New Year’s Resolutions. Although they seem played out, overused, and even frustrating when you have to wait for exercise machines, aligning goals to a new day or year is sometimes the psychological push we need to build new habits to support our goals. Why? Many of us feel paralyzed by our goals, so we must find a way to overcome that paralysis.

If you’re like me, you’ve set enormous, terrifying objectives (or goals). James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras would call these “Big Hairy Audacious Goals,” such as launching a new product, doubling revenue, getting in better shape, starting a podcast, or finally achieving that promotion. It’s so big and demanding that the sheer scope of it causes you to freeze up. Then, you get stuck in the anxious yet comfortable planning cycle, where you develop the “perfect start” over and over again instead of actually starting. Pretty soon, you’re stuck in the ever-deepening and darkening abyss between the aspiration and action mountains. Did I paint the picture well enough?

We often view success as a massive leap across that abyss, praying that we can at least latch onto something on the opposite side that will allow us to claw our way up. But as active as my imagination is and as much as I love excitement, I’ve learned from personal experience that achieving goals is often much less dramatic.  Every significant victory or achievement is built on the boring, consistent power of the daily repetition (rep).

​The Lie of the Big Goal

Most professionals and entrepreneurs fall for the same lie: You need massive motivation or a sudden flash of genius to hit a significant goal. That’s probably why almost half of us give up on our New Year’s Resolutions before January ends, because that big breakthrough for our big, hairy, audacious goal doesn’t happen soon enough.

The truth is, motivation is fleeting, but discipline is a system.

For example, if your goal is to lose 50 pounds, the idea of going to the gym every single day is paralyzing. If your goal is to secure a $1 million contract, the idea of all the steps of networking, pitching, rejection, and endlessly following up can stop you dead in your tracks. This is what I call “goal paralysis.”

The Solution: The “One Day, One Rep” Framework

My methodology doesn’t require an advanced degree to understand, but it’s profound. It shifts your focus from the overwhelming endpoint to the singular, non-negotiable action of today.

​1. Identify Your Non-Negotiable Rep

​Your “rep” is the smallest, highest-leverage action you can take today that moves you toward your biggest goal. It must be specific, measurable, and easily repeatable.

• If your goal is to write a book, your rep is writing 250 words (about 10 minutes of effort).
• If your goal is to grow your network, your rep is sending one personalized LinkedIn message to a high-value contact.
• If your goal is fitness, your rep is performing ten pushups before your first cup of coffee.

The purpose of the rep is not to hit the goal today; the purpose is to sustain momentum and reinforce your identity as a person who acts on their goals.

​2. Practice the Power of the “Micro-Discipline”

You defeat the overwhelm when you focus only on the one rep. You are not committing to the whole marathon; you are only committing to taking this single step. Once you complete the rep, you have won the day.

This practice of micro-discipline is the bridge between aspiration and accomplishment. It’s the difference between the person who is motivated for three weeks and the one who is consistent for three years.

​3. Let Momentum Do the Heavy Lifting

This is the magic part: once you complete your one rep, you almost always do more. The initial friction is removed, and momentum takes over. Those 250 words often turn into 1,000. That one LinkedIn message often turns into a reply and a conversation.

You don’t need to force the whole journey; you just need to force the start.

​Your Next Rep: The Connected Leaders Academy

Solving goal paralysis requires moving from theory to execution. You need a system, and you need the guidance of professionals who have built high-performance habits.

The Connected Leaders Academy Leadership Virtual Conference is designed to give you that system. Join us to move past the overwhelm and implement the structure you need.

• My Lesson: I’ll be discussing the whole “Crush your goals this year, one day, one rep at a time“ methodology, showing you exactly how to build a schedule that protects your focus and guarantees forward movement.
• Diverse Experts: Learn from experts on sales, marketing, leadership, health and wellness, and productivity.
• Keynote Insight: Dr. Matthew Arau will inspire you to shatter limiting beliefs and unlock your full potential.

Stop being paralyzed by tomorrow’s goals. Start winning today.

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 AM – 4:30 PM EST.

Secure Your Spot Now! https://www.connectedleadersacademyvc.com/