“2025 isn’t just around the corner—it’s pounding on the door, asking if you’re ready to step up or step aside. The question is, are you prepared to kick open the doors to opportunity, seize what’s yours, and build a future you’re proud of? If you’re done waiting on the sidelines, this is your moment to take charge. Let’s get to work!”

Alright, folks, here we are—2024 is packing its bags and getting ready to check out, and 2025 is about to stomp right through the door like Cousin Eddie showing up for Christmas dinner. This is the time when we all get a little reflective, right? And, as I think back on all my dad’s wise words (and trust me, the guy could drop a metaphor like nobody’s business), I can’t help but hear him talking about life being a hallway full of doors. But today, we’re going deeper—like two floors deeper on an elevator left wide open.

Look, I’ve lived a bit—I’ve opened some great doors, found a few locked, and even face-planted into a couple. But here’s the deal. The doors don’t open themselves. Nope. You have to show up every single day and turn those handles. And trust me, sometimes you hit a dud door. You open it, step in, and find yourself in a room full of people who make you feel like you’re at a dentist’s office—why are we even here? The question is, do you sit in that uncomfy chair waiting for something to change, or do you walk back out and find the door that takes you where you ACTUALLY want to go?

See, the biggest mistake we make is thinking those doors owe us something. Spoiler alert—they don’t. What they do respond to is effort, determination, and a whole lot of hustle. You know what keeps those doors open? The work. The grind. The choices you make every. Single. Day. You can’t just sit back, binge-watch Netflix, and expect opportunity to knock while you’re elbow-deep in a bag of Doritos. Success doesn’t do pop-ins, my friend—you have to send the invitation!

Now, quick pause for some real talk. How deliberate were you with your time in 2024? Did you shut the door on distractions, wasted energy, and people who just aren’t on your team? Or did you cozy up in a room you knew wasn’t right but stayed because it was “comfortable”? You know the one… the job that sucks, the friendship that drains, or the relationship that feels like eating a soggy sandwich day in and day out. And listen, if you just winced because this hit too close to home, GOOD. It means you’ve got steps to take. Open that door, walk through, and don’t look back.

But wait, before you roll your eyes thinking I’m just preaching here, I’ve been there. Heck, I’ve parked myself in a few bad “rooms” longer than I care to admit. But here’s what I’ve learned, and listen close because this is gold—if you linger too long in the wrong room, all those other doors in your hallway start closing. And they’re not just closing; they’re slamming so hard you feel it in your teeth. A bad choice today can ripple through your hallway for YEARS.

And yet, there’s good news. The beauty of life is that it’s not over until it’s over. If a door closes, another WILL open. But you’ve got to be scanning that hallway with intention, not wandering around like you can’t find the light switch. Are you removing temptation from your life? Cutting loose the people who don’t build you up? Are you setting yourself up to win, or are you hoping someone will just hand you the keys?

Now, before we gear up for 2025, I want you to think about something. The world’s most successful people—they’re not winging it. Oh no, they’re out there attacking those hallways like they’re in an action movie. They’re running full speed, kicking down doors when needed, and they sure as heck aren’t crying over the ones that closed. Compare that to our average Tuesday—are we even in the same hallway, or are we stuck in the janitor’s closet? Be honest here.

Look, I’m fired up because I believe in you. I believe you’ve got what it takes to own your hallway. I know 2024 was a mixed bag—it was for all of us. Some doors opened; some slammed shut. Some dragged us into rooms we shouldn’t have stayed in. But here’s the kicker… YOU can decide what 2025 looks like. You’ve got the keys, my friend.

Here’s my challenge as we wave goodbye to the old year and throw open the doors to the new one (yes, pun totally intended):

• Reflect on your hallway. What worked? What didn’t? What doors did you open, and what doors slammed shut because of choices you made?
• Decide what kind of year 2025 is going to be. What do you want at the end of next year—more open doors, or a hallway of regrets?
• Act with intention. Every day. Don’t coast. Stop waiting for success to happen and start building it. Close the door on bad habits, negativity, and unfulfilling people or situations. Focus on moving forward, every single day.

One last thing—remember, life’s doors will surprise you. Some open when you least expect it. Some close when you think they’re going to stay open forever. The hallway can be unpredictable, but the energy and mindset you bring to it? That’s all you, baby.

Here’s to 2025—the year we kick down the right doors, leave the wrong ones behind, and walk boldly into every room that pushes us toward our best selves. Go get it, and Keep Shining while you’re getting it!