How to plan an epic 2025 in 56 minutes | Jesse Itzler

Come into the new year light (0s)

• The end of the year is a time to reflect and plan for the upcoming year, rather than just making New Year's resolutions (0s).
• A successful year can be achieved by taking control and dominating the year, rather than letting others take it away (12s).
• Jesse Itzler is a successful entrepreneur who has started several companies, including Zico coconut water and a private jet company, and has won an Emmy award for his rapping (19s).
• Jesse has a process for planning a successful year that he has been using for 25-30 years, which he is willing to share (1m4s).
• December and January are critical months for the rest of the year, and it's essential to take inventory of the past year and review what worked and what didn't (1m28s).
• Many people don't take the time to review their personal life and set goals for the upcoming year, which can lead to stagnation (1m56s).
• Jesse's process involves taking a personal inventory in December to reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming year (1m58s).
• No one is taught how to set up their life, deal with emails, or schedule properly, so it's essential to develop a system that works for you (2m8s).
• As people get older, creating newness and trying new things becomes harder, and it's essential to make a conscious effort to break out of routine (3m33s).
• Creating newness is important for relationships, momentum, enthusiasm, success, excitement, and growth, and the only way to guarantee newness is to plan and leave room for spontaneity (3m49s).
• Many people play life on defense, with their calendars filled with other people's requests, and end up with little to show for it at the end of the year (4m15s).
• Categories to consider for personal audits include Family, Fitness, Finance, and Fun, and having a personal acronym for categories can be helpful (4m28s).
• Adventures is a personal category that involves taking inventory of experiences and activities, such as trips and time spent with family (4m40s).
• Taking time to reflect on the past year and identify areas for improvement is important, and having a system for closing out the year can help build momentum and provide closure (5m13s).
• The theme of closing out the year is to come into the new year feeling light, with no carryover or baggage, and to start fresh (5m35s).
• This process can start with small tasks, such as cleaning out a closet and getting rid of items that are no longer needed or worn (5m51s).
• Organizing a closet and desk can help reduce decisions and clutter, and make it easier to start the new year (6m13s).
• Managing emails by responding to important messages, deleting unnecessary ones, and filing away others can help achieve a net zero inbox at the start of the new year (6m39s).
• The goal is to start the new year without feeling the need to play catch-up, but instead being able to attack new goals and challenges (7m8s).
• To prepare for the new year, it's essential to declutter and organize by unsubscribing from unwanted emails and deleting unused apps to feel lighter and more focused (7m15s).
• Clearing out clutter from physical spaces, such as cars, is also crucial to create a sense of organization and minimalism (7m29s).
• Creating files for the upcoming year, such as 2025, helps to stay organized and keep track of important documents, including medical files and bills (7m34s).
• Having a system in place for managing paperwork and documents, whether digitally or physically, is vital to avoid playing catch-up and staying organized (7m49s).

Hand written letters (7m56s)

• Writing handwritten letters to people who have made a positive impact is a powerful way to show appreciation and gratitude, and it can have a significant return on investment in terms of building relationships and leaving a lasting impression (7m56s).
• This practice involves taking the time to write a heartfelt letter, putting it in an envelope, and mailing it, which shows that the sender has taken the time to think about the recipient and express their gratitude (8m21s).
• Outsourcing this process by using a service to type and mail letters does not have the same effect, as it lacks the personal touch and soul that comes with a handwritten letter (9m30s).
• As a business owner, it's essential to understand that some things, like the soul and DNA of a business, cannot be outsourced, and customers and friends can feel the difference (10m6s).
• Taking the time to write handwritten letters can be a valuable investment, and an experiment to try is to take 20 minutes to write 10 thank-you notes to people who have made a positive impact (10m34s).
• Even successful people like Warren Buffett understand the value of handwritten letters, as evidenced by a story about him writing a letter to someone who attended the Berkshire Hathaway Summit (11m33s).
• The practice of writing handwritten letters has been done for 30 years, and it continues to be an effective way to build relationships and show appreciation (8m38s).
• The return on investment for writing handwritten letters can be significant, as people tend to remember and respond to them in a positive way (10m56s).
• Receiving letters from people, including notable figures such as Warren Buffett and Coach K, has been a unique experience, with boxes of letters kept from each year to reflect on the impact made (11m44s).
• The goal is to help others find their mission and make a positive impact, with the potential for people to wake up to letters of gratitude in their mailbox (12m28s).
• The next 20 minutes will cover three key things to focus on in 2025, with the potential for significant positive change if implemented, even if everything else remains the same (12m51s).
• The growth of the podcast is attributed in part to its presence on YouTube, with appreciation expressed for the audience's engagement and feedback, even the negative comments (13m13s).
• A new guide from HubSpot is recommended for those planning to invest in a YouTube strategy for their business in 2025, covering topics such as content strategy, the YouTube algorithm, SEO tactics, and content types (13m36s).
• The first key thing to focus on in 2025 is "closing," which will be discussed in more detail (14m2s).

Identify your B minuses (14m3s)

• To plan an epic year, it's essential to identify areas that need improvement, as everyone wants to be a 10 out of 10, but certain things can hold them back from achieving that goal (14m5s).
• A helpful exercise is to imagine putting all aspects of life, such as finances, health, relationships, and work, into a blender, shaking it up, and then rating overall happiness on a scale of 1 to 10 (14m51s).
• This exercise helps to immediately identify the two or three things that are bothering you and need to be worked on, as they will pop into your head like crystal clear (15m29s).
• When doing this exercise, it's essential to focus on personal goals and not compare yourself to others, as everyone has different comfort levels and priorities (17m23s).
• By identifying areas that need improvement, individuals can work on making positive changes, such as developing healthy habits, improving relationships, or creating a better work-life balance (16m17s).
• It's also crucial to recognize that some areas may be going well, such as finances or being a good parent, but other areas, like context switching or social media addiction, may be holding you back (16m39s).
• By acknowledging these areas and giving them a lower rating, individuals can focus on making improvements and creating a more balanced and fulfilling life (17m2s).
• It's essential to avoid the comparison game, as there will always be someone who seems to be doing better, and instead focus on personal growth and self-improvement (17m36s).
• Identifying areas that need improvement is crucial, whether it's weight, relationships, or other aspects of life, and making a conscious effort to address these issues in the new year (18m0s).
• Closing out the year involves cleaning up physical and digital spaces, such as closets, desks, and emails, as well as reflecting on the past year and expressing gratitude (18m29s).
• A personal review involves identifying two or three shifts to make in the new year, which can be done by writing down thoughts, saying them out loud, or discussing with someone else (18m46s).
• To conduct a personal review, one can start by looking at their calendar, reflecting on the past year, and making a list of people who have made a positive impact in their life (18m54s).
• Writing handwritten letters to those who have made a positive impact is a way to show appreciation and can be a meaningful part of the personal review process (19m27s).
• The personal review process is not meant to be a lengthy or complicated task, but rather a quick and thought-provoking exercise to help identify areas for improvement and set goals for the new year (20m11s).

Pick your Misogi (20m15s)

• A planning system involves three steps, with the first step being to identify one big, year-defining thing to accomplish, known as a "mogsi," a concept derived from an old Japanese ritual (20m16s).
• This year-defining thing can be a challenging goal, such as launching a book, running a marathon, or quitting smoking, and serves as a focus point for the year (20m59s).
• Having a misogi on the calendar helps individuals show up to work and home with a different mindset, allowing them to prioritize their time and say no to non-essential commitments (22m8s).
• A misogi can be a vehicle for personal growth and development, even if it doesn't work out as planned, as it provides a sense of adventure and challenge (23m23s).
• Having a goal on the calendar can also help individuals stay focused and motivated, as seen in the example of the speaker's children looking forward to a skiing trip (23m45s).
• The concept of a misogi is also discussed in the book "The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter, which highlights the importance of having a challenging goal to work towards (22m35s).
• The speaker emphasizes that not everything will work out as planned, but having a misogi on the calendar can still be a valuable experience, even if it ends in failure or a "did not finish" (DNF) (23m30s).
• Having one big, year-defining goal is important, as it can motivate individuals to work hard and create a sense of adventure, and it's essential to identify this goal for the upcoming year (24m13s).
• Looking back on past experiences, such as completing the Ultraman race, which consists of a 6.2-mile open water swim, a 275-mile bike ride, and a 52-mile run, can help identify what one is capable of and what they can accomplish with determination (24m31s).
• Breaking down large challenges into smaller, digestible tasks can make them more manageable, whether it's training for a race or starting a business (26m8s).
• When faced with a daunting task, it's essential to focus on one step at a time, such as swimming from one buoy to the next, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the entire challenge (26m47s).
• Having a big goal on the calendar can reprogram one's brain to be more aware of adventure and opportunities, which is a step in the right direction, even if the specific goal is not yet defined (27m19s).

6 mini adventures (27m28s)

• Kevin's rule is a concept where one takes one day every eight weeks to do something they normally wouldn't do, resulting in six mini-adventures per year, and if done for 50 years, it would result in 300 mini-adventures and 50 year-defining things (28m11s).
• The idea behind Kevin's rule is to maintain a work-life balance by taking time to do exciting things, and it is not about one-upping previous experiences, but rather finding new things that excite you (29m30s).
• Mini-adventures can be simple activities like taking kids fishing or visiting college friends, and they can add up to create an exciting life (28m25s).
• A misogi is a bigger challenge or adventure that is year-defining and provides a sense of progress, anticipation, and accomplishment, whether one wins or not (31m4s).
• An example of a big adventure or misogi is going on a tour of the world's best saunas in Finland with friends, which can be a year-defining experience (29m59s).
• Having a mix of mini-adventures and bigger challenges can lead to an exciting and fulfilling life, with a sense of accomplishment and progress along the way (29m17s).
• Adventures are about non-routine activities, shaking up the usual routine with something fun, and prioritizing oneself by planning new experiences and playing life on offense, rather than letting the calendar fill up with mundane tasks (31m25s).
• Planning adventures can include activities with friends or family, and it's essential to prioritize and plan these experiences, even if it's just small trips or outings (31m55s).
• Being "rich" encompasses multiple aspects, including spiritual, time, and social richness, and having the luxury of time allows for spontaneity and flexibility (32m28s).
• Even without financial freedom, it's possible to plan adventures and prioritize new experiences, as there are many affordable options available, such as visiting national parks or participating in local events (33m43s).
• The key is to get out of one's comfort zone and do something that makes one proud, rather than feeling the need to accomplish something extraordinary, like climbing Mount Everest (34m48s).
• It's essential to recognize that adventure can be found in everyday experiences, such as trying new things or participating in local events, and that it's not necessary to spend a lot of money to have meaningful experiences (34m14s).
• The idea is to fill one's life with adventure, rather than waiting for the perfect circumstances or financial situation, and to make the most of the resources available (34m18s).
• Planning an epic year involves redefining what winning means to an individual, as BR Brown's quote suggests that sometimes winning is just getting off the block and getting wet, which means taking the first step towards a goal (35m29s).
• This mindset shift can encourage people to take on new challenges and pursue their interests, rather than feeling pressured to do something that doesn't fit their passions (35m54s).
• It's essential to recognize that everyone has different dynamics, time, and finances, but with intention and scheduling, people can achieve their goals without breaking the bank (36m40s).
• Suggestions for making the most of 2025 include mastering a skill, learning a language, volunteering, or doing something that makes one proud of themselves (36m54s).
• The goal is to look back on the year and feel accomplished, not necessarily to achieve something grand or expensive (37m20s).
• Being intentional and scheduling time for goals, as well as playing a little bit of offense, can help make the most of the year (37m32s).
• Misogi Kevin's rule is mentioned as a relevant concept, although its specifics are not discussed in this segment (37m35s).

Add a winning habit (37m38s)

• Instead of making New Year's resolutions, a more effective approach is to add a winning habit every quarter, which can lead to significant positive changes over time (37m38s).
• Examples of winning habits include drinking 100 ounces of water daily, being on time for meetings, and practicing 10-minute daily meditation (37m54s).
• Adding winning habits can be as simple as incorporating a few exercises into one's daily routine, such as the five stretches that can be done in six minutes before having a cup of coffee (38m28s).
• The idea is to layer in winning habits, routines, and mindset, which can lead to a radical change in one's life over a period of five years (38m51s).
• Considering a five-year window can help in planning and making the most of the time available, as life can change significantly in this period (39m7s).
• By adding winning habits, one can experience significant personal growth and development, becoming like Jason Bourne, a highly skilled and capable individual (39m45s).

Write it down (39m55s)

• Planning for the year involves writing down important events and trips on a physical calendar as soon as they are known, including big events, date nights, and family trips, to take control of the year and prioritize what is important (40m22s).
• Research suggests that writing down goals is more effective than typing them into a phone, and having a physical calendar allows for a visual representation of the year and helps identify gaps in the schedule (40m28s).
• A quarterly station or trip with a partner, in this case, a wife, is planned, as well as a weekly date night, to prioritize relationship time (40m51s).
• Family dinners and trips are also planned and put on the calendar to ensure quality time with loved ones (41m15s).
• Having a physical calendar allows for permission to say no to non-essential events and appointments, and to prioritize what is truly important (41m21s).
• The concept of putting "rocks" (important events) in the calendar first, and then filling in the "sand" (smaller appointments and meetings), is used to prioritize what is truly important and make time for meaningful experiences (42m0s).
• Having a visual representation of the year on one page allows for identifying gaps in the schedule and tracking progress towards goals (42m34s).
• Using a physical calendar is preferred over a phone for planning and tracking, as it provides a better visual representation and helps to avoid mindless scrolling (43m4s).
• Planning out the year in advance can be helpful, and having a visual roadmap of the year on one big calendar can make it easier to see what's coming up and make plans accordingly (43m8s).
• It's essential to plan as much as possible, especially for spontaneous people, to ensure that goals and events don't get missed (43m27s).
• Syncing up calendars with family members or partners can help ensure everyone is on the same page and make planning easier (43m40s).
• Having quarterly habits and mini-adventures planned out can help make the year more exciting and fulfilling (44m9s).
• Learning from successful people can be incredibly valuable, and seeking out their habits, routines, and mindset can help improve one's own life (44m52s).
• One successful person's tip for living a rich life was to take three hours a day for himself, which can be broken up into smaller chunks throughout the day (45m55s).
• Taking time for oneself can help improve relationships and reduce resentment, as it allows individuals to prioritize their own needs and desires (46m26s).
• The concept of being "time rich" doesn't necessarily mean being financially rich, but rather prioritizing time for oneself and making the most of it (46m47s).
• To be organized and prioritize oneself, it is essential to carve out time for personal activities and make a list of to-dos for the week, which can be done on Sunday night by taking information from the calendar and phone and putting it on paper or a planner (47m17s).
• Having a week-at-a-glance view of everything helps in preparing better and moving things around as needed (47m37s).
• Remembering the Flintstones Vitamins from childhood, which had 500% of everything needed in every category in one little pill, can be used as an analogy for creating a personal daily routine that checks all the boxes (48m7s).
• Creating a list of activities one would do if they had all the time in the world can help identify personal priorities, such as exercise, spending time with family, and self-care (48m27s).
• Identifying 10 personal priorities, or "vitamins," that make one strong and trying to do two or three of them daily can help ensure a fulfilling day (49m0s).
• Allocating time for personal activities, such as exercise and self-care, can help one show up more fully for others and be more present in daily life (49m26s).
• Prioritizing personal activities and taking care of oneself daily is crucial for being fully present and engaged in life (49m43s).

Don't f*cking waste 2025 (49m50s)

• To plan an epic 2025, start by putting down the things you want to do on a calendar or wherever you want to put them, and build a year that you're super proud of (49m57s).
• It's essential to rethink how you approach the new year and not waste time, as you don't know how many years you're going to get (50m8s).
• Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change, so it's crucial to make the most of the time you have (50m55s).
• The average American lives to be 78 years old, and if you're 56, you have approximately 22 years left, which is a limited time to achieve your goals (51m35s).
• The years you have to do things like running an Ultraman are limited, and it's essential to plan and take action now rather than delaying it (51m52s).
• The concept of "shelf life" of healthy years is around 63, which means you should plan and achieve your goals before it's too late (51m59s).
• It's essential to enjoy life now and not delay gratification, as you don't know what the future holds (52m21s).
• The book "Die with Zero" talks about the principles of making the most of your time and enjoying life, and it's essential to be "time rich" rather than just financially rich (52m27s).
• A story from the book "Die with Zero" illustrates the importance of taking action now and not delaying it, as a person who quit their job to go backpacking in Europe was able to enjoy life, while their friend who delayed it never got the chance (52m35s).
• It's crucial to take action now and not delay your goals, as you never know what the future holds, and it's essential to make the most of the time you have (52m55s).
• A person met someone who had taken a career break 10 years after turning 33 and traveled to Europe, realizing that some experiences are not the same when done later in life (53m11s).
• It's essential to say yes to adventure, and it's never the right time, so one must create the opportunity and make sacrifices to avoid regret (53m42s).
• The importance of taking breaks and having new experiences was emphasized, as waiting too long can result in a different and potentially less enjoyable experience (53m31s).
• A basketball camp with Mr. Beast was mentioned, and Jesse will be attending the event in January (54m12s).
• A calendar giveaway was announced, with the first 100 people using the code "win2025" on jesse.com receiving a free calendar (54m33s).
• Jesse expressed his appreciation for being invited back to the podcast and offered to send a handwritten letter to listeners (55m8s).
• The host, Sam, was mentioned as someone who puts guests under the microscope, and Jesse appreciated the opportunity to be on the show again (54m50s).