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.