✣ 'New Year, New You' Doesn't Work

Welcome back in 2025!

If you missed last week's letter, it's not too late to send a "thank you for 2024” to your connections from last year.

In this week's issue, we’ll discuss why New Year's resolutions are useless without a solid network. Plus, we'll share 5 lessons from an infamous relationship quote that can create new connections in 2025.

As you map out your goals for the year, think less about what you want to achieve and more about who you want to grow alongside.

In this same mindset…

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🏂 THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU DEFINE YOUR FUTURE
Why this is true, and what to do about it.

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, a wave of optimism sweeps across the world. Social media floods with promises of a “new me” mantras, gym memberships spike, and affirmation planners fly off the shelves.

But how do you commit to this mantra?

Unpopular opinion:

It's thanks to your network.

New years are not about becoming a completely new person.

Real transformation lies in surrounding yourself with the people who:

• inspire you

• support you

• challenge your ideas

• keep you accountable

• have complementary strengths

You’ve probably heard the saying: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” by Jim Rohn.

This idea isn’t just motivational fluff; it’s rooted in psychology. Your closest connections influence your mindset, habits, and trajectory. Their energy, ideas, and support—or lack thereof—play a pivotal role in shaping who you are.

The people we surround ourselves with have the biggest influence on our behaviors, our attitudes, and our results.

Take this from Darren Hardy, former publisher of SUCCESS magazine:

So, as we step into a new year, let’s pivot away from the pressure to reinvent ourselves. Instead, let’s focus on evolving through our networks.

Action Steps

• Audit Your Circle: 

  • Reflect on your closest relationships. Are they aligned with the person you want to become? If not, (please do not tell them "goodbye”) — intentionally message someone who you want to be part of your inner circle this month.

• Actively Construct Your Bubble:

  • Don't be limited by proximity or serendipity.

  • Consider the attitudes and life philosophies you want to surround yourself with in your 2025 social environment.

• Set Connection Micro-Goals:

  • Reconnect with 3 old contacts this month. People who have inspired you.

  • Attend 1 networking event where you can meet like-minded individuals. Check out the best skill when networking in letter #20: Kill Your Assumptions, to prepare for in-person meetups.

  • Cultivate one deeper relationship with a peer, mentor, or friend.

• Be the Person You Want to Attract: Relationships are reciprocal. Be a source of positivity, curiosity, and value for others.

• Create a Habit Stack: Pair your goals with existing habits. For example, message a new connection while drinking your morning coffee. That's what Avni Barman does every morning.

Now you've likely heard the phrase, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Let's break it down in 5 lessons:

Lesson #1:

Keep your critics around. You need to have a devil's advocate—not a negative person, but someone who causes you to rethink decisions before making a move. This one was the most difficult for me to understand!

Lesson #2:

Join online communities to find people who you can relate to your situation; such as ADHD business owners or parents navigating freelancing. Create your own mastermind group. Or (!) join one of our upcoming Connections networking hours—you can be subscribed to the Connections Lu.ma page to stay updated.

Lesson #3:

Control who you spend time with, and identify anyone who brings you down or has a negative influence on you. Be intentional. Quality over quantity every time.

Lesson #4:

Avoid surrounding yourself with negative people. Don't let your social environment solely depend on how it has always been in the past.

Lesson #5:

Be one of the 5 people to someone else! Teach what you know and help others improve their lives. In order to be respected by others, first respect yourself and hone in on your strengths.

Now ask yourself:

Are the people you spend the most time with the same people that you admire?

This one was difficult for me to come to terms with.

In the middle of December, I had to protect my time from a childhood friend to whom I consistently said 'yes'—and always felt confused and demotivated afterward. This individual is against AI and self-development concepts, which are at the core of my life. So, I had to decline a meeting and suggest that we meet up in a group setting one day instead of one-on-one.

Although it can be difficult, 2025 is a year for prioritizing growth-minded individuals.

📚 CONNECTIONS IN HISTORY
Where we share a powerful connection that changed the world.

Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King's friendship highlight the power of collaboration in business partnerships. Oprah built a media empire while Gayle became a respected journalist and advisor, consistently supporting each other’s careers.

Their complementary skills—Oprah’s visionary storytelling and Gayle’s detailed journalism—deepened their bond.

Takeaway: Foster relationships with those who challenge, support, and complement you in achieving success.

🎶 OUR PLAYLIST, UPDATED WEEKLY

Got more feedback or want to get in touch? Reply here and I’ll get back to you.

Sincerely,

Lauren and the Connections team