Happy New Year!

Let’s cut straight to the chase, shall we?

Today, I’m going to talk about how to make 2025 your best year yet and how to actually get results without losing your mind over the details of typical success models.

These are the cliff notes from a recent video so apologize if it sounds basic, but the basics done right just work. The deep dives will come later this year!

To be real with you, this is advice to myself and moreso my past self.

I hope that this serves as a solid reminder for you.

Let’s go!

Overview

Let me give you a quick overview of today’s letter. We’ll cover:

• Your expectations and how you’re going to change them to reach your goals, even when you feel like quitting.

• Your reason why, how to plan, and how to stay consistent—the right way, not the way other people tell you (i.e. “never miss a day”).

• How to create a goal stack so you don’t get bored with long-term goals because multi-passionate people don’t do ONE thing, right?

• Intention—the most important skill you can cultivate—resilience, avoiding distractions, and achieving a few specific goals with tips to stay on track.

Expectations

When you set a goal, social media bombards you with messages like “big goals!”, “hustle hard!”, and other hype that rarely pans out in the real world. Because it’s a highlight reel—you see others moving fast, making money quickly, and getting fit effortlessly.

But the truth is, none of this happens fast.

Our culture, driven by instant gratification and quick technology hits, conditioned us to expect results immediately. But real results aren’t linear. So you must adjust your timeline.

If you’re planning to hit a goal in six months, give yourself the entire year. If you’ve been struggling with goals for years, set realistic expectations.

Lower your goal targets just enough to build momentum so you can stick with them longer than two weeks like in days past.

Conviction

Maybe you want to lose 20 pounds and feel motivated after watching videos or talking to friends. But then a month later, something happens—a birthday party, a holiday—and suddenly you’re back to the 2024 version of you.

This happens because of one simple thing—the reason you started wasn’t compelling enough. So ask yourself why. And don’t stop on the surface. Dig DEEPER.

When I used to work at LA Fitness, I’d ask new members at least 3 layers of WHYs:

• “Why do you want to get in shape?”

• “Why do you want to lose 20 pounds?”

• “Why does being overweight bother you?”

Almost annoyingly right? But change is uncomfortable. Maybe it’s because you felt rejected, embarrassed, or insecure. You need to find that core reason—the one that keeps you up at night—and write it down.

And when distractions arise, use your “why” as your decision filter. Is the whole pint of Ben and Jerry’s worth feeling insecure in the bedroom again?

If you fail, then you have two options:

1) Simply try again (we’ll cover this later)

2) Go back to your WHY and dig deeper (it’s STILL not compelling enough).

If you’re struggling with finding the time to work out, I got you covered here.

Plan

If you’re an overthinker, planning becomes a trap. Because overplanning can keep you stuck in “preparation mode” without ever starting.

Simple Planning Framework

1. Use a Calendar: Whether it’s Google Calendar or a physical planner, block out time for your non-negotiable tasks—work, workouts, family time, etc.

2. Time-Block Goals: If your goal is writing, block out 30 minutes each morning. If it’s fitness, set aside an hour or so to give yourself extra buffer time even if you only need 30 minutes.

3. Review Weekly: At the end of each week, review your progress and adjust your calendar as needed.

If you’re stuck, try the Focus Fix to execute quickly on your plans.

Consistency is overrated

“Consistency is the key to success,” they say 🙄. But consistency isn’t about never missing a day—it’s about showing up over time.

Think Longer-Term

• If you miss one day, don’t let it derail your week.

• If you miss a week of workouts, try again and lower your expectations.

What matters is picking yourself back up and continuing. Look at your consistency over months or years, not just days.

Which leads to my next point.

Resilience

Resilience is the will to keep going despite hardship.

Even if it takes seven years, it’s better than never starting. Reflect on how far you’ve come.

Goal Stacking

If you’re multi-passionate or ADHD, focusing on one goal for six months ain’t happening. So use the goal stacking method:

1. Main Focus: Choose one primary goal (i.e. fitness).

2. Secondary Goals: Have 2-3 smaller goals on the side (e.g., content creation, learning piano).

3. Energy Distribution: Put 80% of your energy into the main goal, and split the remaining 20% across the secondary goals.

I created a full guide for how I manage multiple interests if this is something top of mind for you.

Intention

Intention directs your attention. You turn into what you tune into. Without intention, you’re warped from distractions. How to train your intention:

• Meditate daily (5-10 minutes).

• Journal your goals and plans.

• Stay mindful of your focus.

What you focus on grows.

Distractions

Distractions are like demons—they tempt you with comfort and pleasure. One of these vices possesses you because even when you KNOW it’s bad, you keep doing it.

• Social Media: Limit scrolling.

• Junk Food: Replace it with healthy snacks.

• Environment: Take 3-4 months away from people like family or social scenes.

Take a hard look at your actions.

Are you binge-watching Netflix instead of learning a skill? Are you watching porn instead of talking to real women? Does your family’s judgment keep you in the same identity loops that don’t allow you to change?

Take radical action to break the habit loops—it’s the only way. The alternative is staying the same. Your choice.

The Focus Fix was the basis for destroying all these addictions for myself. It’s only $9 and people love the results after using it intentionally.

Build Power Skills

Skills pay the bills. I learned 80% of my fitness knowledge from YouTube and it worked well for me. Self-education is essential, especially with AI being so accessible.

• Learn online: YouTube, Bootcamps, or free courses.

• Experiments: Start small projects and iterate.

Learning never stops. Your biggest asset isn’t your bank account but your brain.

Fix Your Finances

Financial stress is most people’s biggest obstacle. The first step is paying down debt and increasing your income.

• Pay off debt: Prioritize clearing high-interest debt.

• Simplify expenses: Avoid spending to impress others.

• Minimalism: Focus on the essentials ONLY.

Financial freedom isn’t making $10k per month or becoming a millionaire. Lavish lifestyle’s aren’t necessary and I’d argue they lead to more suffering. More money, more problems.

But not owing money to greedy banks is a solid start. This is my biggest priority this year. So if you don’t have a New Year Resolution (cringe!) yet, start with this one.

TL;DR

2025 can be your best year yet, but it starts with adjusting expectations so you can stay consistent over the entire year. Because even if you fail, your reason why, will keep you resilient.

Don’t quit too soon. Reflect on your mission, and work on your goal stack if you need a break.

Be mindful of your biggest distractions, because they’re quick and easy. Happiness is hard but you’ve built the strength to endure these obstacles. If things get messy (as they will), build the power skills that future you will have and work on them fearlessly.

And finally, set yourself free from financial constraints by eliminating debt completely (my personal focus this year).

Stay clear, calm, and creative my friends,

Brand Marz

P.S.

If you’re looking to build your best physique in 2025, I got you.

I’m no marketing bro, but I drew up a quick landing page on the results I’ve gotten for myself and my clients.

Check it out and apply here if you’re interested!