The Fortitude Chronicle: A Weekly Digest of Athletic Determination

Monday’s Mindset

How to Win in 2025

The pursuit of success, happiness, and fulfilling relationships in 2025 isn't paved with more—more goals, more commitments, more distractions. It's forged through the disciplined pursuit of less, but better. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it's time to reframe our approach to success.

The Trap of "More"

Jim Collins, in his seminal work "How the Mighty Fall," warns of the dangers of the "Undisciplined Pursuit of More." This second stage of decline is characterized by overreaching, compromising values, and neglecting core strengths in the chase for growth at all costs. It's a siren song that has lured many to their downfall.

The Alternative: Disciplined Focus

Instead of spreading yourself thin, choose depth over breadth. Here's how to win in 2025 through disciplined focus:

1. Define Your Core

Defining your core is about excavating your deepest values and motivations. It's a process of introspection and honesty.

Start by asking yourself:

• What activities make you lose track of time?

• What work feels effortless, even when challenging?

• What principles would you refuse to compromise, even under pressure?

Your core isn't about what you think you should value, but what truly resonates at your deepest level. It might be creativity, integrity, family, or impact. Whatever it is, it should feel non-negotiable.

This core becomes your decision-making framework. When faced with choices, you can ask: "Does this align with my core values?" If not, it's likely a distraction.

Remember, your core can evolve. Revisit it periodically, but don't change it on a whim. It should be your stable center in a chaotic world.

2. Ruthless Elimination

Elimination is where the rubber meets the road. It's easy to say yes; it's much harder—and more valuable—to say no.

For every opportunity, ask:

• Does this directly contribute to my core goals?

• If I say yes to this, what am I implicitly saying no to?

• Will this matter in five years?

Be prepared for discomfort. Saying no, especially to good opportunities, can feel wrong. But remember, every yes is a no to something else.

Develop a default no. Instead of trying to fit everything in, assume you'll say no unless something is clearly aligned with your core.

Create systems to support your elimination. Use filters for your email, set boundaries on your time, and regularly audit your commitments.

3. Master the Essentials

In a world of endless information, the ability to focus on what's truly important is a superpower.

Identify the fundamental skills in your sport or field. These are often timeless principles that underpin everything else. In writing, it might be clarity and structure. In business, it might be value creation and financial literacy. In sport, it may be mastering the fundamentals.

Once identified, create a deliberate practice routine. Set aside time daily to work on these skills. Be specific. Pick a time and location. Use focused practice and spaced repetition to accelerate your learning.

Resist the shiny object syndrome. New trends and tools can be seductive, but they often distract from the essentials. Ask yourself: "Is this new thing fundamentally changing my field, or is it just a new wrapper on old principles?"

Remember, mastery is overrated. Relentless effort is the goal. Even as you progress, continue to refine and deepen your understanding of the essentials.

4. Quality Over Quantity

In relationships, this means nurturing a few deep connections rather than maintaining a vast network of acquaintances. Invest time in understanding, supporting, and growing with a select group of people.

In learning, dive deep into a few subjects rather than skimming many. True expertise comes from depth of understanding.

In personal pursuits, choose activities that provide rich experiences over those that merely fill time.

Remember, the goal isn't to be a hermit. It's about being intentional with your energy and attention, directing them where they'll have the most meaningful impact.

5. Embrace the Power of Rest

Rest isn't just the absence of work—it's an active process that's crucial for peak performance.

Schedule regular periods of complete disconnection. This might be daily meditation, weekly tech-free days, or quarterly retreats.

Use active rest techniques like walking in nature, engaging in non-work-related hobbies, or having deep conversations with friends.

Prioritize sleep. It's not a luxury; it's a biological necessity for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health.

Remember, rest isn't laziness. It's a strategic investment in your long-term productivity and well-being.

6. Measure What Matters

Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that truly reflect progress towards your core goals. These should be leading indicators—metrics that predict future success—rather than just lagging indicators that show past performance.

Be wary of vanity metrics. Followers, likes, or even revenue can be misleading if they don't translate to meaningful progress.

Regularly review and adjust your metrics. As your understanding deepens, your measures of success may evolve.

Remember, not everything that matters can be measured, and not everything that can be measured matters. Use metrics as tools, not masters.

7. Cultivate Patience

Understand that meaningful change takes time. The most valuable goals often have compound effects that aren't immediately visible.

Develop a long-term mindset. Instead of asking "What can I achieve this month?", ask "Where do I want to be in five years, and what daily habits will get me there?"

Acknowledge small wins along the way, but keep your eye on the bigger picture.

Learn to enjoy the process, not just the outcome. Find satisfaction in the daily work, not just the end result.

Remember, patience isn't passive waiting. It's active persistence in the face of delayed gratification.

By embracing these principles, you position yourself for sustainable success in 2025 and beyond. It's not about doing more, but about doing what matters, exceptionally well.

Two Quotes

1. "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." - Calvin Coolidge

2. "It's hard to beat a person who never gives up." - Babe Ruth

Three Tweets

To Building Fortitude.

 Best Regards,

Colin Jonov, Founder & CEO Athletic Fortitude