Here we are halfway through the first month of 2025. Christmas is up (I mean, maybe.…no judgment here), the confetti has settled, and you’ve probably seen all the ads for weight loss programs and gym membership specials, scrolled through endless “New Year, New Me” posts, and even scribbled down a few goals for yourself – or maybe they’re floating around in the back of your head.
But let’s be real: none of that matters if you’re not ready to make intentional change. Chasing the ‘short-term shoulds’ — those quick-fix, instant-gratification goals — might feel urgent, but they won’t make a lasting impact.
(Unless it’s cleaning out your attic. That will totally feel gratifying AND leave a lasting impact).
Surface level fixes don’t create meaningful change.
Real growth happens when you take a step back, zoom out, and look at the big picture. That’s where you’ll find clarity about what truly needs to change to move your life, your business, your family, or your dreams in the direction you want them to go.
Recently, I had the opportunity to work with a group that was navigating potentially big changes. Their situation was challenging: they had a long history of doing things “the way it’s always been done” and mixed opinions about what was really needed to move forward.
Some were eager to innovate; others were firmly in the “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” camp.
Sound familiar?
Change can feel hard. Fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm love to take the wheel. But here’s the truth:
Avoiding change will be harder in the long run.
When I work with organizations (such as the military, non-profits, churches, small businesses, large organizations…) on strategic planning, one of the first steps is to zoom out. I know we can ‘cuss and discuss’ all day long (and that has a time and a place), but it’s always more productive to ask:
- “What do you want things to look like in 5 years?”
- “What are you hoping for, dreaming of, and succeeding in down the road?”
This process has taught me that when you change your perspective, you stop focusing on individual trees and start to see the entire forest…
…and man, is that view worth it.
That’s something I remind myself of constantly. My own to-do list is sometimes so long that I end up feeling like I’m spinning my wheels on a million little tasks and the meaningful work that will truly make a difference gets buried.
Getting a clear view of where you want to be is a much more vital place to start. The ‘now’ can feel so far away from what you want that you never let yourself dream bigger, want more, or fight for success at a new level. Stop worrying, just for a second, about how you are going to get there and let yourself think about what could be.
(Sidenote: That’s exactly why I created my new Leadership Level-Up Journal—to help leaders like you prioritize what matters most, simplify the overwhelm, take intentional steps forward, and stay focused on achieving meaningful progress. And yes, it’ll be available on Amazon soon—cue the happy dance!)
You didn’t think I was going to leave you enjoying the bird’s eye view, did you? Zooming out gives you the power to dream bigger, but zooming in is how you make it real.
The magic is in the action.
Taking the first step might feel daunting, but that’s where momentum starts. Every action you take builds confidence and moves you closer to the life you’re working toward.
So, what’s your next step?
Take five minutes today to answer these big-picture questions, and let that guide your next step:
- Are you working on what truly matters, or are you spinning your wheels on urgent but unimportant tasks?
- Is the time and energy you’re spending today building the future you want tomorrow?
What’s one small step you can take this week to move closer to your big-picture vision?
I recently worked with a leader who felt stuck managing a team that seemed resistant to change. Day-to-day tasks overwhelmed them and they couldn’t see a way forward. When we took the time to zoom out and think about what success could look like in five years, everything shifted. We clarified the team’s goals and mapped out small, actionable steps.
Fast forward a year: not only did the team embrace a new way of working, but they also surpassed the goals they once thought impossible.
Sometimes, all it takes is stepping back to unlock what’s possible.
If you’re ready to create meaningful change this year, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Zoom Out
Step back and ask the big questions.- What do I truly want in the long-term?
- What’s holding me back?
- What would success look like?
- Zoom In
Big-picture thinking is powerful, but it requires identifying tangible shifts.- What habits, attitudes, or systems are standing in my way?
- What resources or support do I need to make a change?
- Take Action
Once you have clarity on the big picture and the real pieces, it’s time to take action. Start small. Focus on the first right step — then the next.
Food for thought: As a leader, your ability to see the big picture doesn’t just clarify your own goals—it empowers your team to move forward with clarity and confidence. When you articulate that vision, it becomes a rallying point that unites your people and drives progress. That’s the power of zooming out.
THE FOREST IS WAITING.
YOU’VE GOT THIS.
ONE STEP AT A TIME.
Yours Truly,
Julie
Strategy Coach (helping you zoom out for clarity and zoom in for action!)
P.S. I want to share my favorite tool to help you focus on how you want to be seen and known. Sign up below and you’ll be the first to know when the Leadership Level-Up Journal hits the market.