Learning how to nail 2025 from a World Champion - James Laughlin
In this episode, Shaun and James discuss strategies for starting the year strong, building sustainable habits, and finding purpose. James shares powerful frameworks elite performers use—from prime ministers to top athletes—to set and achieve meaningful goals.
Key Takeaways:
Reflection Before Resolution – Take stock of the past year by revisiting key moments. Ask yourself:
- What went well?
- What didn’t go well?
- What did I learn?
Start, Stop, Continue Framework – Used by Fortune 50 companies:
- Start: What new habits or actions should you introduce?
- Stop: What’s holding you back that you need to eliminate?
- Continue: What’s working that you should maintain?
Most Valued Priorities (MVPs) – Instead of setting 20+ goals, focus on 3-5 key priorities.
The Power of Visualisation & Journaling – Neurosurgeon James Doty’s method:
- Write down your goals daily.
- Read them aloud.
- Close your eyes and feel what achieving them would be like.
Accountability & Leverage – Find an accountability partner who will check in regularly. Use consequences to stay committed (e.g., James pledged to donate to a political figure he disliked if he didn’t write daily!).
Building Winning Habits – Key traits of high performers:
- Master one habit at a time.
- Stick with it for at least 66 days (University College London study).
- Meditation, journaling, exercise, and structured routines create focus and discipline.
- Understand your natural rhythm (morning vs night person) and design habits accordingly.
Discovering Purpose & Values – James emphasises:
- Purpose evolves over time—don’t put pressure on yourself to find one fixed mission.
- Identify your values by analysing where you spend time, money, and energy.
- Align actions with values for sustained motivation.
Key Quotes:
"High performers have habits that are different from low performers – they know how to sustain success."
"Write, read, and visualise your goals every day – morning and night."
"If you don’t know your values, you’re easily swayed by distractions and shiny objects."
"Pick ONE habit at a time. Master it. Then move to the next."
"High performers have habits that are different from low performers – they know how to sustain success."
"Write, read, and visualise your goals every day – morning and night."
"If you don’t know your values, you’re easily swayed by distractions and shiny objects."
"Pick ONE habit at a time. Master it. Then move to the next."
Connect with James Laughlin:
Lead on Purpose Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Ranked #1 in New Zealand!
Instagram: @JamesLaughlin
Resources Mentioned:
- Masterclass on Setting Up Your Year – - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/2025replay
- Core Drivers Diagnostic Tool (Deeper Signals) - contact James via his website www.jjlaughlin.com
- Jonah Oliver’s Values Clarity Exercise - https://northframework.typeform.com/Stellar
About James:
James Laughlin stands at the forefront of High Performance Leadership and Personal Mastery, earning global recognition as a pioneering strategist in the field. As a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, James captivates and inspires diverse audiences worldwide with his compelling insights and transformative messages. His extensive experience spans working with elite performers and leading organizations, including professional athletes, influential CEOs, and multinational corporations, empowering them to lead with unwavering conviction and achieve remarkable success.
James Laughlin stands at the forefront of High Performance Leadership and Personal Mastery, earning global recognition as a pioneering strategist in the field. As a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, James captivates and inspires diverse audiences worldwide with his compelling insights and transformative messages. His extensive experience spans working with elite performers and leading organizations, including professional athletes, influential CEOs, and multinational corporations, empowering them to lead with unwavering conviction and achieve remarkable success.
