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Check out last week’s newsletter: This is Why You Feel Off Track
I knooow I took last week off unceremoniously but did you really think that would be the last time you heard from me in 2025? Diving into Reflection but before I this week’s newsletter. I want to make sure you know about and tap into the Podcast Community! Prices go up January 1 so tap in now!
REFLECTION CHANGES EVERYTHING
We’re right in that quiet space between Christmas and a new year.
And if I’m being honest, this is the part of the year most people skip.
We rush to set goals.
We rush to say next year will be different.
We rush past the most important step.
REFLECTION!
Not the Instagram caption kind.
The real kind that forces you to sit with what worked, what didn’t, and who you became along the way.
This year stretched me.
In ways I expected and in ways I absolutely didn’t.
I traveled a little less, but learned more.
I simplified my focus, but deepened my purpose.
I said yes to things that mattered and stepped back from things that no longer fit.
That wasn’t easy.
Letting go never is.
Especially when it’s tied to identity, responsibility, or people you care deeply about.
One of the biggest lessons this year was realizing that building something meaningful requires seasons of focus.
You can care about many things.
But you cannot pour into everything at the same level forever.
Another lesson was learning how to sit with grief instead of trying to rush past it.
We don’t talk about grief enough.
Especially the quiet kinds.
The kind that doesn’t always have a funeral attached to it.
I learned that grief is a language.
And like any language, you don’t become fluent overnight.
This year also reminded me how important authenticity is to my life.
Not performative authenticity.
Not polished vulnerability.
Real authenticity.
Showing up the same way whether you’re on a stage, on a podcast, at work, or grabbing food with friends.
If I had to summarize 2025 in one sentence, it would be this:
I learned how to be present while still moving forward.
That’s what reflection gives you.
Clarity without rushing.
Perspective without pressure.
In this week’s episode, I walk through what this year taught me about leadership, purpose, grief, focus, happiness, and what it really means to be incredible when no one is watching.
If you’re heading into the new year feeling reflective, uncertain, hopeful, or all three, this episode is for you.
TL;DR:
Reflection is the step most people skip, but the one that changes everything. 2025 was about simplifying focus and deepening purpose. Grief is a language, not a phase. Authenticity matters more than ever. Tap into this week’s episode for the full story and the lessons I didn’t put in writing, go check out the episode!
DETAILS ABOUT EPISODE
Apologies not sure what went on with my video that it was choppy for the "main camera" and had to use the secondary camera more! Made more changes but it won't export and don't want this come out late so you can just listen to it if the choppiness bothers you. This is what happens when I want to record as close to releasing as possible... oh well.
In this solo episode, Paul Faronbi reflects on the year 2025, discussing personal growth, the evolution of IncrediPaul, and the challenges faced in the DEI space. He emphasizes the importance of reflection, authenticity, and intentionality in both personal and professional relationships, while also addressing the fragility of life and the language of grief. Paul shares insights from his experiences and looks forward to making 2026 his most incredible year yet!
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LEADERSHIP QUOTE
“Growth's highest reward is not what we get from it, but what we become because of it.”
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CHECK OUT RECENT EPISODES OF INCREDIPAUL LEADERSHIP
Reminder new episodes come out every Monday at 6am Central Time. Check it out by going to incredipaul.org/podcast or stream on the following platforms: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon and More.
EP 145: THE POWER OF SELF TALK IN LEADERSHIP W/ PAUL FARONBI
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