In this reflective and forward-focused episode, John Kitchens and Al Stasek dig deep into how to architect a truly impactful and fulfilling life as we move into the second half of the decade. Recorded on New Year’s Eve, this powerful conversation explores what it means to live with intention, harness AI without losing authenticity, and build businesses (and lives) that align with our truest values.

They unpack lessons from Patrick Bet-David’s 2025 Planning framework, the story of Wally Pipp, the power of morning gratitude, and how to define your version of the perfect day. Whether you're feeling stuck, striving for more clarity, or ready to crush 2025, this episode is a must-listen reset.

Thinking Long-Term: The 2030 Vision

• How to use decade-thinking to drive better daily decisions.

• Why asking "What won't change?" is more valuable than asking "What will?"

• AI as a team member, not a threat—how the consumer, not the tech, is evolving fastest.

The Wally Pipp Lesson: Show Up Every Day

• The iconic story of how missing one day changed baseball history forever.

• Why consistency and mental resilience are the keys to long-term success.

Building Emotional Fitness & Awareness

• The hidden cost of mental distractions: How much of your year are you losing?

• Developing self-awareness through daily journaling and gratitude habits.

The Perfect Day Exercise

• How to uncover your core identity and build a life around it.

• Why your perfect day includes work—and how that shapes your business goals.

• Use it as a decision-making filter for who you spend time with and what you say yes to.

Soft Skills, Conflict Resolution & Leadership

• The 10 must-have CEO skills, and why conflict resolution is the one that amplifies them all.

• The link between hard conversations and improved persuasion, sales, and leadership.

Mind Your Own Business: Boundaries and Emotional Intelligence

• How to set non-negotiable boundaries to protect your peace and productivity.

• Letting go of what others think and staying anchored in your own values.

• Why “Calm is Contagious” is a leadership mantra for the next decade.

• How morning gratitude can reset your emotional center daily.

• The value of not just setting goals—but building the inner process that supports them.

• Perfect Day Exercise by Frank Kern

• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

• Choose Your Enemies Wisely by Patrick Bet-David

• Crucial Conversations (book)

• The Conflict Resolution Playbook

• CoachKitchens.ai

• Journaling tools: The Five-Minute Journal, custom gratitude planners

• Patrick Bet-David’s 2025 Planning Session Recordings

“You want to get better at sales, leadership, and marketing? Start by mastering conflict resolution.” — John Kitchens

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• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥