Every December, we’re bombarded with the same advice: Set goals. Make resolutions. Be better, faster, stronger next year.

And yet, how many times have you let go of a New Year’s resolution by March? (Or let’s be honest, January 2nd?)

The problem isn’t you; it’s the way we’ve been taught to plan.

Resolutions are narrow. They focus on what you’re doing but rarely ask why.

"This is the year I finally get in shape."

Great... but why?

Is it to feel more confident? Attract a romantic partner? Effortlessly play with your young kids?

A what is only as good as the why behind it.

And when your why is crystal clear, it becomes the North Star guiding every decision you make. That’s exactly what the Filter Framework does.

Furthermore, typical resolutions don’t provide a lens to decide what matters and what doesn’t throughout the year. And without that clarity, the year quickly fills up with noise instead of meaning.

That’s where our Filter Framework comes in. We typically use it to help communicators stay on message, professional speakers book gigs, and experts deliver TED-style talks.

But really, it’s a Swiss Army Knife of a tool designed for focus, alignment, and clarity—not just in communication, but in life.

And it’s the perfect way to start 2025.

What Is The Filter Framework?

The Filter boils down to a single sentence:

To [ACTION] so that [IMPACT].

Alternatively:

If [ACTION] then [IMPACT].
In order to achieve [IMPACT], I must [ACTION].

It’s simple, but don’t mistake simple for shallow. This one sentence forces you to clarify WHAT you'll do, and WHY it matters.

When applied to a new year, your Filter becomes a decision-making compass. It ensures every opportunity, project, or challenge gets evaluated through the same lens.

No more chasing shiny objects or saying “yes” out of guilt!

How to Create Your 2025 Filter

Start by asking yourself these two questions:

1) What Impact Do I Want to Have?

Imagine it’s December 2025, and you’re reflecting on the year. What do you hope to see?

Did you strengthen relationships?
Did you grow in your career?
Did you finally make time for your health?

The key is to think about the outcome that matters most to you—not the activities, but the result.

2) What’s the One Action That Will Get Me There?

You don’t need 10 resolutions. You need one core action that creates momentum. Ask:

What will drive the biggest change?
What do I need to prioritize, even if other things fall away?

Examples of a 2025 Filter

Here’s how it might look in action:

Personal Growth: To spend 5 minutes journaling every morning so that I process my thoughts and make better decisions throughout the day.

Career Focus: To enroll in professional development outside of my primary skillset so that I’m ready for the next leadership opportunity.

Relationships: To schedule weekly coffee dates with friends and family so that I deepen my most meaningful connections.

Creative Pursuits: To dedicate one evening a week to painting so that I feel reconnected to my creative side.

How to Use Your Filter Throughout the Year

Once you’ve written your Filter, it’s not something you frame and forget. It’s a tool you use to shape your decisions every single day. Here’s how:

Start with Quarterly Intentions

Break your Filter into smaller priorities.

Example: If your Filter is about building expertise, your Q1 might focus on professional development (taking a course or finding a mentor). In Q2, you could apply those skills to a big project.

Say “No” With Confidence

Every new opportunity is an invitation to ask: Does this align with my Filter?

Example: If your Filter is about simplifying, and someone asks you to join a volunteer committee, the answer might be: “Not this year.”

Course-Correct When Needed

Life happens. When you get off track, your Filter is a lifeline. Revisit it, recalibrate, and refocus.

Reflect Regularly.

At the end of each month, check in:

Am I living out my action?
Am I moving toward my impact?

How The Filter changed my life

After my son Milo was born in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic, I knew something had to change. I couldn't continue working the 70-80 hour works I was so accustomed to.

And so going into 2021 I created a Filter: To work normal business hours (Monday thru Friday, 9-5) in order to priotize being a father and have more energy, presence, and time to spend with my son.

That was the year I made my first hire, a full-time assistant, in order to take 40 hours/week of admin tasks off my plate so I could just focus on the work itself.

Mentors and colleagues had tried to convince me to hire an assistant for YEARS. I could afford it, but couldn't make the leap.

But in 2021, my Filter made it easy. I had 80 hours/week of work and now only 40 hours to do it. With that lens, hiring was the only option.

Today I have two full-time employees, a fractional COO, a bookkeeper, and two world class consultants. Plus my speaking manager and agent.

Which is why last week I was able to take my family to Disney World for 8 days without access to text, email, slack, or project management. I was fully present with Milo and my wife Lindsey for the trip, making memories that will last a lifetime.

For the first 18+ years of my career, taking a full week off the grid would have been unimaginable.

That's the power of a great Filter. It's not just a tool for communication, but for clarity in all areas of life.

Your Turn: Write Your Filter

This is where you put it into action. Take a moment to answer these prompts:

What’s the one impact I want to have by the end of 2025?
What one action will drive me there?

Now combine your answers into a single sentence:

To [ACTION] so that [IMPACT].

Write it down. Stick it on your desk. Use it every day.

Oh, and email it to me at brian@clarityupconsulting.com or, if you're feeling up to it, announce your 2025 filter publicly and tag me on LinkedIn with #filter2025

Why This Works

Resolutions focus on specifics—lose 15 pounds, get a promotion, save $5,000. But they rarely ask why those things matter, or how to navigate the inevitable distractions. Your Filter isn’t about what you do on January 1st. It’s about who you want to be on December 31st.

It’s not about chasing every opportunity. It’s about choosing the right ones—and letting go of the rest.

Here’s to Your 2025

Imagine a year where every decision you make feels clear and relevant. That’s what the Filter Framework makes possible. So, what’s your 2025 Filter? I’d love to hear it. Reply and share—I’m rooting for you.

Let’s make this your most focused, impactful year yet.

—Brian