Level Up: Celebrating Another Year and Charting Your Course for What's Next

02 Jun, 2025

Today, as the clock ticks down on my 36th year, I find myself doing what many of us driven individuals do: reflecting. Not just on the celebrations to come (though those are welcome!), but on the journey traveled and the path ahead.

My mind wanders back to 15 years ago, standing amidst the majestic red rocks of Sedona. That place holds a special kind of magic, doesn't it? The quiet strength of Cathedral Rock mirrored in the gentle flow of the creek – a perfect backdrop for envisioning the life I wanted to build. It was there, by that whispering water, that I contemplated the seeds I had sown. Back then, writing a book felt like a monumental ambition.

Now, I hold two published works in my hands and a third is taking shape. Sobriety ignited a burning desire to write and speak about addiction. I remember parking cars at a nice italian restaurant staring at those Scottsdale mountains dreaming of becoming an international speaker. I was speaking in schools all around Arizona, yet had bigger dreams. I made that dream a reality, leading to stages and audiences around the globe having now spoken and hosted experiences in over 20 countries.

I've learned the power of setting audacious goals and the quiet satisfaction of the daily grind that transforms vision into tangible achievement. The 18-month Ironman journey, culminating in an 11-hour finish within the top 10%, stands as a testament to that dedication. But the aftermath was… unexpected. That evening, having reached what felt like a pinnacle, a strange emptiness settled in. "World-class Ironman, now what?" The savoring lasted mere seconds before the relentless question of "what's next?" took hold on the walk home.

This relentless drive propelled me to my next pursuit: becoming a world-class speaker. Years of travel, impact, and growth followed. I've become adept at setting a course and navigating the daily actions required to reach it. I've learned to appreciate the process of becoming a better version of myself, to find joy in the journey itself, understanding that who we become along the way far outweighs any single destination.

Now, as 37 looms, new horizons beckon. A desire to experience life beyond familiar borders, to build a meaningful relationship, to commit to something that will unfold over the entirety of my life – these are the currents pulling me forward.

And so, the familiar question arises: What will be my next obsession? Will it be the pursuit of becoming the most prolific writer or creator I can be? Building a community that resonates with millions? Crafting a compelling narrative for a streaming platform? Or perhaps, the most fundamental pursuit of all: truly loving myself, flaws and all?

My friend Cameron offered a profound piece of wisdom after my Ironman: "Why don't you set your next goal to become the best possible friend?" At the time, it felt simplistic, almost underwhelming. A decade later, I recognize the profound depth of that suggestion. While I've cherished friendships, I've also fallen short.

The desire now extends to other vital roles: becoming the best father (if I create children), the most supportive partner (currently single), a truly impactful leader, a vulnerable and evolving individual willing to confront my own reflection. To be the best brother, the coolest uncle. These are not metrics easily tracked on a spreadsheet, yet they hold immeasurable value.

So, what will the next year hold? Will I create a home, a community, new adventures? Will I cultivate consistent happiness and inner peace? Will I commit to daily creation, pushing the boundaries of my potential? Will I truly enjoy the journey, offer meaningful help to others, and be fully present in my interactions? Will I finally release the grip of the past and dare to create something entirely new?

The truth I keep returning to is this: with focused intention and relentless effort, anything is possible. I've proven it to myself time and time again. It's about embracing the process, understanding that perseverance can outlast almost anything, and committing to the daily work with unwavering faith. It's about being willing to risk, to learn, and to grow.

Crucially, it's about self-love and self-compassion. Knowing that mistakes are inevitable, that not every endeavor will succeed, but that the act of trying, of pushing, of creating, is what truly matters. It's about trusting the journey, trusting the universe, and actively making things happen. It's about surrounding myself with people who elevate me and building a life that resonates with my deepest values.

So, what will be the next mountain to climb? A family? A business with global impact? Perhaps simply living with unwavering authenticity? The core realization is that we possess the power to shape our reality, to set our intentions and relentlessly pursue them. We can cultivate love for ourselves and others, understanding that life is happening for us, not to us.

Maybe, just maybe, the next pursuit isn't a tangible goal at all, but a feeling. A consistent state of happiness. A deep sense of peace. This requires a different kind of discipline – a willingness to consistently check in with ourselves, to explore our inner landscape with honesty and vulnerability. To recognize the multitude of possibilities that exist. Life, ultimately, is meant to be lived, explored, and created. We have the capacity to build a better, more connected future, one deliberate action at a time. This journey of self-discovery and creation is ongoing. We can achieve anything we set our minds to. For that, I am deeply grateful.

Now, the question remains: what will be the next thing? The challenge, as I've learned, is to maintain focus, to resist the allure of the next "shiny object." This next year will be about diving deeper into myself and others, playing the long game with unwavering trust that we will figure it out.

So, as you stand at the precipice of your next chapter, what are you reflecting on? What seeds are you planting for the year ahead? What "next obsession" is stirring within you? Share your thoughts in an email. Let's level up together.

Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton33