During 2024, I was fortunate to hear an interview some Canadian colleagues had with NYU Professor Scott Galloway. His direct approach to success and life planning struck a chord with me.

As the summer sunbathes our shores and Kiwis everywhere take stock of their lives and aspirations in the new year, Galloway's insights[i] offer a fresh perspective on goal setting and achievement.

We New Zealanders have always had our own way of doing things. From our "number 8 wire" mentality to our balanced approach to work and life, we understand that success isn't just about grinding harder – it's about working smarter and maintaining harmony in all aspects of life.

As Galloway notably puts it, "Success is largely about establishing healthy relationships – with money, work, and most importantly, other people." This philosophy aligns perfectly with our Kiwi values of community, innovation, and life balance.

The Three Pillars of Lasting Change

1. Smart Goal Setting

The key to achieving your goals isn't just about dreaming big – it's about breaking those dreams down into manageable chunks.

The SMART framework can be adapted with a distinct Kiwi approach. Rather than setting vague goals like "get fit", make them specific - such as completing the Tongariro Crossing by March.

Your goals should be measurable with concrete metrics, achievable while maintaining a healthy challenge, relevant to your values and lifestyle, and bound by realistic deadlines that work with your schedule.

2. Building Lasting Motivation

"Young people are always asking me about the secrets to success," Galloway observes. "There are no secrets. Work like crazy and be good to people."

This straightforward approach to motivation begins with understanding your deeper purpose – your "why."

Create accountability by joining local community groups or sports teams, celebrate your progress no matter how modest, and visualise your success in familiar Kiwi settings. This combination of practical steps and mental preparation creates a strong foundation for sustained motivation.

3. Developing Iron-Clad Discipline

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. As Galloway emphasises, "Successful people do what they need to do whether they're in the mood or not."

Start by building habits gradually, perhaps with a daily 10-minute walk that grows into a more extensive fitness routine. Set yourself up so good choices become easier, and poor ones harder to make. Establish morning and evening rituals that support your goals and remember to practice self-compassion – progress isn't always linear.

Your Career Development in 2025

Galloway's insights are relevant to today's hybrid work environment. Like his often controversial observation about work-life balance: "No one was successful with perfect work-life balance - at some point, every successful person had to over-rev their engine."

While this might seem at odds with our laid-back Kiwi nature, it speaks to the importance of recognising seasons of intense effort while maintaining our overall commitment to balanced living.

Success in your career requires strategic thinking about visibility and relationships. Stay close to decision-makers, as working remotely might distance you from those who influence your progress and development. Make your presence felt through meaningful contributions and seek opportunities to present work directly to leadership.

Finding mentors is invaluable for navigating your career path, especially in NZ’s unique business environment where personal connections - our ‘2 degrees’ of separation - often matter as much as professional credentials.[ii]

The Algebra of Happiness

Drawing from Galloway's ‘Algebra of Happiness,’ success rests on three fundamental pillars: relationships, well-being, and financial security.[iii] Each of these takes on special significance in our Kiwi context.

Prioritise time with whānau and friends while building meaningful professional connections. Define family in your own way and nurture those relationships that matter most to you.

For physical well-being, you can make use of our natural playground for regular exercise, practice mindful nutrition, and ensure adequate rest and recovery.

As Galloway puts it; "Your health is an investment, not an expense."

Smart Money Management

And so, we come to financial security. On wealth, Galloway says: “Being rich is having passive income greater than your burn."

Your financial strategy should encompass developing multiple income streams while minimising unnecessary expenses. Regular financial health check-ups should become part of your routine, much like regular maintenance on a boat ensures seaworthiness.

Just as you wouldn't sail across the Pacific without proper navigation tools and expertise, your financial journey benefits from professional guidance. A qualified financial adviser helps you to chart your course with a comprehensive financial plan.

Added benefits of having an expert on board include being able to neatly make course corrections when life throws unexpected challenges, and having a steady hand at the rudder to keep you focused on long-term goals during market volatility.

What Lies Ahead: Planning for 2025

As we move through 2025, one of Galloway's most powerful insights comes to mind: "Life is so rich."

This simple phrase encapsulates both the opportunity and responsibility we have to make the most of each day. Whether you're aiming to advance your career, improve your health, or build wealth through smart investing, remember that every step forward counts.

Success comes from combining ambitious goals with practical strategies, while recognising that sometimes the path requires periods of intense focus and effort.

Partner with those who can help you stay the course - whether it's a financial adviser for your wealth journey, a mentor for your career, or friends and family for your personal goals. Remember, the path to success isn't always straight, and it certainly isn't always balanced, but with the right guidance and tools, you can navigate any waters ahead.

Stay close to those who make decisions, be willing to push hard when opportunities arise, and remember that sustainable success comes from knowing both when to sprint and when to recover.

Kia kaha, and here's to making 2025 a year to remember.

· Nick Stewart (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāti Waitaha) is a Financial Adviser and CEO at Stewart Group, a Hawke's Bay-based CEFEX & BCorp certified financial planning and advisory firm. Stewart Group provides personal fiduciary services, Wealth Management, Risk Insurance & KiwiSaver scheme solutions. Article no. 388.

· The information provided, or any opinions expressed in this article, are of a general nature only and should not be construed or relied on as a recommendation to invest in a financial product or class of financial products. You should seek financial advice specific to your circumstances from a Financial Adviser before making any financial decisions. A disclosure statement can be obtained free of charge by calling 0800 878 961 or visit our website, www.stewartgroup.co.nz

[i] https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/303

[ii] https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/73207579/are-kiwis-really-only-two-degrees-of-separation-apart#:~:text=This%20means%20that%20any%20of,someone%20who%20knows%20that%20person.&text=The%20idea%20that%20we%20are,something%20important%20about%20New%20Zealand.

[iii] https://www.profgalloway.com/the-algebra-of-wealth-3/