Category Archives: Productivity

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Your Million-Dollar Journal: How to Plan and Achieve Your Best Year in 2025

How to Set-Up Your Journal for 2025 and Win!

When it comes to organizing your life, achieving goals, and sparking creativity, a journal isn’t just a notebook—it’s your most valuable tool. Over the past 25+ years, I’ve refined my journaling process into a system that keeps me focused, motivated, and on track. My Moleskine journal is where I store my dreams, map out my goals, and reflect on life’s lessons. Your best year won’t happen by chance; it will be crafted with intention.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to set up a journal that helps you create the life you want. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or starting fresh, this guide will show you how to make 2025 your best year yet. (And… you can start anytime you want; it doesn’t have to be January 1st!)

Why a Journal?
There’s magic in putting pen to paper. Unlike digital tools, a journal creates a tactile connection between your thoughts and actions. It helps you slow down, reflect, and organize your ideas. Your journal becomes an extension of your mind—a place to think, dream, and plan. (I actually tried a digital version to start this year, but it just didn’t have the connection and affinity I need.)

Here’s a link to the journal I use: https://amzn.to/40kO8Ou

Step 1: Personalize Your Journal
The first thing I do is personalize my journal. Write your name, contact information, and a reward for its return. Mine? I offer to buy lunch at the finder’s favorite spot. This small gesture not only protects your journal but also symbolizes its immense value.

Pro Tip: Use tools to enhance your setup:
A small plastic ruler template with stencils for straight lines and checkboxes.
The Moleskine journal’s back pocket, perfect for storing business cards, stamps, or thank-you notes.
A ribbon marker to bookmark key sections, like your goals page, is sewn into the Moleskine’s spine.
Adhesive, multi-colored tabs to easily access frequently used pages.

Step 2: Words to Live By
Dedicate the first page to quotes and insights that inspire you. Throughout the year, whenever something resonates, add it here. This page becomes your personal library of wisdom—a touchstone for when you need a boost or clarity.

Step 3: Brainstorm and Set Your Goals
Brainstorm the Year: Use the next page to list everything you want to accomplish—big dreams, small habits, or even wild ideas. This brainstorming session clears your mind and sets the stage for focused goal-setting.

Goals for 2025: On the following page, organize your goals into categories:
Top 3 Goals: Your biggest, non-negotiable priorities.
Physical: Health and fitness milestones.
Family: Building stronger relationships, trips, celebrations, etc.
Financial: Earning, saving, investing, or reducing debt.
Business: Career or entrepreneurial objectives.
Professional: Skills to develop or milestones to reach.

I review my goals almost daily. This structure ensures balance and clarity in your life.

Step 4: Choose Your One Word
Inspired by Jon Gordon, select one word that encapsulates your focus for the year. Write it at the top of a dedicated page, and underneath, explain your “why.” This word will serve as a daily reminder of your intentions and guide your decisions.

Step 5: Plan a Misogi, Adventures, and Habits
Borrowing from Jesse Itzler, dedicate a page to:
Misogi: A bold, life-changing challenge for the year.
Adventures: Plan fun, enriching experiences every other month.
Habits: Identify one habit to focus on each quarter.

This combination of big goals, regular adventures, and habit-building keeps your year exciting and purposeful.

Step 6: Reflect on the Past, Envision the Future
Create a page to:
Reflect on 2024: Write what you need to start, stop, and continue based on lessons learned.
Envision 2025: Describe who you want to become and what success looks like this year.

This exercise provides clarity and purpose for the year ahead.

Step 7: Monthly Layouts
Each month gets its own section, broken down as follows:
1. Quick Calendar: Note key dates, milestones, and events.
2. Wins of the Day: Dedicate space to record daily victories, keeping your mindset positive and give gratitude.
3. Habit Tracker: Use a grid to track habits like working out, reading, or journaling. Aim for streaks of consistency.
4. Monthly Goals Page:
Project to Finish: What’s one major project you’ll complete?
Physical Challenge: Set a fitness goal to keep yourself active.
Adventure: Plan or experience something exciting.
Weekly To-Dos: Assign specific tasks to each week.
Focus Areas: Define what you’ll read, write, draw, listen to, and watch this month, but customize to YOUR interests, not mine.

Step 8: Track Your Progress and Ideas
At the back of the journal, dedicate space for:
Books I Read in 2025: Track titles and key takeaways.
Highlights of 2025: Write down wins and successes, big or small, to celebrate throughout the year.
Things I Want: This page isn’t about greed; it’s about mindfulness. Often, writing things down helps you want them less or focus on what truly matters.
Recommended to Me: Capture suggestions for books, podcasts, shows, or people to connect with.

Step 9: Use It Daily
Your journal isn’t just for long-term planning—it’s your daily companion. Use it to:
Write down ideas, sketches, and reflections.
Track habits and progress.
Plan your day with intention.

Journaling is about more than productivity—it’s a practice of mindfulness, creativity, and growth.

I schedule time on the 28th of each month (because I was born on July 28) to flip through and review sections of my journal. I find things that I need to revisit, forgot about, follow-up on, take immediate action, schedule, or just catches my eye and gets me thinking in a good way.

Why This Works
Planning your year in a journal is about building a system that works for you. Each section has a purpose, and every entry contributes to your journey. The act of journaling itself is a reflective, empowering process that sharpens your focus and keeps you grounded. Use some ideas here and more importantly, customize your journal to work for you! It should be fun and meaningful. In my life, my journal is a joy!

Call to Action
Are you ready to design your best year yet? Grab a journal, set it up, and start writing your story for 2025. Remember, your journal is worth more than gold because it holds the keys to your dreams, goals, and growth. Let’s make this year unforgettable—one page at a time.

Always forward,

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

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13 Life-Changing Lessons I Learned From Meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger!

I Met My Childhood Hero and This is What He Taught Me!

I had the absolute pleasure and honor of meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio recently. Arnold has reached an unprecedented level of success in a multitude of diverse areas and is clearly one of the most iconic individuals on the planet. I’ve watched his movies. I’ve read his books. Now I’ve had the opportunity to hear him speak and shake his hand. It’s cool to meet one of your childhood heroes, especially when they are still cool.

Arnold isn’t just a celebrity. He was governor of California twice! He is an incredible chess player. He is a statesman, a philanthropist, author, speaker, actor, and more! The more I learn about him, the more impressed I become. He strives to improve in all areas of life. I’m into that. I wish I could have asked him questions or interviewed him on my podcast, but just to hear him speak and shake his hand was really cool too.

This is some of what he has taught me:

1. Your Name is Your Brand: Early in his career people tried talk Arnold out of using his real name, Schwarzenegger. They thought it would deter people. He’s now an icon! Make your name mean something. Your reputation and personal integrity are invaluable assets in life. Everything you do reflects on your name, so always uphold it. Arnold’s name represents so much in fitness, public service, movies, books, and more!

2. Fit First. Fit Final: Arnold’s focus on fitness created the discipline and habits that transferred to all areas of life. Physical fitness is not just about looking good; it’s about being disciplined, committed, and resilient. It’s a metaphor for life—building strength and endurance to face challenges head-on. Focus on getting fitter and you will improve in other areas too. He’s 76, just got a pacemaker, and he’s still rocking the gym. Let’s go! This is my #1 Goal this year.

3. Stay Relevant: Arnold is as popular now as he ever was. He’s got a hit TV show, podcast, making movies, writing bestsellers, and more. He’s been doing this for over 50 years. Luck? I think not! Adaptability and staying current are essential in a rapidly changing world. Embrace new ideas and technologies to remain relevant in your field.

4. Be Good and Kind: Arnold is a giver, and he always has been. I love that about him. I watched him look out for others. Success means nothing if it comes at the expense of others. Use your platform and resources to lift others up. I respect him so much for his commitment to the Special Olympics. Always strive to be a good person and show kindness and compassion to those around you.

5. Make Time for Others: I watched Arnold at the Arnold Classic take time to talk with everyday people like me. He just likes people! It’s awesome! I have seen so many people make it and quit connecting as if they are above that.  True fulfillment comes from meaningful connections and relationships. Prioritize spending time with loved ones and supporting those in need.

6. Build & Rule Your Empire Well: I love that Arnold is awesome at a lot of different things! I remember him starring in Conan the Barbarian, and he really has become the warrior king. He has built an empire and takes care of a lot of people. It is cool to see in real life. Success is not just about achieving your goals but also about managing them effectively. Build your empire with integrity and lead with purpose.

7. Celebrate Others: Watching Arnold watch amateur athletes at the Arnold Classic was really fun. He celebrated everyone as if they were world champions. He looks for the good in others first and foremost. Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of others. A rising tide lifts all boats, and supporting others’ success can contribute to your own.

8. Keep Adding Multiple Revenue Streams and Never Stop: Movies, sports, books, television, podcasts, apps, workout videos, newsletters and everywhere imaginable, you will find Arnold. If you want to be successful you need more than one stream of income. Diversify your sources of income and always be open to new opportunities for growth and financial stability.

9. Build a Community and Keep Them Excited: Arnold’s newsletter is great. I read it every morning. His community on his Pump Club App is on fire! Arnold has a way of bringing people together and getting them excited about the possibility of what could be. Cultivate a loyal community around your brand or mission and keep them engaged and enthusiastic about what you’re doing. It can be in the classroom, your family, or a side hustle. Build a community not customers.

10. Make Someone Else the Villain: Arnold absolutely takes ownership for his mistakes, but he has some fun with it too. I watched him speak in Columbus and someone asked if he would be on their podcast. (I’d like in on that too. LOL.) Arnold did NOT say no, instead he said, “Yes, I would love to but Keshel is responsible for booking me on podcasts. He checks on all of that and if I cannot make it, blame him,” and he laughed. It was pretty cool. Take responsibility for your actions and avoid blaming others for your failures or setbacks, but have some fun with it too. Explain to others why it might not work out. Don’t say yes and not do it, and don’t say no either.

11. Have an Annual Event and Keep Improving It: Arnold looked like he was with family at the Arnold Classic that he holds once a year, and I believe it to be true. I think we should all create an annual event to reconnect and celebrate with others. I know I am now going to do that. Create traditions or events that bring people together and continually strive to make them better each year. Arnold does!

12. Positivity Wins: Arnold seems to always have a smile on his face, even when lifting heavy weights and flexing. (Except maybe in the movies when he is fighting Predator.) Maintain a positive attitude even in the face of challenges. Optimism and resilience can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

13. Partner with Others: Arnold’s a BIG deal, but he understands the importance of partnering with others like the editors of his newsletter Adam Borstein and Danny Keschel as well as other actors and leaders in his lifetime. As an actor, governor, and businessman, Arnold is smart to make partnerships and work with others. We need to do the same. Collaboration and partnerships can amplify your impact and bring about mutually beneficial outcomes.

I really could easily add thirteen more, but this is already too long. I recommend reading his books, joining his Pump Club app, and subscribing to his newsletter.

Arnold is a competitor. He seeks competition because it pushes him. I heard him tell others to Get a Mission! Work Hard! and Be Useful! I became a founding member of his Pump Club and I would love to interview him on my Wired Educator Podcast to inspire educators and students and talk about his commitment to The Special Olympics.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wisdom encompasses far more than just lifting weights or starring in action movies. His insights into success, integrity, and resilience are applicable to all aspects of life. Let’s embrace these lessons and strive to become the best versions of ourselves, just as Arnold has done throughout his extraordinary life.

The two books I read of his are:

Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life 

and

Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder (Which teaches us how to get after our goals.)

In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m sorta a big fan of Arnold. I wanted to share this very special memory with you.

Let’s continue to inspire and uplift one another. Everyone has something to teach us, whether they are as famous as Arnold, a colleague or neighbor. Take time to connect and learn from everyone we encounter.

Always forward,

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

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Greatness is…

Redefining How to Bring Greatness Into Your Life

I love the absolute brilliance of variety and diversity in our world. Every sunset is a unique masterpiece. So many different and colorful birds. Music collections of countless genres and masters in so many differing styles, instruments and vocals. Galleries of enchanting art of differing styles and tastes. Social media content creators sharing their talents of seeming unbelievable abilities. I love them all.  I could write volumes on all the amazing varieties of our world.

(U2 at the Sphere in Las Vegas with my wife, Lori.)

What I call greatness may or may not be appreciated by those around me, and boy do we have the means to overshare about that. Still, what I call greatness matters to me, and it’s worth pursuing and worth sharing.

My thirty-three years in education and many travels have introduced me to so many who sadly believe there is nothing great about them, nor ever will be. A good part of my career and passion as a parent, educator, author and speaker has been to convince otherwise.

I remember teaching one of my daughters to drive and in that very special time being alone in the car and free from the chains of devices, she shared a thought on life, “I just want to be great at something, dad.” She was. She is. I told her.

We all want the experience of greatness. Society’s measurements of greatness are harmful. This toxicity spreads into our homes, workplace, leisure and it spoils the living of life in the sense that things we should be proud and happy about are soured by the awfulness of comparison. Comparison can paralyze and impede.

Greatness is not a template or scale that we stand upon to be measured and weighed. I do not need a publisher to tell me my story is worth reading. I do not need a gallery’s invitation to give my art value and meaning. I do not need a calculation of likes or hearts to make a post worthy of sharing. Greatness is not a number in a record book. No, greatness to me is in fact defined quite differently.

Greatness is…

  • triumph over your greatest challenge.
  • positively impacting the life of another.
  • the courage to share something of which you are deeply proud.
  • the pursuit of a dream or personal improvement.
  • helping others to feel valued.
  • deeply personal.

Find your greatness. It looks different for everyone.

Be kind to yourself as you pursue it and measure your greatness against no one but yourself.

Feeling a bit braver? Offer authentic encouragement and joy to another for their efforts.

Getting your feet on the floor in the morning or taking one small step to toward your greatest challenge may seem personally insignificant, but in reality its greatness is as significant as the Olympian who shaved seconds of their last time.

You have greatness inside of you at this very moment. It’s waiting to be released. At any moment you have the capability to do great things. Immerse yourself in the positivity of this knowledge. In that moment of choice to move forward and advance, something wonderful is happening. Greatness.

It takes to courage to be great. The only way we can find the courage is to say ‘yes’ and take action.

Always forward,

Kelly

I am a professional speaker, and I would like to speak at your event.

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

 

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My Secret Board of Directors

A Collection of Amazing People Who Unknowingly Guide Many of My Decisions

I have a secret board of directors. They unknowingly guide many of my decisions. They are without a doubt the greatest assembly of mind, virtue and practice ever collected. I kid you not.

I assembled them years ago after being inspired by the writings of Dale Carnegie, Brian Tracy and Andy Andrews.

Just imagine if you had access to the sharpest minds in the world, or in all of history, to offer you advice in the areas of finance, health, relationships, professional success or whatever decision you are currently facing. Well, you do.

These board members I assembled were at first were just people I admired and whose point of view and values I would apply to major decisions I was facing. Some of them from history, long since deceased, and others so famous and successful that I would be unable to gain actual access to them. Still, I could study their lives. Their work. I could learn from their lessons, and I could apply their success and failures to my own life. And… I have.

This idea of a secret board of directors began to take on new iterations over time. I wondered, “What if I could ask them real questions and get immediate feedback?” I studied my friend circle and the connections I had made over the years and started categorizing acquaintances in particular categories that I admired. I would send them scenarios or questions and they readily shared their thoughts. I then shared their ideas with others in the same category of brilliance to gauge their response and development of the ideas.

 

In deep reflection, I would pose a questions to my diverse board. Perhaps I was making an expensive purchase for the family, what would my assembled board say, and how would they vote. These are big life questions, not grocery shopping mind you. I would journal the names of my ‘acting’ board. Pose the question. (Applying for a job, buying a home, etc,) I’d jot down notes of different perspectives, and tally the votes. Maybe this sounds crazy, but it works. You can’t consider every perspective or you’d remain indecisive.

My secret board of directors has served me well. Perhaps you are on mine. Seriously. You wouldn’t know. Click to Read More

 

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Speaker at the COSSBA Conference in Tampa!

Honored to Speak at The National Conference for the Consortium of State School Boards Associations, Tampa, Florida

It was an honor to speak at The National Conference for the Consortium of State School Boards Associations last weekend in Tampa, Florida.

National Conferences are particularly inspiring because of the opportunity for people across the nation to share, inspire and network solutions to our greatest challenges.

This conference was memorable because I co-presented with my superintendent, Pat Adkins. Our presentation highlighted the great work our district’s staff is doing at Port Clinton Schools. Pat led the presentation and absolutely inspired our audience with the amazing initiatives happening in our district. Our title was “Safe, Healthy and Learning! How Leaders Can Prioritize and Implement Solutions to Improve the Safety and Wellness of Students, Staff and Family as a Crucial Component of On-Going Learning.” Click to Read More

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3 Things You Own That Are Keeping You From What You Want

We own a lot of stuff.

I recently looked at a house for sale, and two thoughts immediately came to my mind, “Wow! These people own a lot of stuff. If we were to buy this house, how would they ever pack it all up?” The second was, “My family sure owns a lot of stuff, how would we ever pack it all up?”

Among all of the physical trinkets, items, and perhaps even necessities in our life, there are other ‘things’ we own that we are not even aware of that have a negative impact. They aren’t packed in a box or sitting on a shelf. We carry them with us everywhere we go.  Becoming aware of the ownership of these things and taking small steps to remove them will go a long way in our own personal success and happiness, as well as the happiness and success of all the people around us.

There are three things that you own that are keeping you from everything that you want.

That’s a pretty bold statement, but it’s true, and one of them is a goat. Yep, a goat.

I’m as guilty as the next person. Owning these three things have prevented me from the relationships I want, the opportunities I want, and even the things I want in life.

Here are the three things you own that are keeping you from what you want, and what you can do about it: Click to Read More

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Books I Read in 2022 and Some Thoughts on Reading

I find great enjoyment and personal growth in reading every day. I am not a fast reader. I tend to take my time with my books, and I really try to apply what I am learning.

I am including a list of the books I read in 2022 in this post, but first some thoughts on reading:

Reflecting on my reading for last year I have three takeaways:

  1. First, I would like to read more fiction. I think we all need a story in our head. We need a diversion from the seriousness and busyness of life. We need to see there are problems bigger than what we are facing. We need to be inspired. I only read one piece of fiction last year. I will do better.
  2. Next, reading a lot is NOT the goal. I am not trying to read for mileage, but for enjoyment and to learn. If I can read more, wonderful! It’s not a competition. One book can change a life. I want to read those books. I want to write those books.
  3. Finally, I resolve to mix up and diversify my reading for this year. I read too much in the same categories, same authors, and my reading is pretty predictable. I did a little better on this last year, but I hope to discover some gems outside my wheelhouse of reading.

Five things I read reach day: Click to Read More

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My Habit Trackers, To-Do Lists and Journals

If you want something done you either do it now or you schedule it. Since you can’t do everything at once, you might be creating a pretty long list.

I’m proud of the accomplishments in my life, but I’ve got more on the way. In fact, I think I am just getting started.

I’m proud of what I accomplish each year, month, week and most days. It’s not luck. What I finish is the result of goal setting in my journals, habit tracking, and a daily to-do list.

I am sharing with you the exact tools I use, both physical and digital, of how I work in hopes you will find some value in them and try them out, as well as share some of your tools and processes in the comments.

Click to Read More