Maurice F. Martin is a dynamic motivational speaker, transformational coach, and certified counselor dedicated to helping leaders reignite their passion, embrace purpose, and lead with unwavering authenticity. As the co-founder of Total Harmony Leadership Solutions, Maurice specializes in guiding individuals to achieve personal and professional breakthroughs by fostering balance and clarity in their leadership journey.
2024: My most anxious year in almost a decade. High highs, low lows, and some shaky in-betweens where I grew, learned, and evolved in ways I probably don’t even fully understand yet. Does anyone else have quite the year?
One of the greatest lessons I’m learning is this: it’s not enough to just acknowledge what you went through in a former season. We must lean into the deep lessons those seasons produced. Said differently, if you go through it but don’t learn from it, you’re bound to painfully repeat it. But if you grow through it, if you truly learn from it, you’ll find yourself miles ahead: stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
As leaders, it’s important to understand that both good and bad moments happen to us all. But how do we embrace and grow from those moments? That’s not a one-size-fits-all journey.
So here I am, writing this on the final day of 2024. As a motivational speaker and transformational coach, I’ve realized something essential: I must recognize, strategize, and weaponize my deepest lessons not just for myself but for those I’m called to serve.
3 powerful takeaways I’m carrying into 2025
1. Take what you can, leave the rest behind
Perhaps you thought this was implied by my title, but trust me, there’s deep wisdom in this lesson. Let me keep it real: I carried some things into 2024 that weighed me down, held me back, and kept me in a constant state of frustration. If I’m being honest, I have a tendency to stay loyal to people, places, and things that are no longer serving me.
This year, I truly learned the incredible importance of letting go, letting God, and moving forward.
I recently had a conversation with a coaching client who was feeling overwhelmed by a few areas of his life. He’s a successful person by every outward measure, but it’s always the things we struggle to let go of that seem to burden us the most. We talked about how he couldn’t stop hyperfocusing on one area that was causing extreme stress and worry, a situation he couldn’t change no matter how much effort he poured into it.
Maybe you’ve been there. As entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community influencers, we must understand that controlling what we can control is not just a recommendation; it’s a requirement. There will always be areas of life that remain outside our reach, no matter how hard we try or how much effort we invest. Sometimes, we hit the point of realizing we’ve fully exhausted our emotions, time, and energy in a particular area.
The key is crystal clear: learn to honor what that thing once meant to your life, take the greatest memories and lessons it gave you, and then grow forward.
For some of us, it’s a relationship with a person who no longer serves us a friend who isn’t growing at the same pace we are or a former business partner we’ve outgrown as we continue to level up. For others, it’s a place of business or ministry that once felt like home but no longer aligns with where we are or where we’re going.
Here’s the wisdom: don’t hold on to something that’s no longer holding you up. Don’t make something a priority if it’s made you an option. And don’t keep investing in a situation that takes all your deposits but leaves you perpetually empty.
The process is simple but not easy: assess the situation. Take the memories and lessons from that season. Mourn it. Yes, I said mourn, so allow yourself to feel what you need to feel about it. Then, with a clear heart and mind, move forward.
I can’t begin to describe how much freedom my family and I experienced this year simply because we chose to move on from situations we had held onto for far too long. If you’re burned out, stressed, or overwhelmed, ask yourself this: is something I’ve been holding onto contributing to my burnout? Is it weighing me down in this season of life?
Remember, just because something served you well before doesn’t mean it’s meant to stay forever. Growth often requires change. As you step into 2025, don’t carry anything with you that’s only going to weigh you down.
And here’s where we transition: as liberating as it is to let go of what no longer serves us, the next lesson is equally vital. Once you’ve made space by leaving behind what’s weighing you down, you must fill that space with purpose and intention. Let’s talk about how to do that in Lesson 2.
2. Embrace the power of your voice
Your voice is powerful, so don’t forget it.
As leaders, it’s easy to underestimate just how needed your unique perspective is in this world. Life gets busy, challenges pile up, and we can fall into the trap of believing that our voice doesn’t carry the weight it actually does. But let me remind you: there is no one on earth who has your exact journey, your specific experiences, or your distinctive outlook. The world benefits when you boldly step forward and share it.
As a motivational speaker and author, I’ve seen firsthand how words can transform lives. But let me tell you a hard truth: often, it’s the words that go unsaid that hold the greatest power.
When I sit down with burned-out business leaders, stressed-out educators, beat-up entrepreneurs, or even frustrated teens, there’s a common theme I hear over and over. They’re carrying words, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations that are screaming in their minds but never make it to the surface. Those unspoken words fester, influencing their emotions, decisions, and even their sense of self-worth.
Maybe 2024 was a year where you held in words that you desperately needed to let out. Maybe it was a year where someone in your life needed your wisdom, your empathy, or even your tough-love motivation, but you stayed silent. Hear me clearly: the world is better because you’re in it. But that truth comes alive when you step out of hiding and stand as the most authentic version of yourself.
This isn’t about talking for the sake of talking. It’s about recognizing that there will be moments in 2025 when you will be the critical voice in a situation. Times when your perspective, your courage, and your honesty will bring light to someone else’s darkness or clarity to a moment of confusion.
The question is: will you shrink back, or will you boldly step forward?
I’m challenging you to prepare for those defining moments now. Decide that when those moments come, and they will come, you won’t hold back. You’ll choose to speak up. You’ll choose to lean in with authenticity and courage, knowing that your voice can elevate, inspire, and even change the course of someone’s life.
But remember, embracing the power of your voice isn’t just about others. It’s about you, too. You have thoughts you need to confront, truths you need to acknowledge, and emotions you need to express. Your voice has just as much power to set you free as it does to inspire those around you.
So, as you prepare to walk into 2025, I challenge you to stop holding back. Step into your authentic self and let your voice ring out with purpose. You never know whose life might change, yours included.
As we move into Lesson 3, we’ll dive into another critical key for growth in the coming year: the importance of owning your moments and making each one count. Let’s talk about what that means and how it can set the tone for everything else.
3. Own your moments; be present with intentionality
In 2025, I want to challenge you to own your moments.
It sounds simple, right? But let’s be honest: how many of us live fully present in the moment? As leaders, entrepreneurs, or parents, our minds are often anywhere but here. We’re stuck replaying past failures or racing ahead, consumed by tomorrow’s to-do list.
But here’s the truth: you can’t lead well or live well if you’re not truly present.
At times, we measure success in the wrong ways. We tell ourselves we’re “leading well” because the team is hitting the numbers or the family is showing up to all their responsibilities. But if we’re honest, we realize that true success is more than checking the box; it’s about showing up all the way and filling the box.
I never thought about it quite like that until I sat down to write this article. But as I stand at the beginning of 2025, I know this is one of my biggest takeaways: I want to fill the box.
I want to show up with the greatest parts of me for the people, places, and things that matter most. I don’t just want to go through the motions. I want to lead with intention, live with meaning, and give my absolute best. And I want the same for you.
Owning your moments means showing up with intentionality. It’s about giving 100% of yourself to the person in front of you or the task at hand, whether that’s your team, your family, or even your own self-care.
But let’s take it a step further. Owning your moments also means recognizing the weight of certain moments. Not all moments are created equal. Some have the power to define the trajectory of your year or your life. These moments often come unexpectedly: an opportunity to repair a broken relationship, a chance to speak up in a meeting, or the courage to say yes to something you’ve been afraid of.
The key is to be present enough to recognize those moments when they come.
Here’s how to start owning your moments in 2025:
Identify your priorities. If everything is important, nothing is. Decide what truly matters most to you this year: your family, your health, your faith, or your career, and let that guide where you invest your time and energy.
Practice presence daily. Turn off distractions, silence your phone, and commit to being fully present in conversations and tasks. Even five minutes of undivided attention can make a profound difference.
Celebrate small wins. Life isn’t just about the big moments; it’s about stringing together a series of small, intentional actions. Celebrate them as you go.
Be willing to pause. When life feels overwhelming, it’s okay to step back, reset, and refocus. Sometimes, owning your moment means taking a breath and reevaluating what matters most.
Let me say this loud and clear: the greatest leaders are not the ones who do the most; they’re the ones who are most present in the moments that matter most.
So, as you step into this new year, ask yourself: How can I show up more fully for the people I serve? How can I recognize the moments that have the power to shape my future?
Let’s not just check the box in 2025. Let’s fill it. Let’s own every moment with everything we have. Those moments might just be the key to making 2025 your most impactful year yet.
Reflecting on the journey ahead
As we step boldly into 2025, let’s commit to leading and living in ways that truly matter. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about filling them with purpose, passion, and the best parts of who we are. Your voice, your presence, and your intentionality have the power to transform your leadership, your relationships, and your life.
But here’s the truth: transformation doesn’t just happen. It requires commitment, action, and the willingness to step into the uncomfortable to grow. That’s why I created something designed to help you take what you’ve read here and bring it to life in a practical, powerful way.
Call to action: Join the total harmony challenge
If you’re ready to lead with purpose and live with intentionality in 2025, I invite you to join The Total Harmony Challenge.
This free 21-day challenge is your opportunity to start the year with clarity, focus, and momentum. Together, we’ll tackle:
Daily motivation: Start every day with fresh insights to inspire and challenge you.
Practical steps: Learn actionable strategies to prioritize what matters and lead effectively.
Intentional growth: Build habits that align with the leader and person you’re called to be.
You’ll also join a community of like-minded individuals who are ready to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact. Let’s be honest: real transformation happens when we do the work together.
Here’s the best part: It’s free. Your only investment is your commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.
So, here’s the question: are you ready to stop surviving and start thriving? Are you ready to show up for yourself, your family, and the people who need your voice and presence the most?
Let’s make 2025 the year where you lead boldly, live intentionally, and walk confidently into the purpose you were created for. I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
The time is now. Let’s rise together.
At Total Harmony Leadership Solutions, we specialize in helping leaders embrace the journey toward total harmony where vision, health, and impact align. Don’t settle. Reach out today to gain a fresh perspective and build the thriving culture your team deserves.
To inquire about bringing Maurice F. Martin in as a speaker for your organization, visit here.
Maurice F. Martin, Motivational Speaker and Transformational Coach
Maurice F. Martin is a dynamic motivational speaker, transformational coach, and certified counselor dedicated to helping leaders reignite their passion, embrace purpose, and lead with unwavering authenticity. As the co-founder of Total Harmony Leadership Solutions, Maurice specializes in guiding individuals to achieve personal and professional breakthroughs by fostering balance and clarity in their leadership journey.
Maurice’s second book, Your But Is Too Big, became a No.1 New Release in Christian Counseling and Christian Faith, solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice in personal development. He also hosts the popular Hope Rising Podcast, where he inspires listeners to navigate life's challenges with courage and faith.
