25 Lessons That Will Inform My 2025

1. Life Lessons: Foundation for Everything

Be a creator, not a consumer.
You were made in the image of the Creator of the universe—we were created to create. Think about it: they’re called news "feeds" because they just feed your soul anxiety and dopamine. What would it look like if you used every platform this year to contribute instead of consume?
Doing the boring and mundane consistently makes you anything but boring and mundane.
Whether it’s finances, health, or faith—discipline is destiny. Do it well, and in 5-10 years, you’ll be unrecognizable in the best way.
"No" is a complete sentence.
Protect your “yes” for the things that matter most—it’ll change your entire calendar and your peace of mind.
Plan something exciting every month and put it on the calendar.
The anticipation alone is a game-changer for your mental health. Here’s the McCanless Family Calendar Strategy:
- Once a month: Host friends for a meal or hangout.
- Every other month: Plan a day trip or weekend getaway.
- Twice a year: Plan a longer vacation, even if it’s a staycation.
Do hard things.
Comfort leaves you exposed. Fun fact: back pain is the most common issue in the U.S. because we’ve prioritized comfortable chairs and couches, which cause our back muscles to weaken. Comfort might feel good now, but it has long-term consequences.

2. Emotional & Mental Health: Strengthen Your Mind and Guard Your Heart

Don’t force your kids to live at the pace of an adult.
They’re not acting out—they’re just pushing back against a pace they weren’t designed for.
Go to therapy or talk to a mentor regularly.
We check in with doctors for our bodies and financial advisors for our money—so why wouldn’t we do the same for our mental health?
Confession: I’ve put this on the back burner, but in 2025, I’m making it a priority.
Check in on your friends and family.
When someone says they’re "good," maybe lean in a little more. Listen more than you talk. Be the friend you’d need.
You’re not behind.
Social media makes you feel like you’re always behind the 8-ball. But success looks different for everyone. That person on Instagram? They’re showing you the highlight reel. And honestly—would you ever scrapbook your worst day? Of course not.
The elephant walks while the dog barks.
People will always have something to say. Let it roll off your back—unless it’s feedback from someone you should be listening to. (Pro tip: I have a list of 10-20 people saved in my phone. When they speak, I listen. Everyone else? Play it by ear ;)

3. Spiritual Health: Nourish Your Soul

Stop being surprised when the world acts like the world.
We believe Scripture but then get confused when bad things happen. You’re not called to save the world— only Jesus can do that…you’re called to be a light in it.
Sabbath means to delight.
Take time to step into the “unforced rhythms of grace.” Once a week, break from the norm and do something God would smile upon. Maybe it’s no screen time. Maybe it’s coffee with a friend. Maybe it’s tea and journaling. Whatever it is, delight in it.
What’s your 1%?
We’re really good at giving 99% of ourselves to God, but what’s the 1% you’re holding back? The old hymn says, “I surrender all.” That last 1% says a lot about what you hold most dear. What would it look like to lay that down and leave it at the feet of Jesus this year?
Find your Peter, James, and John.
Who is in your inner circle—the ones who hold you accountable, speak truth, and make you the best version of yourself? Tell them everything. Satan loves the shadows, so find 2-3 trusted friends who help keep you in the light.
Don’t forget that your ministry starts at home.
Nobody cares if you’re at church every Sunday if your kids, spouse, or friends get a completely different version of you at home. True transformation starts with the renewing of your mind—and it should be evident at home first.

4. Physical Health: Strength for the Journey

7,000 steps a day reduces your chances of the four leading causes of chronic death (Heart Disease, Cancer, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Type 2 Diabetes) by 70%.
It’s not about perfection, but progress. Walking isn’t flashy, but it’s effective.
No one performs their best when they sleep their worst.
Hustle isn’t a badge of honor if you’re doing it on borrowed time. True rest is the secret weapon no one talks about.
Stop chasing fads and quick fixes.
Get a blood test, learn your body’s basic macros, find 2-3 key supplements that you’re deficient in, and eat whole foods. Simplicity wins every time.
Get outside and move your body.
Even a simple stretch or walk to the bathroom once an hour adds up over time.
Drink water.
Your body is over 70% water—treat it like a priority. The fuel you put into your body determines how well it runs.

5. Catch-All: Life Lessons Worth Remembering

Perfectionism will keep you from sharing your voice with the world.
Here’s a mind-blowing fact: This blog post took me a couple of hours, and you’ll probably spend less than a minute reading it. But if you walk away with one useful thing, I win—because I gave value. Stop waiting for “perfect.” There are New York Times Bestsellers with typos.
Clarity and commitment go hand in hand.
I read a quote recently that said, “You only need two things: clarity on where you want to go and an unwavering commitment to get there.”
The Greatest Showman wisdom:
One of my favorite lines in the movie:
“Charity Barnum: You don't need everyone to love you, Phin. Just a few good people!”
At the end of the day, if my wife knows I love and value her, my kids know I’m there for them, and my close friends and family know the real me, I’m winning in life.
“There you are” vs. “Here I am.”
As my pastor often reminds us, have a “There you are” mindset, not a “Here I am” mindset. It’s convicting, but I think we could all benefit from that reframe.
Assume the best. Don’t complain.
These two simple actions are mindset game-changers.

Final Thought:

There’s a lot more than 25 lessons here—but that’s my starting point. Will this list work for you? Maybe, maybe not. Is it foolproof? Not a chance—I wrote it! ;)

My goal is to become the best version of myself by contributing to the will of God, being a faithful and loving husband to Aspyn Lee, a present and fun dad to my two boys, and a good friend.

Love you all. Happy 2025.

Always in your corner,

-LM