One Toad at a Time in 2025

It’s hard to believe how much has changed since the pandemic turned our world upside down. While the immediate crisis may have passed, its impact still lingers—in the way we work, connect, and think about leadership. The pandemic made one thing undeniably clear: life is unpredictable. And in that unpredictability, we’ve had to learn to adapt—often on the fly.

But in 2025, the question is: Do we keep living in response mode, or do we take back control? The chaos and uncertainty of the past few years have left many of us feeling drained. It’s tempting to stay in survival mode, constantly reacting to whatever comes our way. But to truly move forward, we need to shift gears. We need to stop reacting and start leading with intention.

That starts by doing something simple, but not always easy: licking the toad.

You know what I mean—the tasks we dread, the ones we keep putting off because they’re uncomfortable or unpleasant. They sit on our lists, weigh on our minds, and distract us from what really matters. Yet when we face them head-on, the result is powerful. Doing so not only boosts your productivity, but also helps clear mental space for more important decisions. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “You may delay, but time will not.”

This idea is at the heart of Kevin N. Lawrence’s book, Your Oxygen Mask First. In Chapter Five, “Licking Your Toads,” he encourages leaders to stop avoiding the hard stuff and instead confront it early and often. It’s deceptively simple: Identify your toads. Make a plan. Tackle them. It’s a principle I’m carrying with me this year—both professionally and personally.

Because it’s not just about getting things done. It’s about clearing the mental clutter so we can lead more effectively, think more clearly, and focus on what matters most.

So, as we navigate this new era—shaped by change, but full of opportunity—ask yourself: What are the toads you’ve been avoiding? And what would it mean to face them, one by one?

Here’s to leading with clarity, not chaos. With purpose, not panic.

One toad at a time.