Why the Right Leader Can Change Everything
January 8, 2026
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We often view the New Year as an opportunity for fresh starts—new goals, new habits, new ambitions. However, these goals can sometimes feel empty if they’re not grounded in a deeper sense of purpose. In my latest video, I share a story inspired by legendary rugby player Dan Carter that illustrates this powerful lesson:
Your Purpose Must Be Bigger Than Your Goal
Dan Carter is widely regarded as one of the best rugby players of all time, having been a cornerstone of the New Zealand All Blacks. While his list of accomplishments is long, what makes his story truly remarkable is how he reached—and sustained—excellence.
Dan Carter rose to the pinnacle of rugby, known for his pinpoint accuracy and calm demeanor under pressure. He became a linchpin of the world-famous All Blacks, a team whose success rate stands at nearly 80% over a century.
Every success story has a turning point. For Carter, a career-threatening injury forced him to reassess his “why.” This wasn’t just a physical challenge—it was a test of his resilience and motivation.
Rehabilitation tested his body and mind. Doubts crept in. Yet he pressed on, driven by a purpose to inspire his teammates and future players. Carter returned stronger than before. His bigger purpose fueled his success and made his goals more meaningful.
Setting goals is essential; they give us direction and benchmarks for progress. But when obstacles arise or motivation dips, it’s your purpose—the deeper reason behind your goals—that keeps you going. Purpose ignites resilience and fosters a sense of meaning that pushes you through adversity.
If you’re looking to clarify or reignite your purpose this year, start by asking yourself:
It doesn’t mean you can’t become more. But for now, let’s focus on your primary purpose for 2025.
Once you define that purpose, it still isn’t enough. Yes, it will guide your actions. Yes, it will shape your decisions. Yes, it will hold you accountable.
But there’s still more work to do.
Every leader, including you has moments of doubt and insecurity. This doesn’t mean you aren’t good or worthy enough, it just means you’re human. It’s in moments like these I remind all leaders in the Accelerate Leadership Program or Executive Coaching clients of this important leadership principle:
Just because you haven't, doesn't mean you can't
What you need is to define your Faith Words, this is a simple phrase you are going to carry with you in the new year. It’s more than a word it’s a mantra that will sustain and inspire you in moments of doubt.
Here are some examples:
As you shape your goals for the new year, keep asking yourself: “What’s the deeper purpose of what I’m trying to achieve, and how can it benefit others?” When you align your goals with a bigger purpose, you give yourself the best possible chance of success and fulfillment.
Feel free to reach out or drop a comment below with your thoughts or personal experiences. Let’s make this a year of purposeful achievement!
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About the Author: John Eades is the CEO of LearnLoft. He was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices. John is also the author of Building the Best: 8 Proven Leadership Principles to Elevate Others to Success. You can follow him on Instagram @johngeades.
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