You Get What
You Give

Francesca Hodgson opens this New Year's piece with a central thesis: "You get what you give." She examines how personal energy, decisions, and perspective shape both individual satisfaction and the spaces we inhabit.

The author illustrates that even during difficult circumstances, individuals retain agency over their reactions. A simple mental reorientation—such as selecting thankfulness instead of annoyance—can fundamentally shift a scenario's emotional tenor.

Hodgson references Mo Gawdat, a former Google executive who channeled grief into purpose following his son's death. Through his "One Billion Happy" initiative, Gawdat demonstrates that adversity can spark meaningful worldwide contribution, supporting her argument about resilience and constructive action.

The piece emphasizes alignment between daily behaviors and personal principles. Hodgson suggests modest acts—genuine smiles, encouraging remarks, deliberate appreciation—establish cascading benefits affecting oneself and surrounding individuals.

She highlights the MOB community's expansion as evidence of value-sharing and meaningful relationship-building. Looking toward 2025, Hodgson commits to strengthening these networks.

Central Directive for 2025

Embrace "You get what you give" thinking by prioritizing genuine connection, constructive energy, and purpose-aligned decisions, thereby creating personal satisfaction and lifting others.

Suggested Resources: Netflix's *The Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger*; follow Francesca on LinkedIn and Instagram.