On Wednesday, January 29th, we will celebrate the Lunar New Year. This time of joy, reflection, and renewal is celebrated by nearly two billion people worldwide – 25 % of the global population. Though it is most closely associated with people of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese heritage, its themes of connection, hope, and new beginnings are universal. Everyone is invited to join in this festive celebration.
2025 is often called the Year of the Golden Snake, but its true designation, more accurately, is the Year of the Wood Snake. While “golden” might sound more glamorous and marketable, the “wood snake” carries a deeper meaning. It symbolizes wisdom and talent – qualities essential for transformation and growth.
I also love the snake shedding its skin metaphor. It reminds us of the power of change and the courage to leave behind old versions of ourselves. Growth often feels uncomfortable, but that discomfort is where transformation begins. As they say, progress happens at the edges of our comfort zone.
A Lesson from My Grandmother: Progress Over Prosperity
Growing up in Malaysia, Lunar New Year always held a special place in my heart. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother’s unique approach to New Year greetings. Instead of the popular Gong Xi Fa Cai (Congratulations on Getting Rich) 恭喜发财, she would wish others Xin Nian Jin Bu 新年进步(May You Progress in the New Year).
As children, we followed her lead out of respect, but when she wasn’t around, we cheekily reverted to Gong Xi Fa Cai, hoping to earn a little extra red pocket money from other adults. It wasn’t until I grew older that I understood her wisdom. She valued growth and progress over financial gain, teaching us that pursuing a growth mindset was more fulfilling and enduring than chasing money alone.
Her message remains timeless: Success isn’t just about material wealth. It’s about becoming better, stronger, wiser, and progressing in our unique journeys.
The Meaning of Fu: Creating Our Own Blessings
The Chinese character Fu (福) is a central symbol of the Lunar New Year. Depending on the context, it can mean blessing, prosperity, happiness, fortune, or luck. In recent years, I’ve noticed it increasingly linked with Xing Fu (幸福), which translates to happiness and fulfillment.
This connection raises important questions:
- How do we define a good life?
- How much wealth or success is enough?
- Who decides if we’ve been fulfilled at the end of our lives?
These questions bring us back to the essence of Fu. While many view blessings as something external – granted by luck, chance, or divine intervention – I’ve come to believe that Fu is something we create for ourselves. We activate the blessings already within us through kindness, courage, and self-compassion.
Warren Buffett’s Take on Success
Even Warren Buffett, one of the world’s wealthiest and most successful investors, emphasizes the importance of relationships over riches. In her biography The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life, Alice Schroeder recounts Buffett’s interaction with students at the University of Georgia.
When asked, “What’s your definition of success?” Buffett didn’t mention money, land, or stocks. Instead, he said: “Success is when the people you want to love you actually do love you.”
He elaborated: “I know people who have a lot of money, and they get testimonial dinners and hospital wings named after them. But the truth is, nobody in the world loves them. If you get to my age in life and nobody thinks well of you, I don’t care how big your bank account is – your life is a disaster.”
This perspective aligns beautifully with how I now interpret Fu. True blessings are not measured in dollars or titles but in the relationships we nurture and the respect we earn.
As leaders, we are privileged and responsible for serving, inspiring, and developing others. While leadership isn’t about cultivating love from our teams per se, it is about leaving a legacy of respect and growth. Lead in a way that people remember fondly – not as someone whose departure sparks secret celebrations.
This principle also applies to our personal lives. Whether with family, friends, or colleagues, strive to build relationships built on trust, kindness, and integrity.
Your New Year’s Call to Action: Progress and Transformation
As we enter the Year of the Wood Snake, take this opportunity to embrace change, growth, and self-discovery. Shed the past, as the snake sheds its skin, and step into a new version of yourself.
Ask yourself:
- What progress do I want to make this year as a leader?
- How can I show kindness to others and myself when I lead?
- What legacy do I want to leave behind in my personal and professional relationships?
Remember, Fu is already within you. It is up to you to recognize it and bring it to life.
As my grandmother would always say: Xin Nian Jin Bu! 新年进步!
May you Progress in the New Year!
The views and opinions expressed in this content are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organization I am affiliated with.