As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the highs, the lows, and the unexpected twists that defined 2024. I’m sure you’re doing the same—wondering where the time went, what you accomplished, and what still feels incomplete. And boy, oh boy, is it easy to be mad at yourself for the things you didn’t do, what you didn’t accomplish, and the revenue targets you didn’t hit. I’ve definitely caught myself in moments of self-loathing, and if you’re a passionate business owner, you’ve likely done the same.
Reflection is powerful, and I hope sharing my lessons inspires you to shape your 2025.
2024: A Year of Learning and Growth
2024 was a year of learning, growth, and, frankly, a lot of figuring things out. After a spiritual journey that was difficult, life-changing, and deeply transformative, I had to make decisions. Decisions to let you see the spiritual side of me and figure out a way to add it to the strategic side you already knew. Decisions to be more and do less, stop holding onto the version of me that wanted more and more, and embrace the part that says “deeper and better.”
2024 was about full surrender—finding clarity and trusting that we live in a friendly universe and that people are mostly good.
I don’t know what your year looked like, but growth rarely comes in a straight line. Transformation is painful because it asks you to let go of something so that something new can come in. One of my favorite phrases is:
“Take away what is not mine, so that what is, can come in.”
In the most challenging moments, we experience the most growth. Here are my lessons from 2024.
Lessons from 2024
1. Clarity is Non-Negotiable
Clarity is the foundation of everything—your business, your relationships, your personal growth. Without it, you’re spinning your wheels. Clarity means knowing what you want and why you want it. It’s about making decisions with intention, not just reacting to what unfolds in real time.
This year, I asked myself hard questions:
- Is this still working for me?
- Is this aligned with my bigger vision?
- Am I spending my time and energy on what still matters to me?
If you’re stuck in the infinity loop of “just getting through,” chances are you need clarity about your purpose and passion. Take time to sit with those questions.
2. Letting Go is Growth
“Just let it go” is easy to say and hard to do. Personally, I had to let go of projects, ideas, and even relationships that no longer aligned with my shifted priorities.
Letting go makes room for what matters. If you’re holding onto something out of fear, obligation, or habit, ask yourself:
- Is this still aligned with who I want to be?
- What would happen if I released it?
The freedom and possibility on the other side are worth it.
3. Small, Deliberate Steps Lead to Big Change
We often overestimate what we can do in a day and underestimate what we can achieve in a year. This year, I learned to focus on small but deliberate actions that build momentum.
Instead of obsessing over the end goal, I focused on improving my customer experience and serving the clients I already had. Progress isn’t about massive leaps; it’s about showing up every day and doing the work.
4. Community is Everything
If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that we can’t do it alone. Your community—your family, your team, your network—is one of your greatest assets.
“Chasing a vague ‘there’ doesn’t help you enjoy the here and now.”
Focus on building relationships that celebrate your success and remind you of your journey. Collaboration and connection will take you further than you ever thought possible.
5. Your Mindset is Your Greatest Asset
This year, I saw how the stories I tell myself—about what’s possible, about my worth, about my capacity—directly impact my outcomes.
What are you telling yourself? Are those stories helping or hindering you? Expecting the worst and hoping for the best doesn’t work. Expect the best, and visualize it. A small shift in perspective can create a ripple effect of positive change.
How to Do Better in 2025
Here’s how I’m planning to step into 2025 with more intention, and I invite you to join me.
1. Set Intentions, Not Just Goals
Goals are important, but intentions keep you connected to your “why.” This year, I’ll be asking:
- What kind of person do I want to be?
- What do I need to do to become that?
- What experiences do I want to have?
- How do I want to feel?
Change is an inside job. Start now.
2. Audit Your Time and Energy
Your time and energy are your most valuable resources, and you need to protect them. My friend Erin practices “No’vember”—a month dedicated to saying no to anything that doesn’t align.
In 2025, I’m committing to auditing how I spend my time. If it doesn’t align with my priorities or bring me closer to my goals, it’s a no.
3. Invest in Yourself
Whether it’s learning a new skill, hiring a coach, or taking time to rest, investing in yourself is never a waste.
4. Focus on Relationships
Relationships are what give life meaning. This year, I’m doubling down on the relationships that matter—my family, my team, my community.
5. Take Action
It’s easy to get stuck in planning mode, but action is where the magic happens. In 2025, I’ll focus on imperfect action—starting before I’m ready, learning as I go, and trusting the process.
Let’s Make 2025 Our Best Year Yet
As we move into the new year, let’s commit to doing better—not just for our businesses, but for ourselves. Let’s take the lessons from 2024 and use them to create a year filled with clarity, courage, and conscious growth.
I’ll be right there with you, navigating the challenges, celebrating the wins, and staying true to the belief that we can design a life and business we love.
Here’s to a year of progress, purpose, and possibility.
Let’s grow!
Beate