I feel like I could launch a full-scale investigation (complete with helicopters and searchlights) and still not figure it out. Never in my life would I have expected to quit social media in July, intending to return in August, only to tentatively dip my toe back into Instagram Stories in November.
Upon reflection, I’ve spent the past seven years sharing, promoting, blogging, podcasting, offering free value, and hosting masterclasses and courses. You name it, I’ve tried it. All while serving 1:1 clients, growing a membership, and raising a young family.
In July 2024, I made an intentional pause to create some much-needed space during a personal transition. I quit social media and podcasting. It was only supposed to be temporary. But the quiet, the space, and the calm settling over my spirit? Oh, it was so lovely. So lovely that I stayed in my little bubble much longer than planned.
Did my business suffer? Honestly, probably. But not enough to regret it. Sometimes, we need a pause to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. Without that pause, we risk going in circles. And that’s exactly where I was—on the hamster wheel without even realising it.
Heading into 2024, my goals and intentions look completely different from what they were this year. Heck, I didn’t achieve any of my goals for the second half of 2024—and that’s okay. Life shifted, and I didn’t have it in me. Please don’t beat yourself up for not achieving something you set out to do in a completely different season of life. Sometimes, it takes a little longer, or maybe that goal wasn’t meant for you in the first place. Perhaps you just need to look at it from a fresh angle.
If 2024 has left you feeling confused, overwhelmed, or like it chewed you up and spit you out, I want to share a few reminders to help you find clarity and comfort as you step into a new year.
If you’ve branded with me before or completed my program Brand Alchemy, you’ll already have a clear vision and mission guiding your journey. But let’s be honest—sometimes your brand guidelines collect dust in a forgotten folder. The thing is, there’s magic to be found when you revisit them.
If you haven’t been through my branding process (yet!), here’s a quick refresher on vision and mission.
The Vision: Your final destination.
The Mission: The reason you’re on the journey.
Now, let’s break this down:
Your vision is a long-term commitment.
A few missed goals, a slow growth period, a failed launch, or even an unhappy customer? Just a blip on the radar if you keep your eyes on the bigger picture. Shake off that mouse-đź’© mindset (you know the one—where you fixate on tiny problems) and refocus on your destination.
There’s peace in knowing your mission deeply.
Your mission is your reason for existing. It’s why you get out of bed, even on the hard days. It’s not about what you’re doing but about taking consistent steps—no matter how small—towards fulfilling that mission.
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
There are a billion ways to reach your destination, yet so many small business owners think they need to burn their entire business down if things aren’t working. I get it—I’ve been tempted too. But if you have a strong brand, you know your vision (where you’re going) and your mission (why you’re going).
The how is flexible. It can change depending on where you’re at. You don’t drive a car over a lake or climb a mountain in a canoe, do you?
Maybe it’s just your method that needs a tweak. Could it be:
As you reflect on this past year, don’t just focus on accomplishments. Look at the steps you’ve taken, how you took them, and the lessons you’ve learned.
Heading into 2025, think about your vision, your mission, and the method you’ll use to achieve them. The past five years have been a whirlwind—an online boom, a Covid boom, economic shifts, and a consumer mindset rollercoaster. What worked before might not work now, and that’s okay.
Experiment. Adjust. Keep moving forward.
I’d love to know—how are you feeling as we wrap up 2024? What’s your approach for 2025?
And if you’re curious about my branding process, you can grab a Success Kit for 1:1 pricing or explore my branding program, Brand Alchemy, here.
Here’s to a year of clarity, courage, and fresh perspectives!