I’ve shared how much I love stepping into a new year in past newsletters. It’s an opportunity to refresh and reorganize, release what no longer serves us, and set new goals.

For me, stepping into a new year involves reflecting g on the previous year, focusing on growth, gratitude, and purposeful planning for the future.

If you are interested in doing the same, here are some steps I use to reflect and set myself up for success in the new year.

Whether it’s landing a big client, launching a new product, becoming a board member, learning a new skill, or navigating unexpected challenges, every step forward is a win worth celebrating. Take a moment to reflect:

• What achievements are you proud of this year?
• What challenges did you overcome, and what did you learn from them?

We often get caught up in day-to-day activities and overlook our wins. I recommend that you keep track of your wins throughout the year. No matter how big or small, every win deserves a celebration – these moments help build the foundation for growth.

Gratitude is a powerful tool. Take the time to reach out to clients, colleagues, former colleagues, networking partners, or the technician who fixed your internet that one time to thank them for their support and partnership. A heartfelt note, a thoughtful gift, or a kind word can go a long way in strengthening connections. In your reflections, consider:

• Who helped your business thrive this year?
• How can you show appreciation to those who have supported you?

When we express gratitude, we deepen relationships and create a positive energy that fuels future collaborations. I cherish the notes I receive and add them to a folder titled Gratitude File. On tough days (we all have them), I look at the notes in that folder, and they fill me with gratitude and remind me that what I do matters.

As you look toward the new year, consider what you want to build upon and where you want to go. Planning doesn’t need to be overwhelming; I like to start with these small steps:

1. Set Clear Goals. Focus on three to five priorities for each year, such as expanding your client base, updating your website, or outsourcing areas within your business that aren’t in your genius zone.
2. Identify What’s Working (and what isn’t). What’s working well for you? What can be improved upon? What’s holding you back? Are there areas within your business that are causing you frustration, like a blinking monitor that needs replacing or a time-consuming process that can be automated? Tolerating frustrations within your business can cost you time and money. The goal is to address frustrations that hinder the growth of your business.
3. Schedule Time for Visionary Thinking. Block time in your schedule for big-picture thinking. It’s Wednesday afternoons for me, but everyone’s rhythm is different. Whether it’s a couple of hours weekly or a few days each quarter, the goal is to carve out time to focus on your vision.

As you close out the year, take time to celebrate your wins, resilience, and the dedication it took to get where you are in this moment. Growth isn’t always linear, but every step is part of your journey. Thank you for being part of mine. I’m so grateful for you and can’t wait to see what 2025 brings for us all. Cheers to a bright and fulfilling new year!

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Wavebox is more than a browser, it’s an all-in-one productivity platform designed to streamline workflows by organizing apps, accounts, and tools in one powerful workspace. As someone who manages multiple client accounts daily, I find Wavebox indispensable to my business.

I’m such a fan of Wavebox that I can’t imagine running my business without it. You can read more about how I use Wavebox to stay productive in my case study featured on their website.

What tools are you using that have become indispensable to your business? Hit reply, I’d love to hear.