A Year-End Reflect and Reset

I’m a big fan of taking a moment to reflect on what’s gone before and drawing out the insights and lessons for what lies ahead. After all, I am a coach, and so I’m always looking for (a) the upside, and (b) the learning.

Whilst the end of a period such as the calendar year provides the perfect opportunity for reflection and review, this practice can happen any time you choose. It’s certainly not limited to the transition from 31 Dec to 1 Jan.

I wrote recently about the different ways we can approach this– the key always being to make the approach your own – have a look here if you’re interested in various tools for taking stock, and the benefits of doing so.

So, it’s time to practice what I preach – reflecting on the past year – what it’s offered and how I’ve responded, what’s gone well, and what curve balls have come my way. And most importantly, what insights it all creates for the year ahead.

Let’s talk Wins, Walls & Wisdom.

 

 

Wins

Achievements, wins, what I’m proud of, best moments, and things to note and remember

The list is long – here’s a selection of my favourites!

In Work

• Best year in business so far – something I’m hugely proud of. The metrics all tell a good story, whether that’s financials, client numbers, repeat business and the like. But the intangibles are also there – how aligned I feel with my work, the connection with the most amazing clients, the ultimately the sheer joy I get from my work. Honestly, I’m not sure I could ask for more.
• An expanded team – 2024 saw me employ the wonderful Emily to help me with everything that happens in the background running a small business like mine and it’s been brilliant having her around. Associate coaches have also joined the team and that also feels great – being able to meet the broader needs of client needs with a larger coaching team.
• Testing out a new business model – and with these changes has been the willingness and courage to try something new. To take a business that was only ever intended to be me, to something more. We’ve had some great successes, and some things that haven’t worked as intended – all of which is OK.
• Creating a stationery range – a purposeful side project – stationery intended to help people feel great about themselves and raise a smile in the process. Rise High was born.
• Deciding not to do some things – quite an achievement for me. As someone who likes a new project and seizing potential opportunities there was a moment early in the year when I needed to re-assess – and that meant dropping some things that were in the early stages. It was the right call, for reasons that will come to light in the ‘Walls’ section.

As you can tell I love my work!

 

 

In Life

• Holiday and downtime – I’ve taken more time out of work and got away much more than I have on recent years – in fact, the most since starting my business. The early years in self-employment, as you’re striving and building, can make it challenging to take time out. As things become more established this becomes easier, and I’ve certainly taken advantage in 2024. Trips to Scotland, Northumberland, The Lake District, and Portugal, alongside many a day trip have been wonderful and much-needed.
• Walks, walks, walks – for the first time I set myself a walking mileage target for the year, following a long period of injuries and setbacks. Consistency has been the key and with 4 days left to spare I achieved my target of 1500 miles of ‘recorded’ walks, i.e. the intentional, out in the fields walks, as opposed to step count. This hasn’t been about massive treks (although there have been a few), but about keeping myself well and fit enough to get out daily, slowly clocking up the miles. There are telling insights for me in this one – steady away wins the day.

 

 

• Overcoming some personal adversity with my health and wellbeing – the detail features under ‘Walls’ but with a lot of focus, support, and prioritising what I needed to recover, I’ve got there. As I finish the year I feel like “I’m back” – and probably more resilient and stronger than ever as a result.
• First full year as a charity trustee – last but not least, I’m delighted to say that I’ve completed my first year as a Trustee at West Craven Food Bank. I’ve enjoyed climbing the learning curve, discovering where I can make a difference, and getting a much deeper insight into the challenges many people in our community face and the power of a volunteering team. If you have an opportunity to support your local food bank, please do.

 

Walls

The challenges, obstacles, blocks, and curveballs that can take you off track.

There have been a handful of ‘walls’ that have played a role in 2024, with the following two being the most impactful. As I finish the year it feels important to acknowledge these, take the lessons, and then move forward with purpose.

• My Health – at the end of 2023 I was the victim of a crime, and the emotional and physiological impact of that took its toll through the year. Whilst day-to-day I was feeling OK and simply getting on with life, the acute stress of the event had an impact and manifested as the year progressed in various ways. With plenty of support and personal determination I’ve come through it. Whilst I’d clearly prefer for this never to have happened, it has brought some new wisdom with it. I talked in more detail about this on LinkedIn and you can find the post here.
• My (in)ability to switch off – it will likely come as no surprise to those who know me that I’m ‘switched-on’ most of the time. It’s a downside that comes with running your own business and loving your work. I’m either in delivery mode or think and planning mode. And when I take time out to relax, the brain gets super creative. Some of my very best business ideas come to me when relaxing. It’s a predicament, but I’ve popped it in the ‘walls’ section because I’m certain I will benefit from switching off more – and I’m sure many of you can relate!

The benefit of the challenges can be the lessons that come with it – hindsight being a wonderful thing.

 

Wisdom

The learnings, insights, light bulb moments – and wisdom to help us in the future

I could share a long list here, but I’m limiting myself to the three that feel the most important for me. Lessons and insights that will come with me into 2025 and beyond.

#1 Goals are important, but so is flexibility and adjustment

I started the year with a long list of goals and projects, but as things panned out it was important for me to re-direct my focus and energy to my health – and so goals were prioritised and plans were adjusted. It served me well.

#2 A support network is worth its weight in gold

Having the right people around you in all parts of life is crucial. People who you connect with, feel aligned with, and have the qualities to support you with what you need at the time. For me, that’s ranged from friends, family, my coach, my coach supervisor, timely therapeutic and health support, and more. And let’s not forget the power of a four-legged friend.

#3 Healing is a process and the passing of time matters

Most of us want an overnight fix to the difficult stuff in life; striving to reduce any suffering. ‘Time is a healer’ comments can be frustrating and seem insulting to what you’re going through. But it’s a well-known phrase for a reason – there is truth in it.

 

 

What does it all mean for me in 2025?

I won’t pretend to have all the answers on Jan 1^st, but I do know the following:

• Business goals have helped me so far and they are already in place for 2025 – prioritised, appropriately stretching, without requiring ‘superhero’ status.
• Professionally I feel I’ve found my lane, my speciality, my passion and purpose – and I’m doubling-down on that rather than attempting to diversify or grow away from it.
• My mantra of simplicity is back in focus – in work and life I want things to feel simple because it’s where I find the most joy and have a greater ability to switch off.
• And that means my boundaries are paramount – if it’s not a “hell yes” it’s going to be a “no” and that might be a challenge for me.
• Keeping all the right support in place, directed where I need it the most.

Couple all of that with my wonderful clients, and I’m on to a winner!

 

Is it Time for You to Reflect and Reset?

It really is the perfect time to spend some time doing this for yourself – here’s that guide I mentioned earlier – the benefits of reflection and some suggested frameworks for doing so.

 

Let me know how you get on – if nothing else, please share your wins!