Gratitude in the Gap...

Ideas in 5 Minutes or less.

1. This Week’s Encouragement:

It’s personal development primetime! This is the biggest time of year in the coaching and self-development space. For me, it’s go time—but I’m shaking things up this year.

Right about now, many people are diving into their year in review—tallying up goals that were crushed, sidelined, fizzled out, or barely touched. Here’s the thing: I’m celebrating it all.

I’m cheering for those who hit their targets and exceeded expectations. But I’m equally celebrating those who dared to try. Those “almosts” and “not-yets” matter, too. Growth happens in the gap between effort and results.

True transformation isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about shifting your mindset, evolving your identity, and building long-lasting habits. That’s the secret sauce. And no, there’s no magic bullet or shortcut. It takes time and daily discipline.

This year, I’m taking a different approach with my year end reflection—and inviting my clients and the women’s groups I facilitate to do the same. We’re looking back through a lens of gratitude. Whether your year was joyful, sorrowful, or a mix of both, I encourage you to reflect with thankfulness and genuine curiosity.

Naturally, as a coach and trainer, I created a worksheet for this. I will spare you the digital download today—here’s the high-level overview:

• Observe the Challenges (without judgement): What did your toughest moments teach you? How did you rise to meet them? Be thankful for the strength, resilience, and patience you earned in the process.
• Celebrate the Triumphs: What were your top three wins? How have they shaped you for the better? List the reasons you’re grateful for these personal or professional achievements. Acknowledge the effort, the support, and the lessons they brought.
• The Road Ahead: What lessons will you carry forward into 2025? What’s worth turning into a best practice? Be grateful for the tools and growth you’ve gained from your 2024 experiences.

Let’s trade judgment for curiosity and gratitude. After all, every step forward—even the wobbly ones—counts.

2. A gift for you: 10-minute Relaxation Exercise

During one of our family conference calls (yes, we have those), my older sister casually mentioned feeling a bit stressed. Naturally, I wanted to help—but without sliding into “coach mode” or sounding preachy. So, in true younger-sibling fashion, I decided to make her a gift: an audio relaxation exercise designed to help... and maybe annoy her just a little like only a younger sister can.

After recording the first draft, I realized the sound quality needed a boost. So, I dusted off my professional-grade recording equipment (hello, podcasting days!) and made it better. Then it hit me: why not share this with more people?

Instead of offering another holiday sale or discount, I’m giving something truly valuable—a gift of calm. As a coach and licensed hypnotherapist, I’ve created a 10-minute guided hypnosis session to help melt away stress and overwhelm. It’s my way of helping you find a little peace amid the end of year hustle.

Click below to download your complimentary relaxation session: https://www.successbully.com/relaxing

3. Reading Recommendation: “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” by Michelle Obama

In this follow-up to her bestselling memoir Becoming, Michelle Obama offers a heartfelt guide to navigating life’s uncertainties with grace and resilience. It’s not about perfect answers or quick fixes—it’s about discovering the tools that help you stay grounded and hopeful when life feels overwhelming.

Through candid stories and thoughtful insights, Obama dives into questions we all wrestle with:

• How do we build strong, authentic relationships?
• How do we quiet self-doubt and move forward with confidence?
• How do we find strength in our differences and foster true community?

Her reflections remind us that while the world may be unpredictable, we can always choose to carry our own light—and share it with others. By doing so, we illuminate not just our own path but also the potential for growth and connection all around us.

If you’re looking for inspiration to fuel your next chapter, this book is a powerful companion for the journey.

4. Quote:

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe

5. Ask Keita

Q. Dear Keita, I set some ambitious goals at the start of the year, but now that I’m looking back, I realize I didn’t hit most of them. I feel like I failed, and it’s hard to find motivation for next year. How do I move forward without feeling like I’m just setting myself up for more disappointment?

— Sincerely

The Rolling Goals

A. Dear The Rolling Goals,

Take a breath—you didn’t fail; you gathered data. Every “missed” goal is a lesson. Ask yourself: What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn about yourself?

Progress isn’t always visible and tangible. Maybe you built resilience or discovered something unexpected about yourself.

As you move forward:

1. Reflect with Gratitude: Focus on what you did achieve, even if it wasn’t planned.
2. Reset with Intention: Set habits, not just outcomes.
3. Embrace the Journey: Growth happens along the way.

Your goals matter, but you matter more. Keep aiming high—and celebrate every step.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week’s Take 5 Tuesday! Your support and engagement mean the world. If today’s message resonated, feel free to share it with someone who could use an extra boost. I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop me a line anytime!

If you’re ready to hit reset and step into 2025 with clarity and purpose, I invite you to join me for a VIP Day. Together, we’ll realign your mindset, set bold (but burnout-free) goals, and craft a sustainable plan that works for you.

Spots are limited, and they’re filling fast. Book a call today to claim your half-day and start 2025 with intention and focus. Don’t wait—your next breakthrough is one conversation away!

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Let’s get after it!

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Keita – Your Favorite Success Bully