Lessons from 2024: Growth, Grit, and Gratitude
Jason Pascall
Hospitality guru & entrepreneur with experience in Marketing, Design, Property Management, Retail & Web.
Introduction: A Year to Remember
It’s not every day you look back on a year and think, “Wow, that felt like a chaotic episode of reality TV,” yet here we are. If 2024 were a movie, it would be part drama, part comedy, with a sprinkle of plot twists no one saw coming. But let’s be real: those twists? They’re the moments that build character—and if nothing else, 2024 turned us into gritty, grateful growth machines.
The themes of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude carried me through the highs and lows of this past year. From unexpected wins to hard-fought lessons, every experience carved a deeper understanding of who I am and where I want to go. As we all prepared to flip the calendar, it was time for me to reflect and unpack these lessons and see how they’re shaping the blueprint for 2025.
So let’s dig into the stories, insights, and takeaways that made 2024 unforgettable. Oh, and don’t worry—I’ve got a few laughs and a dose of sass tucked away for good measure. Let’s dive deep, because this isn’t just a year-in-review; it’s a playbook for what lies ahead.
Part 1: Growth — Personal and Professional Milestones
If growth had a motto, it would be: "Get comfortable being uncomfortable." And boy, did 2024 deliver on that front. This was the year I tackled one of my biggest professional goals—launching a passion project that had been sitting in the "someday" pile for far too long. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy.
Picture this: long nights, endless brainstorming sessions (overthinking), and more coffee than should be legally consumed. But in the end, the payoff wasn’t just the success of the project; it was the realization that every step outside my comfort zone made me a little braver, a little more resourceful, and a lot more confident, (and a whole lot shorter of cash but we'll gloss over that one...)
But that's the thing about growth—it's not just about the shiny outcomes. It's about the transformation that happens along the way. Each obstacle made me rethink my approach, reframe my failures, and reimagine what’s possible. Growth often doesn’t look like we expect, but when we push through the discomfort, the results are worth it.
Key Takeaway: Growth isn’t a destination; it’s a mindset. It’s the belief that no matter where you are now, you have the power to evolve, adapt, and elevate yourself. The trick is to embrace the messy middle—the trial-and-error, the self-doubt, the moments where you’re not sure if it’s all worth it. Spoiler alert: It is. Every failure is a stepping stone, every challenge a lesson in disguise.
Practical Advice: Want to spark your own growth journey in 2025? Try this...
1. Set one "impossible" goal that scares you. There’s magic in doing the thing that makes you sweat just thinking about it.
2. Break it into bite-sized, actionable steps. Overwhelm is the enemy of progress. Take it one step at a time.
3. Celebrate progress—even the tiny wins. (Progress is, after all, progress!)
Growth is a team sport, too. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to lean on them when the going gets tough. Those connections, the ones that keep you grounded and motivated, are an essential part of growth. So, don’t just go it alone—build your dream team. One group that I belong to, we have a saying...
“it takes a village...”.
And yeah, sometimes it does, and that’s ok.
Part 2: Grit — Overcoming Challenges
2024 wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There were moments that tested my patience, resilience, and (let’s be honest - you may have noticed) my sanity. But the one that stands out the most? A curveball that almost derailed everything. I’ll spare you the gory details, but it involved a major project hiccup that had me questioning everything. Those moments—the ones where you feel like everything is falling apart—are where grit is born.
Here’s the thing about grit: it’s like a muscle. The more you flex it, the stronger it gets. After all, it’s easy to be motivated when everything’s going according to plan. Fair winds and followings seas do not a sailor make...But what about when it’s not? That’s where the real growth happens.
One of my favorite quotes of all time sums it up perfectly...
“You may see me struggle...you will never see me quit.”
Reflection: Grit is about showing up, even when you’re tired, discouraged, or unsure of the outcome. It’s about pushing forward, one step at a time, and trusting that perseverance will pay off. Grit is a steady, unwavering force that keeps us moving even when we feel like we’re sinking in quicksand, arm-wrestling with an octopus or wading through treacle. It’s knowing that the struggle is part of the journey and that the reward comes when we least expect it.
Professional Insights: In business, grit often looks like sticking to a vision when others doubt you. It’s having the courage to make tough calls and the resilience to bounce back when things don’t go as planned. And sometimes, it means finding a new way when the old one isn’t working. Flexibility is a component of grit—adaptability is crucial when things take a turn you didn’t anticipate.
Grit is also about understanding your “why” on a deeper level. When the road gets rocky, reconnecting with your purpose can be the thing that keeps you moving forward. Never underestimate the power of reminding yourself why you started this journey in the first place.
Part 3: Gratitude — Celebrating the Journey
If there’s one thing 2024 taught me, it’s that gratitude isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling you jot down in a journal when life is good. It’s a powerhouse mindset, the anchor that keeps you steady during the storms and magnifies your wins when the sun finally comes out. Gratitude doesn’t just happen—it’s a habit, and trust me, it’s worth cultivating.
A Moment of Reflection: Picture this: It’s a crisp autumn morning, and I’m sipping my favorite cup of coffee, staring at a list of seemingly insurmountable tasks. Overwhelmed would’ve been an understatement. But then, something shifted—I paused, took a deep breath, and started listing things I was thankful for: supportive friends, loyal clients, and even the lessons learned from challenges that nearly broke me. By the end of that coffee, the list was longer than my to-do list, and I felt… lighter...
That moment wasn’t magic; it was gratitude in action. It reminded me to focus on what I had instead of stressing over what I didn’t. And guess what? That mindset became a game-changer for both my mental well-being and my business strategy. Gratitude allows you to take a step back and see the bigger picture—the relationships, the achievements, and the lessons that may have been missed in the hustle.
The Ripple Effect of Gratitude: Gratitude doesn’t just stay in your journal—it ripples out into every area of life. When you approach your team, clients, or even strangers with appreciation, relationships deepen, trust strengthens, and opportunities multiply. I saw this firsthand when I made a conscious effort to acknowledge small victories with my team. Celebrating their efforts didn’t just boost morale; it inspires better collaboration and creative problem-solving. It creates a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best.
Practicing Gratitude in 2025: Let’s make this actionable, shall we? Here’s a simple gratitude challenge for 2025...
1. Daily Gratitude Moments: Start or end each day by listing three things you’re thankful for. Keep it specific—vague platitudes won’t cut it. Make it personal, and really think about the little things that make your life richer.
2. Gratitude Letters: Write one heartfelt note per month to someone who made a difference in your life. Bonus points for delivering it in person. In a world of digital messages, a handwritten letter carries an enormous amount of weight.
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3. Gratitude in Action: Turn your thankfulness into tangible actions—support a cause, mentor someone, or simply pay it forward. The act of giving not only helps others but also reinforces your own sense of purpose.
Looking Ahead: Shaping 2025
The lessons of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude aren’t just reflections—they’re my guiding principles for shaping the year ahead. If 2024 was the training ground, 2025 is the arena where I put all that preparation into action.
The Power of Intentionality: This year, I’m doubling down on being intentional. Whether it’s setting goals, managing my time, or nurturing relationships, 2025 is all about clarity, focus, and purpose. But intentionality isn’t just about meticulous planning—it’s about aligning actions with values. Every "yes" will be deliberate, and every "no" will protect what matters most. It’s easy to be busy, but being intentional will ensure every action serves a higher purpose.
Personal Goals: Elevating Life Outside of Work
Wellness First: It’s not just about hitting the gym or eating clean (although those are important); it’s about cultivating habits that support both physical and mental health.
1. Daily Non-Negotiables: Hydration, movement, and mindfulness.
2. Quarterly Wellness Retreats: Scheduling intentional breaks to recharge, reflect, and refocus.
3. Rekindling Passions: 2024 was so busy that some hobbies took a backseat. In 2025, I’m carving out time for creative outlets like DIY projects, travel, and, dare I say it, Tai-Chi... dancing!
4. Deepening Connections: Stronger relationships with loved ones and building a network that feels less like "networking" and more like genuine camaraderie.
5. Mindset Mastery: This year, I’m focusing on refining my mental game. Daily mindfulness practices, intentional learning, and surrounding myself with inspiring people are all part of the plan.
6. Wellness Wins: Because health is wealth, I’m setting realistic fitness and wellness goals. No crash diets or extreme plans—just consistency and self-care.
Professional Vision: Scaling with Strategy
With 37ish+ businesses under my umbrella, 2025 is about working smarter, not harder. That means leaning into automation, delegation, and innovation. Here’s how:
Streamlining Operations...
Automating repetitive tasks using tools like Zapier (while keeping costs in check).
Refining Notion databases for seamless project tracking.
Content Revolution...
Expanding social media reach while sticking to the "less is more" strategy.
Focusing on quality over quantity with engaging, value-driven posts.
Building Resilience in Business...
Diversifying revenue streams.
Prioritizing well-being to prevent burnout and ensure sustained growth.
Engaging the Community
I firmly believe that growth thrives in community. This year, I’m focusing on building and fostering connections that inspire, challenge, and uplift. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, mentoring emerging leaders, or simply sharing ideas, 2025 is the year of “together.”
2025 starts strong with clear, actionable goals for the first quarter.
2025 - A Toast to the Future
Every year leaves its mark, but 2024? It left an impression that’s impossible to ignore. From navigating challenges with grit to celebrating victories with gratitude, this past year wasn’t just a chapter—it was an origin story for what’s to come.
As we each step into 2025, let’s toast to resilience, reinvention, and relentless optimism. Growth, Grit, and Gratitude aren’t just themes—they’re a way of life. Here’s to embracing every opportunity, conquering every challenge, and finding joy in every step of the journey. You may call me out on that as I curse and throw my phone across the room...again– (it’s passion – that’s all it is!)
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
– Winston Churchill
Your Challenge: Share Your Vision
So - what are your goals for 2025? How are you applying the lessons you’ve learned? Share your insights in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on (and maybe steal a tip or two). Let’s keep the conversation going! Share this post with your network, leave a comment with your reflections, and let’s make 2025 our boldest, brightest year yet. Don’t forget to hit that follow button—I’ll be sharing more lessons, tips, and (hopefully) laughs throughout the year.
Happy New Year.