The New Year

It's interesting to sit back and reflect on the year that has passed, isn't it? To see, with full clarity and understanding, exactly how we got to this moment in time and all of the curveballs we've hit to work through what life had to serve us. If hindsight is 20/20, my vision has never been better.

From a young age, I have been a very goal-oriented person. I have a knack for putting my finger on the exact things I want and a distinct ability to set a plan to achieve them. To this day I still have a deep, deep love for paper planners and organizational tools that keep me productive and efficient. There's a quality inside of me that enjoys seeing a plan laid out, and checking off each step as I go. It's one of the reasons I've always been a producer, regardless of my field, and have found ways to stay at the top of the pack when it comes to numbers and metrics. It's something I've taken pride in, and will likely continue to do.

But this year was wild - full of twists, turns, and curveballs I couldn't have seen coming had I tried. Although my career has continued to grow, and has given me a sense of stability and accomplishment, I've also recognized a deep need for more. More purpose, more creativity, more independence, more time to just "be". It's so hard when we're locked into the productivity mindset to keep in mind that we're human - and we need things like rest, community, creativity, and purpose outside of what we take to the bank. It's difficult to carry the stress and pressure of success, while also balancing the desire to unplug and unwind. I'm the worst offender when it comes to taking a step away from work and enjoying the present moment. It wasn't until this Christmas vacation that I recognized how much I needed to walk away from work and just BE.

I've never been one for New Year's resolutions - as it feels like more pressure than anything else, and I'm always building on my goals through the year as it is. But I'll say this - if I had to uncover anything I truly, desperately need to work on - it's that I need to stop and re-prioritize what I'm doing, and why I'm doing it.

I love my work - but how can I serve my clients and also grow my skills? How can I get out of the rut of working hard and find a way to work with more purpose? How can I find the balance of being truly present with my family, and also growing myself personally - developing things like creativity and self-care routines that I will stick with?

Reflection is so needed, and I'm grateful that this time of year there is a bigger focus on it - but also, I'm realizing that I need to stop being so productive and start focusing on the things that will give me a deeper satisfaction.

I challenge you, wherever you're at, to reflect on your journey through the last year and find ways to challenge your mindset. More than that, I challenge you to stop working so hard and start working with more purpose. Find ways to love yourself through your work, to connect with community and creativity, and find YOU.

2024 will be a year of growth, and purpose - for all of us.

Wherever you are, whoever you are, I'm wishing you a happy, healthy New Year and a renewed sense of self as you travel the unknown road ahead.

xo