Q4 Reflection: Is your glass half-full or half-empty?

We’ve just started the last quarter of 2024 and many of us naturally gravitate toward assessing progress against the expectations we set at the beginning of the year. We evaluate what’s been achieved, what’s fallen short, and what needs to be hurried along to meet those ambitious goals.?

But what if, instead of focusing on the gaps, we used this time to recalibrate? To set the groundwork for an incredible 2025?

2024 has been a year filled with stories—rich with learnings, opportunities, roadblocks, and yes, mistakes. Each story brought with it its own unique lesson. Whether we embraced an unexpected challenge, made bold moves, or tripped along the way, these experiences are not just markers of what’s passed; they are the building blocks of what’s next.?

The final quarter is the perfect time to reflect on these stories. And it’s up to you to tell them out loud or write them just for yourself - they are still stories.?

Is the unexpected good or bad?

Looking back on the past three quarters of 2024, it's clear that every twist, expected or unexpected, had a purpose.?

Some of us started new ventures, others stepped into leadership roles, and many faced tough decisions. For many, the challenges were unexpected—roadblocks that made us rethink our strategies, surprises that required us to adapt, and mistakes that taught us valuable lessons.?

Along the way, novelties arrived as unexpected gifts—new opportunities, ideas, or relationships that brought positive change. To embrace these gifts, we had to make room, let go of old plans, and open ourselves to new possibilities. Sometimes, when things didn’t go as expected, they created space for opportunities that aligned more deeply with our true values.

The surprises of 2024—whether in business or life—have often revealed our potential to be adaptable.?

The key takeaway? We grow most when we adapt, when we pivot, and when we embrace the unexpected as part of the journey.

Shifting Focus for Q4: Preparing the Soil for 2025

Rather than hurrying up to “fill the gaps” of 2024, what if we shifted our focus? Let’s view Q4 as an opportunity to prepare the soil for the incredible growth that’s coming in 2025. Like taking care of our plants (on which I am still a total beginner, btw...), we need to set the stage by ensuring the conditions are just right. This isn’t about overwatering or rushing growth—it’s about nurturing the roots, ensuring the right connections are made, and preparing the space for something greater.

Here, I share some lessons learned from my own three-quarters reflection exercise:

1. Authenticity First

2024 has shown me that authenticity is key. What happens when we align with our true selves, with what we genuinely want, and with how we want to show up in the world? When we stop chasing someone else’s version of success and focus on our own, things start to fall into place. Now is the time to revisit those earlier visions and goals—do they still resonate with who you are today?

2. Better Use of Time and Resources

One of the greatest lessons learned this year is how to make better use of our time and energy. Q4 is an excellent moment to assess how you’re spending both. I recently did my Drivers & Drainers exercise and let go of several distractions that don’t serve me anymore. Are your resources—whether time, energy, or talent—aligned with what truly matters to you? Sometimes, the biggest shifts come not from adding more, but from letting go of what no longer serves us.

3. Building the Right Connections: Your vibe attracts your tribe

2024 has highlighted the importance of who I surround myself with. Moving into the next year, focus on building relationships that elevate your growth, your self-worth, and sparks the best of you. The right connections - people who align with your values, who inspire and challenge you - are your allies for success. If you identify these people around you, go now and thank them for being on your side. Don’t take them for granted…?

4. Calibrating Your Message

If there’s one takeaway from the lessons of the year, it’s that clear communication matters. Whether it’s a product, a personal message, or a business vision, calibrating the message so that it resonates with the right audience is crucial. As you look ahead, ask yourself: Are you speaking the language of your intended audience? Is your message authentic, is it your agenda, and does it align with your purpose?

A New Season, A New Opportunity

The journey of 2024 isn’t over (yeah! great news!). Let’s use what we’ve learned to set the stage for a 2025 that’s not just about filling gaps, but creating something truly meaningful.

Like many of my clients, I take one or two days at the end of the year for a personal retreat. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, reset my vision, work on my goals, and plan for the year ahead. Most importantly, it’s when I, as both the writer and main character of my story, decide what narrative I want to create for 2025.

If you’re interested in this process, I have a few openings in late October and mid-November for 1:1 coaching or company workshops. Book a discovery call here .

Happy October!