As we wrap up 2023

Mike Fata’s LinkedIn post inspired me to write a similar year-end letter.

This is something I’ve been doing for years? for my family —?first as ‘Santa’ and recently as ‘mommy.’ But I never did it publicly.

As part of our Christmas and year-end tradition, I’ve been penning a Christmas letter for my kids for years and placing it in their stockings on Christmas Eve after they’re in bed. They were all printed on special Santa letterhead paper, ensuring they never doubted the letters were from me?—?until they were old enough, and one of their teachers broke the spell of Christmas, announcing, ‘Santa is not real!’?

Since that year, I’ve been writing these personalized letters for my kids, re-telling their stories, celebrating their achievements in the past year, and discussing their upcoming year with new hopes and goals. It’s our tradition to read these letters before any gifts are opened. They loved it. Yes, they were always eager to get to the gifts, but they also wanted to know what Santa ‘saw’ throughout the year. They were fascinated with the idea that Santa had been watching all year long. It helped them grow aware that small steps snowball eventually into a snowman, and every success starts with a mini step. It also helped them visualize the next year and get excited about it.

I didn’t want to stop writing when Santa’s magic ended. I continued to write, only this time, it was written and signed by me. My 19-year-old son still looks forward to these letters, asking if ‘Santa’s letter’ is coming this year. Are they a bit cheesy at the age of 19 and 17? Yes, they certainly are. But this fun little tradition had a transformative impact, and I think we adults need ‘taking stock’ badly as well.

As we wrap up 2023 and I find myself in the midst of my January blues, I imagine this is how my letter from Santa would look like:

"

Dear Berna, hitting the big 5-0 this year, witnessed your older kid embark on university life, while the younger one gears up to be a recruited athlete next year. Quite an achievement! Despite driving around the globe twice for practices and tournaments, even as far as the States and Europe, your commitment to your kids' growth remains unwavering.

And let's not forget the heavyweight match against cancer, your dad's opponent, with you steadfastly by his side.

Yet, amidst the chaos, you managed to:

• Launch a new business with three brands and divisions.
• Achieve a staggering 300% and 200% revenue growth year over year.
• Earn two 8-year contracts with a major GPO, serving Canadian healthcare.
• Collaborate with nine major B2B customers, including two prestigious Canadian universities.
• Develop five new veterinary products, earning the status of a preferred supplier in the veterinary community.
• Expand your product and service portfolio organically with each unique project

I am proud of you, kid. Keep plowing ahead!

And here is me responding to Santa's cheers internally:

Dearest Santa, thank you for seeing me. Taking stock of the wins renews your confidence, and recognizing growth areas propels you in the right direction as the new year starts. But you know these last couple of years were not all that easy. Now let's take a peek under the water:

I knocked on perhaps 30, maybe 40 doors before securing nine business accounts. Interestingly, it wasn't my sales pitch that sealed the deal; it was the customers finding me, and needing our unique services. The silver lining is that our products and services spoke for themselves and brought in the next customer. But the growth opportunity for next year: refine the sales and prospecting process.

Entering seven public tenders and landing only two might not be a defeat, but it shows there is room for growth.

I lost a valued customer due to a weak spot in my end-to-end process. Lesson learned: Act swiftly, maintain transparency with your customers, and even share the challenges you face. People are understanding, and this proactive approach can potentially salvage relationships even in the face of setbacks.

Publicity has been my blind spot. I always hesitated to step into the limelight and share my story. However, with a gentle nudge from a friend's coaching, I took several strides this year to break free from my comfort zone. I integrated my story into my website and participated in an interview for a local magazine. And now, this public reflection is another bold step in facing my fears, embracing vulnerability, and inviting growth.

Dear Santa, my list goes on and on like this where I feel short. As you cheer me on with a glass half full, I confess I often focus on the empty half. And perhaps, this is yet another growth zone for me—learning to pause and celebrate success, no matter how small.

As we walk into the new year, my wish for all, entrepreneurs and beyond: acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses but dare to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace new ways, acquire fresh skills, and be bolder than ever. Life's too short not to unleash your full potential. Let's make this year about stretching limits and exploring untapped possibilities. Cheers to growth and audacious endeavours!