Reflect on 2024 and embrace the year ahead

Happy New Year to my lovely supportive network!

I've appreciated this time between Christmas and New Year  to pause, breathe and reflect on the past 12 months and thinking ahead to what 2025 will look like.

I like to walk in the local woods and process my thoughts.

Stanmer Park - my favourite thinking space

I often find the run up to the festive season exhausting - trying to get on top of everything while juggling wrapping up work.

So this time is valuable to reflect on the past year and the year ahead. It's natural (and important) to think about all the things that have happened (good and bad). And it is important to acknowledge how you coped with those things and also focus on our respective successes.

 

These are some useful questions to help you reflect:

• What accomplishments am I most proud of this year?

• What were the key moments that defined my year?

• What challenges did I face, and how did I overcome them?

• How did I grow or change over the past year?

• What am I grateful for as I look back on this year?

My reflections

For me 2024 was the first year I was self employed in my 26-year career.

Setting up my own business was one of the most challenging things I have done. It involved among many, many other things building a website from scratch, building a brand, doing all your own marketing, creating and sticking to your own deadlines. It's been tough, but I am proud of what I have achieved.

In June I was a guest speaker at In Good Company's Coaching Summit, giving a presentation for leaders on Communicating with Confidence Through Change.

I had to battle with ongoing injuries and health issues but in September I took part in my first (and last) Triathlon. I completed the course in the blistering heat and most importantly raised £700 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

In November I set up a group coaching programme, learning new skills along the way.

In November, I also volunteered at the Brighton Chamber's Hello Futures event for young students.

I miss working as part of a team but I am so grateful for all the people - fellow coaches, clients, former colleagues, contacts - I have met who have supported and encouraged me to push myself harder and further and who helped me grow and who added fun and warmth to 2024.

So I hope this helps you reflect on your strengths and what you have achieved in 2024, to help you grow and set yourself new goals for 2025