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Welcome to my favorite tradition of the year—a full, unfiltered review of the past 12 months! This isn’t just a recap; it’s a time capsule and an invitation to pause, reflect, and take a behind-the-scenes look at my life and business.
In this episode, I’ll share what worked, what flopped, the surprises that caught me off guard, and the lessons I’m carrying into the new year. This tradition is about slowing down to evaluate the wins, challenges, and everything in between—and hopefully inspiring you to do the same for your year.
So, grab a cozy spot and join me as I dive into the highs, lows, and key takeaways from 2024!
What Worked
1. Embracing Predictability in My Business
One of the biggest wins for me this year was the realization that predictability in my business is not a limitation but a source of freedom. For the past six years, my business has followed a similar rhythm, and while I used to think that predictability was boring, I now see it as a blessing!
The rinse-and-repeat nature of my business has allowed me to focus on creativity in other areas of my life, like spending quality time with my kids and exploring new hobbies.
If you’re someone who feels overwhelmed by the chaos of entrepreneurship, I encourage you to consider the power of predictability. By establishing a consistent rhythm in your business, you can create a structure that supports your life rather than consuming it.
2. A Successful Rebrand
This year, we undertook a significant rebrand, and it was a thrilling experience. After 13 years in business, I finally had a professional logo and a cohesive brand identity that truly reflects who I am and what I stand for.
The rebranding process was a massive undertaking, but it was worth every ounce of effort. I love my new website, logo, and colors, and I feel like this fresh identity will stick with us for years to come!
3. Reducing Work Travel
Another personal win for me was cutting back on work-related travel. I realized that I wanted to be home more, especially during the busy holiday season and my daughters’ birthdays.
This year, I only took two work trips without my kids, and both were rejuvenating experiences. I’ve learned to prioritize my family and set boundaries around travel, which has made a significant difference in my overall happiness.
4. Systemizing Processes
In the past, I resisted the idea of systems and processes, fearing they would stifle my creativity. However, this year, I embraced the need for organization and efficiency. We developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and playbooks for different departments within our small team. This has allowed us to streamline our operations and optimize our email strategy, podcast production, and social media processes.
By focusing on what works and systemizing it, we’ve been able to achieve more with less stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your business, consider taking the time to create systems that can help you work smarter, not harder.
5. Utilizing Data for Optimization
I’ve always been a numbers person, but this year, I leaned into data more than ever before.
By analyzing our landing page conversion rates and other key metrics, I was able to make informed decisions that positively impacted our business. This data-driven approach has helped me gamify my business, making it more exciting and motivating.
Learn about what we track and why in Episode 726: If You Want Bigger Results, You HAVE To Do This!
6. Evergreen Content Strategy
This year, I focused on optimizing our evergreen content and automated funnels. With only four launches a year, I’ve created a business model that allows me to step back and enjoy life while still generating revenue.
This strategy has brought me peace and has been a significant win for my business.
7. Personal Growth and Hobbies
On a personal level, 2024 was a year of exploration and self-discovery. I took a sourdough-making class, started beekeeping, and joined a local rowing club.
These experiences have brought me immense joy and have allowed me to connect with my community in new ways. I also prioritized my mental health by consistently attending therapy, which has been transformative.
8. Strengthening Relationships
This year, I made a conscious effort to nurture my relationships. I formed a close-knit community with local moms, spent quality time with family, and even started volunteering at a local soup kitchen.
These connections have enriched my life and provided me with a sense of belonging and purpose.
What Didn’t Work
1. Struggles with YouTube
One of the biggest challenges I faced this year was my attempt to dive into YouTube. I had high hopes for expanding my reach on that platform, but it quickly became clear that it wasn’t for me.
The pressure to look perfect on camera and the added complexity of video production took away the joy I find in podcasting. After investing time and resources into YouTube, I decided to step back and focus on what I love most—audio content.
2. LinkedIn Engagement
While I enjoy using LinkedIn, I found that my efforts on the platform didn’t translate into tangible business results. Despite growing my connections and engagement, I realized that my content wasn’t resonating with the audience I was trying to reach.
I’ve decided to continue using LinkedIn for connection rather than as a primary business tool, which has alleviated some pressure.
3. Team Transitions
This year brought about several unexpected team transitions, including maternity leaves and role changes. As a small business, these shifts can create chaos and make it challenging to maintain clarity and focus.
I often felt like I was juggling too many responsibilities, and I’m looking forward to regaining stability as my team evolves.
4. Podcast Monetization Experiments
I’ve been experimenting with different monetization strategies for the podcast, and while I enjoy the process, it has been a learning curve. I want to ensure that any monetization efforts align with my values and enhance the listener experience.
This year, I’ve been navigating what feels right and what doesn’t, and I appreciate your patience as I figure it out.
5. Social Media Burnout
Social media has been a significant part of my life, but this year, I experienced burnout. I found myself questioning what I wanted to share and how much of my life I wanted to put online.
I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize quality over quantity, and I’m learning to set boundaries around my social media use. It’s been a journey of rediscovering what feels authentic and meaningful to me.
Personal Growth Highlights
1. Relationships
Reflecting on 2024, I realize that my relationships have been a focal point. I’ve built a supportive community of friends and family, and I’ve cherished the time spent with them. Hosting gatherings and volunteering together has deepened these connections and brought joy to my life.
2. Health and Wellness
Consistency has been my mantra this year when it comes to health. I’ve developed a routine that includes regular movement, and I’ve found joy in using my treadmill. I also recently stopped breastfeeding, which has allowed me to focus on optimizing my health and energy levels.
3. Joyful Exploration
This year was all about joy and exploration. I took the time to discover who I am outside of my roles as a business owner, mother, and wife. Engaging in new hobbies and experiences has brought a sense of fulfillment and excitement to my life.
Results and Reflections
As I wrap up this year, I’m thrilled to share some of the results from 2024. We saw a 30% increase in online course sales, which is a significant milestone for our business.
Additionally, we grew our email list by over 200,000 subscribers and increased our net operating income by 30%. These numbers reflect the hard work and dedication of my team and the value we provide to our community.
The podcast also had a fantastic year, with over 6 million downloads and significant growth in our audience. I’m grateful for each and every one of you who tunes in and supports the show.
Looking Ahead
As I look forward to 2025, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I plan to continue focusing on what works, refining my processes, and nurturing my relationships. I’m committed to maintaining the balance between my personal and professional life, and I’m eager to explore new opportunities for growth and connection.
Thank you for joining me on this journey and for being a part of the Goal Digger community. I hope that my reflections on 2024 inspire you to take a closer look at your own year and consider what you want to carry forward into the future.
Here’s to a new year filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities!
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