The Power of Reflection, Relationships, and Rest

As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the work I’ve done, the investments I’ve made, and the returns—both tangible and intangible—that I’ve seen this year. It’s been a season of growth, experimentation, and clarity, and as I prepare for what’s ahead in 2025, I want to share a few lessons I’ve learned along the way.

One of the most eye-opening experiments I ran this year involved my approach to promoting speaking engagements and events. For years, I’ve watched colleagues tirelessly post flyers, updates, and announcements, seemingly tying their revenue streams to the visibility of their efforts. But this year, I intentionally stepped back. I scaled down the promotional posts—not because I didn’t have anything to promote, but because I wanted to test a theory: Does less visibility equate to less revenue?

Guess what? It didn’t.

Through this experiment, I learned an important truth: systems and relationships are far more valuable than constant self-promotion. The misconception is that the loudest voices in the room—the ones consistently posting and marketing themselves—are the most sought after. While there’s some truth to the notion that visibility matters, what truly sustains and grows a business is what happens behind the scenes.

Our systems, built over years of refining processes and nurturing relationships, carried us. The work we’ve put into automating follow-ups, maintaining client touchpoints, and building trust paid off. The relationships I’ve cultivated over time—real, authentic connections—ensured that my calendar stayed full, even without the constant reminders of what I’m doing.

This realization has given me even more clarity as I prepare for next year. While I’m not usually one to target specific conferences, companies, or events to speak at, this year, I’ve realized there are a few on my personal list. I’ll be sharing more about this soon, but what excites me most about 2025 is the opportunity to build even more meaningful relationships with people who are aligned in values and vision.

Wrestling with Rest

I won’t lie—rest has been a challenge for me. As entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of “next” and “new.” Every shiny object, every calendar invite, every meeting request feels like an opportunity you can’t afford to pass up. But the truth is, chasing every opportunity is a fast track to burnout.

This year, I’ve wrestled with rest in a way that has forced me to redefine my boundaries. I’ve come to understand over the years that saying “no” isn’t just an act of self-preservation—it’s a strategic decision that protects your energy, your time, and your capacity to show up fully for what matters most. Needless to say, I've become really good at saying no.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that rest isn’t the opposite of work; it’s a critical part of it. Rest is where clarity is found. It’s where creativity is born. And as I prepare to step away from the office for a few weeks to spend time with my family and plan for the year ahead, I do so knowing that this time is just as valuable as the hours spent in meetings, on calls, or at events.

The Value of Relationships

If there’s one thing this year has reinforced, it’s that relationships are everything. Whether it’s with clients, colleagues, or my family, the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life and business.

This year, I’ve doubled down on building relationships with good people—people who challenge me, inspire me, and align with my values. These relationships have opened doors, created opportunities, and helped me navigate challenges with grace and support.

Looking ahead, I want to deepen those connections. I want to partner with organizations and individuals who are as committed to growth and impact as I am. I want to collaborate on projects that leave a legacy—not just for my business, but for my community.

Boundaries and Balance

As entrepreneurs, we often talk about balance, but what I’ve found is that balance isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. It’s about having the clarity and courage to prioritize what matters most, even when it means letting go of the rest.

This clarity doesn’t come easily. It’s taken years of trial and error, moments of overwhelm, and intentional reflection to get here. But as my boundaries have become more defined, so has my ability to focus.

I’ve learned to protect my time—not just from external demands, but from my own temptation to say “yes” to too much. And in doing so, I’ve created space for the things that truly matter: my family, my health, my growth, and my purpose.

Looking Ahead

2025 is already shaping up to be an exciting year. I’ve got some incredible opportunities on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share them with you. But as I step into the new year, I do so with a renewed commitment to rest, relationships, and intentionality.

To my fellow entrepreneurs, speakers, and business owners: take time to reflect on the systems and relationships that sustain you. Challenge the assumptions about what you “have” to do to succeed. And most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of rest.

The grind will always be there. Show up for yourself first.

In an effort to help you navigate some of what I've wrestling and reflecting with, here are some questions that I hope guide you in the opportunity to reflect on this past year and go into the new year with more clarity, growth, and impact:

1. Reflection: What’s one experiment or shift you’ve made in your business or personal life this year? What did you learn from it?
2. Rest: How do you define rest in your life, and what steps have you taken to protect it?
3. Relationships: Who has had the biggest impact on your growth this year, and how do you plan to invest in that relationship moving forward?
4. Systems: Are your current systems supporting your goals, or is there an area where you need to make improvements?
5. 2025 Goals: What’s one big opportunity or goal you’re excited to pursue next year? How are you preparing for it now?
6. Boundaries: What’s one boundary you can set today to create more clarity and focus for yourself?
7. Balance: What “shiny object” or distraction do you need to let go of to prioritize what truly matters?