A Fresh Start for a Bright New Year

Jo Rawald • December 31, 2024

Embracing 2025 with Grace and Purpose

        As the clock strikes midnight and we step into a brand-new year, social media will likely flood with highlight reels of accomplishments. We’ll see posts about promotions, revenue milestones, and personal achievements. But before you let comparison steal your joy, let me remind you of something important. It is okay if the biggest thing you accomplished in 2024 was simply getting through it.

        Sometimes, survival is success. Some years are about planting seeds, weathering storms, and just keeping your head above water. And if that was your 2024, I applaud you. You showed resilience. You persevered. And now, 2025 is yours to shape into something extraordinary.

Reflecting on the Year That Was
        Before we dive headfirst into planning and goal-setting for 2025, let’s take a moment to honor 2024 for what it was. Whether it was a year of triumphs, challenges, or simply treading water, every experience brought you to where you are today. And that matters.

Start by asking yourself these questions:
        • What were the moments I am proud of, no matter how small?
        • What did I learn about myself and my business?
        • How did I grow, even if it was in ways I did not expect?

        Reflection is not about dwelling on what went wrong or what could have been better. It’s about finding gratitude and lessons in the journey. Even the most difficult years can teach us something valuable.

It’s Okay to Have "Just Made It"
        In a world that celebrates hustle and highlights, it can feel like you’re falling behind if you don’t have a long list of wins to share. But let me tell you this -There is nothing wrong with a year of survival. There is nothing wrong with taking the time to rest, recharge, or simply stay afloat.

        Your worth is not tied to how much you accomplished or how many goals you checked off your list. Some years are meant to be quiet. Some years are about laying a foundation. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is give yourself grace and keep going.

Turning the Page to 2025
The beauty of a new year is the promise it holds. No matter what 2024 looked like, 2025 is a blank canvas waiting for you to fill it with possibility. This doesn’t mean you have to set massive resolutions or overhaul your entire life. It means taking small, intentional steps toward the future you want to create.

Here are a few ways to approach the new year with clarity and purpose:
        1. Set Intentions Instead of Resolutions - Resolutions can often feel rigid and overwhelming. Instead, set intentions that align with how you want to feel and grow. For example, instead of resolving to double your income, set the intention to approach your business with focus and passion.
        2. Celebrate the Small Wins - Progress is progress, no matter how small. Celebrate every step forward, whether it is launching a new product, gaining one new client, or simply sticking to your schedule for a week.
        3. Give Yourself Permission to Pivot - Goals can evolve, and that’s okay. If something isn’t working or no longer aligns with your vision, allow yourself to change course. Flexibility is a strength, not a weakness.
        4. Prioritize Your Well-Being - Your business thrives when you do. Make self-care a priority in 2025. Whether it’s setting boundaries, taking weekends off, or investing in personal growth, taking care of yourself isn’t just beneficial. It is essential.
        5. Reconnect with Your Why - Why did you start your business? What impact do you want to make? Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your passion and give you the motivation to keep moving forward.

Rising Through Resilience
        Let me share something with you. Not every year has been a year of big wins for me. In fact, there have been years when simply showing up felt like the biggest victory. I remember not one, but several years when personal challenges made it nearly impossible to focus on work. For God’s sakes, one year, I had to relearn how to walk and talk all over again! There have been numerous times in my life where my goals felt out of reach, and my energy was running on empty.

        Instead of pushing myself to achieve more, I chose to focus on what I could control. I took small steps. I celebrated the tiny victories. And most importantly, I gave myself grace. By the end of those years, I realized something powerful. Even in the hardest seasons, there is growth happening beneath the surface.

        This year was one of the hardest for one of my best friends. She poured everything she had into supporting the people who mattered most to her. She worked tirelessly to ensure her son had the wedding and honeymoon of his dreams. She made countless trips to be there for her mom, who is battling cancer and lives several hours away. She stood by her husband after he suffered a massive heart attack, spending weeks in the hospital and enduring major heart surgery. And as if that wasn’t enough, her two homes were in the direct path of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
For my dear friend who I know is reading this—you made it through 2024 with such grace and strength. It was a tough year, but you’ve been handling it with class and resilience.

        Those years of challenge, whether mine or hers, became the foundation for incredible breakthroughs that came later. They taught me that every season serves a purpose, even if it doesn’t look the way we expected. And as we step into 2025, I want you to carry that lesson with you. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Why 2025 Can Be Your Best Year Yet
        The start of a new year is not just about setting goals. It’s about mindset. It’s about believing that you are capable of creating the life and business you dream of. It’s about letting go of comparison and focusing on your own journey.

Here is why 2025 has the potential to be your best year ever:
        • You have the wisdom and experience of 2024 to guide you.
        • You have a blank slate to define success on your own terms.
        • You have the resilience to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.
        • Most importantly, you have the power to take small, consistent actions that add up to big results.

        This year is yours for the taking. Whether you want to grow your business, deepen your connections, or simply create more balance in your life, it all starts with believing in yourself.

        If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, increase your profits, and truly live the American Dream of being a successful business owner, let’s connect. I offer a free 20-minute discovery Zoom where we can chat about your goals and create a customized plan to help you thrive.

        Schedule your free discovery call today and let’s get started. You have what it takes to achieve incredible success, and I am here to help you every step of the way.

Stepping Boldly Into the New Year
        As you ring in the new year, remember this. It’s okay to look back on 2024 with a mix of emotions. It’s okay if the biggest thing you accomplished was simply getting through it. What matters most is that you’re here, ready to embrace the possibilities of 2025.

        So, take a deep breath. Give yourself a pat on the back for everything you’ve overcome. And then step boldly into the new year with hope, purpose, and the confidence that your best days are still ahead. You got this!


By Jo Rawald June 3, 2025
You ever walk into Costco for one thing, and leave wondering what the heck just happened to your life? That was me last night. All I needed was paper towels. Just one 12-pack brick of industrial absorbency, thank you very much. But the moment I stepped through those magical warehouse doors, it all unraveled. First, I saw a velvet chaise lounge I definitely don’t need. Then - it was a six-tier spice rack. A kayak. A weighted blanket. A 5-lb tub of Gummy Bears I haven’t stopped thinking about. By the time I made it to checkout, I was $312 deep in, “Maybe I’ll use this someday ” purchases. And that’s when it hit me. This is exactly what shiny object syndrome looks like. Not just in Costco. In business. You start with a clear goal - launch a course, a new service or a new product, finish your website, close three new clients. But somewhere along the way, you get distracted by someone else’s launch, a new app, a Canva template you’ll definitely use one day. You buy a course. Download a funnel template. Rebrand your business at midnight. Before you know it, you’re carting around half-baked ideas and unopened tools you never actually needed, and your real revenue-generating work is buried under distractions. It’s a costly habit. Not just in money but, in time, clarity, confidence, and momentum. Here’s your wake-up call => If it doesn’t drive sales, systems, or sanity - put it back on the shelf. You don’t need more stuff. You need a strategy that works. One that moves your business forward with intention and impact. So if you’re tired of carting around the chaos, and ready to focus on what actually gets results - I got you. Check out the free resources on my site or book a quick call. No pressure. Just clarity, next steps, and a bold plan that keeps your eyes on the prize. Download your free Focus to Profit Blueprint so, the next time distraction shows up dressed as a business breakthrough, you’ll know the difference. With Grace & Grit, Jo Jo Rawald Growth Architect for Women Entrepreneurs | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt πŸ“ž (305) 934-0006 | βœ‰οΈ jo@jorawald.com www.JoRawald.com | @xojorawald www.QueenKongBiz.com | @queenkongbiz
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