• 4 min read

🔥 The 10 lessons that actually stuck with me this year

As I wrap up another 12 months, I’m realizing the biggest takeaways didn’t come from epic wins or massive failures.

They were about the everyday grind—refining how I work, who I work with, how I take care of myself, and what I’m willing to tolerate. Some are about brand building, some about personal sanity, but all have shaped how I’m showing up in life and business going forward.

1. Good intentions don't guarantee good outcomes

I used to assume that if everyone meant well, things would turn out okay. Not true. Misunderstandings happen, people don't read contracts, and excitement over half-baked ideas can derail a project. Even “good” people can cause chaos when they feel justified. This year taught me to trust behavior and follow-through more than toxic positivity.

2. Consistency beats the viral moment

Small, steady actions compound. Viral posts are cool, but it's in the every day posting and learning that results happen. A single 600-calorie workout feels amazing but an easier DAILY 30 minute workouts is better. Showing up consistently wins because the magic is in the repetition.

3. Sleep is the ultimate performance hack

I experimented by putting sleep above work, gym sessions, and my favorite sleep procrastination, screen time. (Turns out, I need at least 8 hours!) Putting sleep first positively impacted everything in my life - I became more productive, more consistent in my workouts, and a whole lot happier. (If I haven't already tried to force this book on you, it's a must read).

4. Doing less makes me happier

This year, I scaled back my team and our agency's capabilities. I’m infinitely less stressed and more fulfilled. I learned that I love doing the work more than I love building business. It's good to be hands-on and connected to the work rather than just building a bigger machine. Sometimes, less is actually the vibe.

5. Sitting in discomfort creates less stress

I’m a “gap closer”—always trying to fix, push, or steer things in a certain direction. But this year, I practiced sitting in the discomfort of not knowing. Instead of forcing outcomes, I’m leaning back, observing, and letting things "happen to me" a little more. It’s counterintuitive, but turns out I had less control than I thought anyway.

6. Keep showing up when it's good and bad

Some days, it feels like I’ve made it; others, I’m certain I’m failing. In the past I've stopped in my tracks out of joy or overwhelm. Big mistake. Now, no matter what, I keep planting seeds, doing the work, and showing up. There is no such thing as "made it" or "failure." There's just doing. (My favorite reminder)

7. I only owe people respect

Disclaimer: I'm a recovering people pleaser. I'm learning that I don’t owe anyone my time, comfort, or mental bandwidth beyond basic respect. Trolls, overly pushy askers, people who make me feel uneasy—I’m allowed to say no. Protecting my space and peace is a non-negotiable, and I don't need to perform for anyone.

8. I will only work with people I like

This year confirmed it: I’m done collaborating with rude, condescending, or “I’m doing you a favor” types. No amount of money or hype is worth even moderately shitty people. If mutual respect and genuine passion aren't your vibe, I don't wannit.

9. Daily walks are my Xanax

It's so cliché, but a daily walk outside is my therapy. When I skip it, I feel off. When I make it happen, I’m calmer, clearer, and just overall better. Work is no excuse—fresh air and movement fuel my productivity, not the other way around. (And with views like this, why would I NOT?)

10. Meet people where they are
This is everywhere but especially at work. Each client has different persepectives and marketing know-how. Some need detailed plans, others need to understand the high level picture better.Maybe they need more details, maybe they need time to process, or maybe they’re only comfortable taking small steps initially. When my ideas are presented in a way the client can really understand, they become less intimidating and more likely to see the light of day.

The TL;DR: This year taught me that true growth is often slow, steady, and personal. It’s in protecting my energy, aligning with good people, and remembering that consistency, sleep, and a daily walk can seriously level up my game. As I head into next year, I’m taking these lessons with me—and maybe leaving behind a few “big moments” in favor of small steps that actually matter.

Ready to work with someone who loves your brand? Apply to be a client. đź’Ş

What to know this week

♪ The TikTok ban was upheld in federal appeals court today. If ByteDance doesn't divest by the January 19 deadline, it's lights out for the app in the U.S.

đź‘Ż Lookalike contests are en vogue at the moment, but why? NYT has some history behind the trend. My favorite atm is Away.

🦉 HootSuite's 2025 Trends Report is out and IKYM their 12/10 influencer campaign for the download announcement, check it here.

🎯 Is building a personal brand on your New Year's Goal list? Get my LinkedIn Playbook! What the heck, use code NYBRAND to get 10% off (this week only).

🎨 Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year has been released and it's basically the color of 💩 which feels fitting. #HNY

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