After the Rain: A Resilient Leap into 2025

22 Jan

In the rollercoaster ride of today's world, resilience is like being a superhero with the magic power to dodge obstacles and keep boosting ahead. Whether it's tackling, tricky clients, personal challenges, world-sized curveballs, having that bounce-back mojo is what beefs up our character and fuels our growth adventure!

While I definitely had some highs and I feel blessed to be able to say that, 2024 was a tough one for me and for so many of us!

My 2024 lowlights included:

I took a risk and started a business in a tricky year.

I trusted people I shouldn’t have by their word which cost me thousands.

I had no less than 2 injuries. 1 which has up to 6 months recovery (still niggly).

There were challenging family circumstances.

I was trying to untangle a separation.

But this is by no means a pity party. Heck no!

I’m still here. My business has grown. It feels like theres a light at the end of the tunnel. And 2025 reeks of potential.

From someone who’s researched this stuff a LOT in the past 18 months, lets discuss how to shift our perspectives when the going gets inevitably tough sometimes.

Surrender and Practice Acceptance

The idea of surrender might seem unusual at first. It suggests letting go and observing what unfolds. Yet, this mindset has brought me immense peace in an unpredictable world. Not everyone needs to love you. People are all facing their own challenges.

Wait. See what happens. Let it sit for awhile. Think about what you want to do. Not every interaction needs a response.

When faced with a challenge you can address, take action.

But if it’s beyond your control, try to relax and let events take their course. You'll often find that things resolve themselves or turn out fine, irrespective of your worries. Embracing this approach allows you to enjoy life’s journey and appreciate the diverse experiences that strengthen us along the way.

Set Goals

Whats your revenue goal for this year? Have you reviewed your last 12 months and tracked any trends or opportunities?

Goal setting is a powerful way to gain clarity, focus, and motivation in both personal and professional aspects of life. By clearly defining what you want to achieve, you can channel your efforts more effectively and measure progress along the way.

To set effective goals, ensure they are SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Start by writing down your goals, breaking them into actionable steps, and setting deadlines to keep yourself accountable.

Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed to stay on track and celebrate your achievements to maintain motivation. Through thoughtful goal setting, you can transform aspirations into reality and create a clear path to success.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Put down your phone and get off the sofa. In New Zealand, the average person spends about 3.5 hours a day watching TV and over 2 hours on social media. Imagine if you dedicated just 30 minutes of that time each day to something more enriching.

What if you used it to learn a new skill, boost your well-being, read a book, enjoy the outdoors, swim in the ocean, or help your community?

Consider how such small changes could greatly enhance your life, opening doors to new opportunities, healthier habits, and a greater sense of fulfillment.

Be the Solution

Are you constantly focusing on problems, feeling like Eeyore and always dwelling on the negatives or worst case scenarios? It's time to shift your perspective and take charge of positive changes!

If your business needs a lift, seek out the support you need. If you're feeling unhappy, take proactive steps to bring joy back into your life. For health concerns, consult a professional and consider making healthier choices.

Remember, you're not a passive player in your own story. You have the power to move mountains and make impactful changes. Believe in yourself, and you'll transform challenges into victories. Embrace your potential and be the solution you seek!

I worked with an incredible business mentor in 2024, and it truly transformed and saved my business. Everyone needs assistance from time to time, but it doesn't simply appear on its own. Take the initiative, seek out the support you need, and watch the magic unfold.

Build a Support Network

Grow your village.

Create a dynamic network of like-minded individuals who not only share your interests but also provide mutual support and motivation. It's like having an inspiring think tank and a personal support team rolled into one!

Actively pursue opportunities to expand these connections, whether through professional groups, webinars, or industry events.

Engage with these communities by sharing your insights and being there for others—this mutual exchange creates a strong network foundation. By fostering such vibrant connections, you'll be well-prepared to support and be supported whenever challenges or opportunities arise. Let's transform networking into not just a career investment, but a lively and rewarding journey.

Remember to Breathe

Breathe? What I do that anyway. Wrong! Conscious Breathwork meditation turns the ordinary act of breathing into a powerful wellness tool. By deliberately focusing on your breathing patterns, you can enhance relaxation, uplift your mood, and potentially ease physical discomforts. This practice is much more than just taking deep breaths—it’s a mindful exploration of how our breath can influence both mental and physical well-being.

Many people have found that breathwork reduces stress and anxiety, and it can also improve sleep quality and overall mood. Additionally, this meditative practice may offer relief from symptoms associated with certain health conditions. Techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing, box breathing, and alternate nostril breathing are popular for their simplicity and effectiveness. Dive into breathwork meditation and discover how this intentional approach to breathing can enrich your life and provide a sense of calm and vitality.

Give yourself a Freaking Break

Shit Happens. Perfection is overrated. We all make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of life, and everyone faces setbacks.

Even Elon Musk, one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, had his share of struggles. In the mid-2000s, both Tesla and SpaceX were on the verge of collapse. Musk risked his entire fortune to keep them afloat, facing three failed SpaceX launches and Tesla's financial turmoil.

Despite these challenges, Musk didn't give up. He learned from failures and persisted. In 2008, SpaceX achieved its first successful launch, and Tesla secured key funding just in time. Today, both companies have revolutionized their industries.

Musk's journey shows that setbacks are opportunities for growth. So, let yourself off the hook—embrace imperfection and see each challenge as a valuable lesson on your path to success.

So let's leave 2024 in the past, build our resilience muscles and use the experiences we gained to hit the ground running. At Illuminate Co., we're here to be part of your village, help you harness that strength and turn it into success in 2025 and beyond.