As we close the chapter on another year, there’s something profoundly grounding about pausing to look back. Life moves so quickly, and we’re often so busy chasing the next milestone that we forget to honour how far we’ve come.
2024 has been a year of challenges, growth and lessons for many, and I invite you to join me in reflecting on the moments that shaped it.
Think about the new skills you’ve picked up this year. Maybe you mastered something practical, like taking a path into tech or starting a new degree. Or perhaps it’s something intangible, like learning to navigate difficult conversations with grace. Whatever the skill, it’s important to celebrate bettering yourself. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to your ability to adapt and grow.
What about lessons? The kind that life often teaches us when we’re least expecting them. This year, I learnt about a little bit more about tenacity; putting my feelings aside and professionally holding on to a contract till the situation yielded a win-win for both parties.
And you? What was your most important lesson in 2024? Perhaps you learned patience during a season of waiting or realised how important boundaries are in your relationships. Whatever it is, write it down. It’s something you’ll want to remember for the future. The hard moments we’ve been through can teach us a lot, and looking back on them can make it easier to handle similar situations down the road.
In addition, take a moment to reflect on how you’ve felt this year. What was your most common state of mind? Excited? Stressed? Content? Be honest with yourself. If you’re happy with it, consider what brought you there and how you can carry that forward. If not, think about what you might adjust to create more balance.
Habits are also linked to your overall emotional and mental state. Which ones served you well last year, and which ones didn’t? Maybe 2024 was the year you built a consistent morning routine or finally started journaling. On the flip side, perhaps it’s time to leave behind habits that drained your energy or limited your potential.
Do more of the things that make you happy.
One of my favourite questions to ask myself at the end of the year is, “What did I do for the first time ever?” First-time experiences are powerful. They push us out of our comfort zones and often leave us with the best stories.
Maybe 2024 was the year you started a podcast, travelled solo, or spoke up in a room where you’d usually stay quiet. Those moments matter! They show you’re alive and still exploring what life has to offer.
While we’re at it, let’s talk about foundations. Perhaps you did not complete a new experience, but did you plant seeds for a big goal this year? Maybe you started a business, pursued further education, or worked on a passion project. Are you still on track with that goal? If not, don’t beat yourself up. Take a moment to recalibrate and plan your next steps. You started when others could not, would not.
And what about the problems you solved? It’s easy to focus on what went wrong, but how about what went right? Recall the obstacles you overcame, whether they were personal, professional or something in between. Your wins deserve recognition because they reflect your resourcefulness and resilience.
Finally, think about gratitude.
Who or what are you most thankful for this year? Gratitude has a way of anchoring us in the present and reminding us of the beauty in our lives. Take a moment to appreciate the people who showed up for you, the opportunities you had, and even the challenges that made you stronger.
For me, 2024 was a year that stretched me in ways I did not expect. I found myself working through a mix of wins and challenges, each one teaching me something new. One of the highlights was stepping into a project that felt daunting at first but ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my year. Another win was handling a tricky family situation with more diplomacy than I might have used in the past. That small shift in how I approached the issue helped ease tensions and brought me closer to a family member I deeply care about.
I also learned a lot about slowing down; letting go of the constant pressure to do it all and instead focusing on what truly matters. Through it all, I’ve grown. I’ve learned to appreciate the small victories, to forgive myself for setbacks, and to stay on track even when things didn’t go as planned. It wasn’t a perfect year, but it was a meaningful one, and I’m thankful for all it taught me.
As you reflect on 2024, give yourself grace. The past year wasn’t meant to be perfect. It was meant to teach you, shape you, and prepare you for what’s next. And speaking of what’s next, stay tuned. Next week, we’ll dive into how you can take the insights from your reflections and turn them into commitments for 2025.
Rachel Onamusi is the CEO of VN Sync, a full-service media marketing agency specializing in digital media strategy, has a proven track record of empowering brands through innovative campaigns and strategic partnerships. Based in the UK, Ms. Onamusi is a sought-after speaker, writer, and frequent media contributor.
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