2024 in Review
A Year of Realignment, Rest, and Redefining What Matters
Today is my last post of 2024.
I find myself looking back on a year that started with me recognizing my own career misalignment—a realization that sent me down a rabbit hole of research. I wanted to know: was it just me, or were others feeling this way too? I wrote a few articles about my experience and researching findings and surprisingly….turns out, I wasn’t alone.
The comments were filled with personal accounts of similar struggles, making one thing clear: misalignment isn’t rare. It’s a quiet epidemic.
Now, five months into this journey, I have the privilege of helping over 100 readers navigate the tricky intersection of work and well-being. It’s been an incredible experience, and I feel so grateful.
Next year, I’ll be dedicating even more of my time to this mission, but before I turn the page, I want to reflect on the lessons this year has taught me.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, out of sync, or like your ambitions are grinding you down instead of lifting you up, this one’s for you.
The Three Lessons That Changed Everything
Alignment Creates Energy
I’ve discovered that when you’re working in sync with your values, strengths and aspirations, work doesn’t just drain you—it fuels you. It’s like stepping into a flow state where effort feels purposeful.
For years, I thought exhaustion was the price of success. But once I began aligning my work with what mattered to me, I found new energy—not just for my career, but for my relationships, health, and creativity.
Success Isn’t a Ladder; It’s a Mosaic
We’ve been sold this idea that success is linear: climb higher, earn more, and gain prestige. But real success is much more personal.
It’s about creating a mosaic that reflects who you are—a mix of work, rest, relationships, and self-expression.
This shift in mindset has changed how I set goals. Instead of chasing titles or milestones, I am designing a life that feels true to who I am and what I want to experience.
In this phase of my life, I’ve stop setting SMART goals and created a new framework: MINDFUL goals
M – Meaningful: Why does this goal matter to me?
I – Intuitive: Does this goal feel right for me at this moment?
N – Nurturing: Does this goal support my well-being?
D – Dynamic: Is this goal flexible enough to evolve with me?
F – Fulfilling: Am I enjoying the journey, not just the destination?
U – Unique: Does this goal reflect my individuality?
L – Liberating: Does this goal empower me to grow and thrive on my terms?
Connection Is the Catalyst
The most surprising discovery? How essential it is to find your people. Whether it’s a community of like-minded professionals or a trusted mentor, connection transforms growth from something solitary into something expansive.
Every conversation I’ve had with my readers, mentors and clients this year has enriched my life and added depth to my understanding. The collective wisdom of our shared experiences is a gift I’ll carry into 2025.
Looking Ahead: My Commitment to Myself (And You)
2024 was the year I stopped living by someone else’s playbook. This year taught me to listen—to myself, to others, and to the gentle pull of alignment.
Next year, my focus will be on expanding this work. I want to help more professionals design lives where work and wellbeing don’t compete but complement each other.
I’ll be creating workshops, writing more, and exploring ways to foster deeper connections within this growing community.
Most importantly, I’ll continue practicing what I preach: slowing down, aligning, and thriving.
If this year felt like a struggle, I hope the new year brings you clarity and courage to create something that feels right for you.
I’ll leave you with this: The best thing you can do for yourself is to listen.
Listen to the voice that says, “This isn’t working.”
Listen to the spark of joy when you stumble across something that lights you up.
And when in doubt, trust that alignment is worth the work.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a new year of aligning and thriving—together.
With gratitude and excitement,
Shannon
Such a powerful way to create momentum for 2025!
Soooo many truths and revelations in this post that it will take me the rest of this year (LoL) to figure out how to apply them in my life. This aligns with my view of life as a tapestry (admittedly borrowed from Carole King). Thanks, Shannon, for the clarity, inspiration, and challenge. Happy 2025.