2024 was a challenging but rewarding year.
My third child was born. Emma is now 9 months old. Highly mobile and full of smiles.
I left my job at fibertime – a business I believe in with a mission I support – to look for a new challenge where I have more control of the outcome.
With an old friend and new partner, I invested back into AvoChoc, a software development house with a new, young leadership team growing in confidence.
I got to travel to the other side of the world, and it looks like we’re going to build a business there (more on that to come).
I’ve made new friends. Experienced new things. And found parts of me that I’d lost.
But this is not a year in review. This is my year in advance.
These are the 13 things I’m looking for from 2025:
- Happy family
Happiness is a sign of balance and growth.
A happy family means we’re where we need to be, and we’re doing what we’re meant to be doing.
- Replace manic energy with laser focused energy
Energy is action. Energy is life.
Over the past few months my energy levels have been at an all-time high.
But they’ve been unfocused.
I hope to focus all my energy on a few, meaningful problems, ambitions or hobbies.
- More vulnerable moments
Vulnerability builds trust and forges deeper more authentic relationships. It also helps us understand who we are.
I hate feeling vulnerable.
But this year, I’m going to open up, share more, feel deeper, and expose my insecurities and weaknesses more than ever before.
- A confidence boost
Only those who believe they can move mountains, do.
I’m looking for confidence to execute where the laser of my energy is focused.
- New friends
We all need our tribes.
Hopefully mine will continue to grow this year.
- Old friends
Memories and shared experiences are irreplicable.
Because of geography or stages of our lives, I’ve drifted apart from many old friends. In 2025, I hope to reconnect with them.
- Mentors
Learning from those who have already made mistakes and gained successes is a shortcut to getting ahead.
I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors. I’d love a few more.
- Sell something overseas
Geography defines the size of your addressable market and the depth of competition.
This year, I aim to sell products outside of South Africa.
Why?
To reach a bigger audience and prove that our product can compete without the protection of a border.
- Buy fewer things
Joy does not come from more stuff.
What you own does not define you.
Consumerism is not good for the environment.
- Good problems
“Don’t hope for a life without problems. There’s no such thing. Instead, hope for a life of good problems.” ~ Mark Manson (Disappointment Panda)
- Quiet moments (without a smartphone in my hand)
Sand or grass between my toes. Conversations with my kids. Sunrises and sunsets.
Here’s to quiet, mindful moments without distractions.
- The start of a 20-year business
As someone who changes contact details often, I’m becoming increasingly jealous of people who have kept the same email addresses for 20 years.
Hopefully, this year marks the start of a long, stable career chapter.
- Pressure
As Billie Jean King said “pressure is a privilege”.
The feeling of pressure – whether from yourself or others – comes from being faced with opportunity.
2025 is going to be a pressure-filled year. Embrace it.