Embracing Self-Confidence and using January as a time to allow this to begin to take shape.

Self-confidence is a wonderful thing, and I never imagined it would become such a warm, glowing presence in my life. As I sit here on the final day of 2024, I feel proud of how far I’ve come. Just a year ago, I was stuck in a job that felt familiar but left me unhappy, resigned to the idea of working there until retirement, which sat heavy with me.

The thought of stepping into the world of entrepreneurship filled me with fear and anxiety. I often questioned, “What am I doing?” There were moments when I almost ran back to the security of my old job, despite knowing it wasn’t what I truly wanted.

Fast forward to today, and everything has changed. Over the past year, I've learned to embrace my fears rather than let them control me. I've discovered healthy ways to express my emotions and have committed to being a lifelong learner. Now, I get to do work I love on my own terms, balancing my professional life with personal passions like playing the harp and taking leisurely strolls with Hinto, my dog. These are experiences I could only enjoy during annual leave before; now they are part of my everyday routine.

The big picture I envisioned for my life was clear, but turning that vision into reality required breaking it down into manageable pieces. By applying the same techniques I use to support others, I ensured my own success along the way.

As we close out this year, I invite you to take 10 minutes for yourself. Here are two exercises that have been incredibly helpful for me:

1. Success Stack: Reflect on the past year and list your achievements—no matter how small. Every step counts!

2. Visualize Your Future: Think about what you want to achieve in the coming year. Then, look out for my upcoming Thursday Taking Action posts for tips on turning your vision into actionable steps.

Wishing you a wonderful evening as we transition from one year to the next. Here’s to embracing self-confidence and making 2025 our best year yet!