2024 Reflections: My 4 Game-Changing Lessons — And How They’ll Help YOU!
How often do YOU pause and reflect?
It wasn’t until I hit the point of burnout several years ago that I realised: I NEVER reflected on my career.
As an Activator in the StrengthsFinder assessment, I’m a natural doer. Someone who dives into action, works hard and follow through — traits I share with my high-achieving clients.
Yet, this focus on ‘doing’: planning, strategising, ticking off to-do’s — often takes priority. This leaves little time to reflect on successes, learnings or celebrate progress TOWARD your goals.
And this time of year, when you’re tired or disappointed with your results, it’s easy to overlook what you HAVE achieved. Our brains fixate on the gaps, which is why reflection is essential!
So at the end of each year, I reflect on what I learnt — and what I’ll be taking with me into the next one.
Read on to discover my 4 game-changing lessons (and honest confessions) for 2024. Find out what worked, what didn’t — and how these lessons can help YOU!
LESSON #1 — CONSISTENCY COMPOUNDS
Consistency has been my most powerful lesson and proudest achievement this year. I’ve continued to show up, deliver incredible results for clients and publish regular content — like my podcast — on a consistent basis.
Why this matters is that I experienced some health challenges in the first quarter of this year. Then, I took most of August off for my first big overseas trip since starting this business. Despite these distractions, I’ve remained consistent in the core areas which serve my clients AND move the needle in my business.
And this commitment to consistent action has allowed me to refine my offers, streamline my processes and double down on what works. As a result, I’ve built an even stronger foundation in my business as I step into 2025!
This consistency hasn’t only impacted my business — it’s deepened my self-belief. I’ve become bolder in owning my value and taking action on what’s right for me.
For instance, after running a recent masterclass, a friend mentioned it had inspired her to start her own. Something she’d been putting off for MONTHS! It reminded me how daunting it felt the first time I ran a training, published a LinkedIn post — or launched my podcast last year.
Every time, there were fears of failure: What if no-one shows up or listens? And what will people think? Now, I do these things without hesitation!
Consistency is the secret to achieving meaningful progress, confidence — and the results you want in your career too. Because when you keep showing up despite the discomfort, consistency compounds over time!
Consider — Where are you already showing up consistently — and what impact has this had? What’s ONE new habit, if repeated consistently, would compound the results you want in your career?
LESSON #2 — COLLABORATION BEATS DOING IT ALONE
One of my 2023 lessons was about growing my network strategically — and this year reminded me once again about the power of connection. As an independent self-starter, collaboration wasn’t second nature to me.
Early in my career, I was highly competitive with myself and others — particularly coming from a sales background. Delegating or leaning on others felt unnatural. But over time, I’ve learnt the value of building a strong network and intentionally cultivating relationships.
At first, this was about putting myself out there, meeting new people and expanding my network. In recent years, I’ve invested in nurturing relationships with past clients, peers and referral partners.
In 2024, collaboration became a major theme. I had the opportunity to join new networks — including a peer based group and attending a business planning day in Sydney for another community. These invitations presented via existing relationships I’ve developed over the years.
Both experiences resulted in meaningful connections and opportunities. These were people I could bounce ideas off, share wisdom with and support in return. And that’s something I leaned into this year: collaborating with others, versus going at it alone.
I love the freedom and independence I have as a solo business owner — but it can often be a lonely experience. And as an extrovert who gets my energy from others, collaboration with those key connections has been a HUGE lesson this year. This investment has paid dividends, leading to referrals, new clients — and a richer, more fulfilling experience!
Collaboration is also critical to YOUR career success. In my 2023 review, I spoke about the importance of investing in relationships BEFORE you need them — not only when you’re looking for a job. This proactive approach ensures you’re surrounded by a network of people who can help you achieve your goals.
From a career perspective, consider who you can collaborate with.
It can feel vulnerable to share your aspirations or challenges. But having trusted sponsors in your organisation supports your development and progression. Also, think about mentors who inspire you or peers you can partner with on shared goals.
The lesson for you is this: When you choose collaboration over going solo, it unlocks new pathways to career success!
Consider — What gaps do you have in your inner circle — and WHO do you want to collaborate with? What are their roles and how can you nurture those relationships in 2025?
LESSON #3 — OVERWORK ISN’T THE ANSWER TO SUCCESS
A turning point for me this year was recognising where I was over-delivering, especially in my lower-level 1:1 coaching offers. This became clear during my August trip, when I realised it was draining my energy and limiting my ability to support my high-level clients.
In response, I restructured my 1:1 offerings to focus on serving the clients who are ready for transformation and committed to their results. I’m also planning to scale sustainably by launching new corporate offerings and exploring a group program in 2025.
But this lesson was about more than business — it was about redefining what success and effort look and feel like. This week, I had a conversation with a colleague on this very topic. They’d achieved incredible results in their second year of business, while enjoying more flexibility and time off.
It led them to question: What does success look like to ME? Is it about hustling to make as much money as possible? Or balancing financial growth with flexible hours, time for travel and wellbeing?
It was a powerful reminder to align your ambitions with what truly matters to YOU. Whatever this looks like in your current life stage or season.
2024 showed me the power of slowing down. In the first half of the year when I eased the pace — whether for health or travel — it yielded my best results. But as hustled to get back on track after my holiday, I felt the familiar cost to my wellbeing and balance.
I noticed myself falling back into old habits of overwork, late nights and long hours. But with this awareness, I was able to make different choices — and avoid the burnout I’ve experienced in the past.
In 2025, I’m saying NO to overwork and hustle, and YES to more ease. This doesn’t mean I’m avoiding hard work — it’s about intention.
As a high-achiever, it’s easy to slip into patterns of overworking. But when you have awareness, you can choose a more balanced and sustainable path to career success.
Consider: Where are you overworking or overdelivering? And what’s one shift you can make in 2025 to create more sustainable success?
LESSON #4 — CONFUSION IS THE GATEWAY TO CLARITY
2024 started with big questions: What’s my long-term vision? And what do I truly want?
As I weighed up some big life decisions, it required me to be honest about what I wanted and stay true to who I am. By future casting and exploring different pathways, I moved through confusion to find clarity. The same applies to YOUR career.
When you’re unclear, it’s easy to stay on a familiar path because it feels safe and comfortable. Or to make decisions based on what others say you ‘should’ do. But true clarity comes from understanding what YOU want — and that’s vital for a fulfilling, sustainable career.
On another level, I gained a sharper focus on what I offer, who I serve and how I’m uniquely positioned to help. It’s been a process of reflection, repetition and refinement. Celebrating the work I’ve done so far — while evolving and improving it.
I’ve come to realise that clarity doesn’t occur overnight. It happens through consistent action, revisiting your vision and leaning into the process. Heading into 2025, I’m excited to continue to expand and build on EVERYTHING I’ve created!
The lesson for you is this. When you step into the confusion and take consistent action, clarity comes over time.
Consider: Where are you making choices based on what you think you ‘should’ do — instead of what you WANT? And what’s ONE step you can take to find clarity in your career?
So, there you have it. The 4 biggest lessons I’ve learnt during another extraordinary year. My hope is you can learn from my experiences and celebrate your year too.
Next week, I’ll be sharing my annual Christmas bonus to wrap up the year. A simple year-end reflection to help you review your year and get ready for 2025!
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Stacey Back is a globally recognised and certified career coach, speaker and facilitator. She helps high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work that lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career + life on their terms. Stacey works virtually with individuals and organisations across the globe.