This past year came with many ups and downs, and in some ways it was one of the hardest years yet. I wanted to share what I learned in 2024.

1. It’s okay to not have everything figured out at 30

I had thought about turning 30 for a long time, the person I wanted to be and the goals I wanted to accomplish. It was really hard getting to that point and the goals I set didn’t happen and I wasn’t even close to who I wanted to be as a person. I don’t know when or why I set my 30th birthday as the magical marker for so many things. When I was “supposed to” have life figured out, have my shit together, be in a great financial situation with the dream job, dream house, and dream car. I thought I was “supposed to” have self-confidence and know my self-worth even though I learned that is more of a constant journey then an actual end goal. Life goes on after 30 and there is truly so much life to live. I definitely learned a lot and feel like I have a better head on my shoulders going forward. I am still figuring some things out and it’s okay as long as I keep growing and moving forward in life.

2. I am not a failure if I didn’t complete my 2024 goals

When reflecting on 2024, I immediately started getting down on myself for the lack of things that I accomplished. I felt like such a failure for not completing what I set out to do. While the year wasn’t a total bust, some big goals I wanted to accomplish didn’t happen at all or even partially happened. I realized that I had a choice. I could dwell on the past and feel sorry for myself or I could add them to my goal list for 2025 and absolutely crush them.

3. Listening can be just as powerful as speaking up

For many years I didn’t have a voice. Thanks to being with an abusive narcissist, I was silenced and didn’t stand up for myself. When I left that relationship I finally had the freedom to speak. Since then, I developed a horrible habit of listening less and feeling like if I didn’t speak up and say something, I wouldn’t be taken seriously. Over the last year I have learned that someone listening can be just as powerful as speaking up. For 2025, I have a goal on listening more. I don’t always have to comment or say something.

4. Talking things out doesn’t always help solve the issue

I am a person that believes that talking things out can solve just above anything. Over the past year, I have learned that not always is that true. Sometimes journaling things out and sitting with our thoughts can help solve issues too.

5. Don’t be afraid to be your unique self

I have spent a lot of time in my 20’s comparing myself to others. How I looked, how I dressed, how I viewed things, what my life looked like. It took me 29 years but I realized that it is okay to look at someone else’s life and use it as inspiration, but not comparison. I have always dressed fancier than my friends. I live in the mountains but I love coastal things. It’s fun to be unique and easier to gain confidence when you aren’t trying to be like someone else.

I am truly so excited for 2025 and I have some huge goals. Share your goals below or on Instagram here and we can support each other!