Money Maven thoughts as we close out 2024 and plan for 2025

There is no other time in the year that I think about my life as I do these last 2 weeks of the year. I am in deep on wrapping up 2024 and planning and goal setting for 2025. Spreadsheets play a key in this process. I have several I keep and update yearly with goals (business & personal), money plans & projections, where I am with investments, debts, and subscriptions, and projected taxes due. I even have one for where I want to be in 3 years with a breakdown of what I need to do to get there starting this next quarter. And one for the BADs (Big Ass Dreams) - the big thinking, big-dreaming, soul searching of where and who I want to be next year and into the future. Here are some thoughts as I’m in the rabbit hole of my life.

1. Clarity of Vision: It’s important to have a clear vision for your life and business. Understanding your ultimate goals allows you to align your actions and decisions with that vision. A well-defined purpose serves as a guiding star, helping you navigate challenges and opportunities.

2. Think Several Moves Ahead: Always think several steps ahead in your decision-making process. Anticipating future moves and their potential outcomes allows you to strategize effectively and stay prepared for various scenarios and obstacles.

3. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Self-awareness is crucial. Conduct an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. This understanding helps you leverage your strengths while being aware and mitigating your weaknesses. This leads to better decision-making and more happiness as you can lean into doing what you are good at and what makes you shine.

4. Always be Learning: Continuous learning is a great investment of your time. Learn new tech skills, new investment strategies, or read books on money or business. It’s also wise to learn from others by using a coach or having a mentor, and it’s even a learning experience to learn from your mistakes.

5. Build a Strong Network: Relationships and connections not only help you with your business but also lead to the experience of getting to know new people. By widening your circle you have more people who can seek support from, guide you, and provide opportunities or ideas. Networking is not just about what you can gain from new connections, but also about how you can contribute to others who you meet.

6. Master your Finances: Understanding the fundamentals of money is essential. Know where your money is, and where it is going. Find a way to set up a money plan, and set new goals for increasing your income. Become intimate with your money, and find ways to learn how to make it grow.

7. Emphasize Execution: Goals and ideas are great, but without execution, they just become words on paper. While you are setting goals, create a game plan on how the goal is going to be accomplished. Break it down into steps to be done and set a timeline for those steps. Work to develop a strong execution plan and remain committed and disciplined in following through with your game plan.

8. Embrace Risk and Failure: Taking risks is an inherent part of entrepreneurship. It’s also essential to embrace failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. By analyzing failures and adjusting strategies, you can improve your chances of future success. And be sure to celebrate your successes and use them to learn what works for you and your risk tolerance.

9. Create a Culture: A positive and productive culture is essential. Reevaluate your values, your boundaries, and your expectations. Communicate these to those around you, let them see you lead and strive for your goals, and show your commitment to your life and what you stand for.

10. Be Adaptable: Life is constantly changing so adaptability is key to long-term success and happiness. Try to remain flexible and open to new ideas, directions, and technologies. Embracing change allows you to stay relevant and seize new emerging opportunities.

My biggest goal right now is to do what brings me joy and let’s me follow my passions. And to be always open to new and interesting opportunities that come my way.

What words of wisdom can you add to this list?