2024 Reflection & 2025 Planning: Lessons, Wins, and Goals

The end of the year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan. As 2024 winds down, I’ve been looking back on what worked, what didn’t, and what I want for the year ahead. It’s not always easy to see the wins, but taking stock helps clear the path for what’s next. Let’s dive into my 2024 reflections and 2025 goals—and maybe it’ll inspire you to set some of your own.

Books That Kept Me Hooked in 2024

This past year, reading became a much-needed escape. I leaned heavily into fiction and discovered a love for books by Black female authors. Here are a few standouts:

“The Secret World of Maggie Gray” by Greer: If you’re into vampires, werewolves, and a sprinkle of dystopia, this one’s a hit. It reminded me of True Blood or The Vampire Diaries with its tension-filled supernatural escapism.
Books by Asia Monique: She’s a go-to for romance, and I can’t recommend her work enough. I’m eagerly waiting for her next release.
JL Seekers and Gry Huffington: Both have delivered romance and stories that kept me captivated all year.

I realized I’m in a stage where reading is about relaxation, not self-improvement. Financial or productivity books? Not for me right now. I’m focused on reading for joy—and honestly, that’s been such a relief.

TV Shows That Had Me Watching on Repeat

This year my love for sci-fi, suspense, and dystopian worlds was stronger than ever. Some standouts I kept coming back to include:

Severance: The wait for Season 2 feels endless, but the first season left a lasting impression.
From: A paranormal suspense series starring Harold Perrineau that hooked me from the start. Season 3 didn’t hit as hard, but it’s still solid.
Three-Body Problem: Hoping for another season, though I know there’s a Korean adaptation I can dive into while waiting.
The Walking Dead – The Ones Who Live: Michonne and Rick’s reunion was everything. I’m curious if they’ll expand this storyline further.

Other top picks included The Boys, Gen V, and a surprising new favorite, Supercell, which combines superhero themes with a unique focus—sickle cell disease as a metaphor for power.

One complaint, though: Why does it take so long for new seasons to drop?

Reflecting on 2024: The Highs and Lows

Wins and What Went Well

Admittedly, this year felt tough, and identifying the wins wasn’t simple. But when I paused to reflect, a few bright spots stood out. My nephew’s growth brought so much joy—seeing him hit milestones like walking and starting to talk was a daily blessing. The support of my dad, who’s always been my rock, also helped me push through challenging times.

Challenges and What Held Me Back

Working from home, while convenient, didn’t do wonders for my productivity or mental health. Distractions piled up, and I found myself dragging through tasks that used to fly by. By the end of the year, I decided to return to the office full time, and the shift is already improving my focus and reducing anxiety.

Financially, I never fully bounced back from an expensive start to the year. Rebuilding my emergency fund and cutting non-essential spending (including those shiny, tempting courses) is now a top priority for the upcoming year.

Lastly, I realized I wasn’t making enough time for socializing or fun. No hobbies, no outings—just work, home, and a rinse-and-repeat routine. That’s something I’m determined to improve.

Lessons From 2024

Routine matters: Habits can make or break your progress, whether for mental health, productivity, or personal growth.
Presence is key: Being seen at work isn’t just about visibility—it fosters connections and opens doors.
Social life isn’t a luxury: Without a balance between work and fun, burnout is inevitable.

These takeaways will shape my approach to the new year.

Experiments and Side Hustles: What Worked and What Didn’t

This year, I experimented a lot, and not everything stuck. Here’s how it went:

The Retire Happy Club: I had big plans for consistent blog posts but struggled to make it happen. Next year, I’ll focus on building momentum and streamlining processes.
Business Coaching with WAE: Investing in Jason and Caroline’s program has been a game-changer. Their guidance helped lay the groundwork for a project I plan to launch in March 2025.
Side Hustle Progress: I made nearly 50 sales from a side project—proof that effort pays off! Scaling it up and leaning less on ads will be my focus for next year.

Lesson learned? Splitting my attention across too many shiny ideas isn’t sustainable. Narrowing my focus is key for 2025.

Goals and Wishes for 2025

Health and Wellness

Medication Consistency: Sticking to my mental health regimen is non-negotiable. Missing doses only sets me back.
Fitness Routine: Rowing became a new love while I was in England. It’s time to find a gym with a rowing machine—or get my own.
Healthy Eating: With consistency, the goal is to get back to my pre-pandemic self.

Financial Stability

I’m doubling down on building resilience here:

Rebuild my emergency fund.
Pay off my car loan faster.
Invest smarter in the U.S. stock market.

Relationships

Be kinder to myself. It’s easy to get stuck in comparison, but I’m embracing slow progress.
Expand my social circle. Joining gyms, trying new hobbies, or finding networking groups will help.

Career and Business

Look for growth opportunities within (or outside) my current company.
Get back to consistent blogging. That includes pairing YouTube content with blog posts to maximize reach.

Fun and Leisure

Make time for simple enjoyment, like beach trips or trying new activities on weekends.
Loosen up—stop putting so much pressure on timelines and let life flow.

Home Environment

I want my living space to reflect my personality. A colorful, maximalist aesthetic feels like the right vibe. Painting, DIY projects, and maybe even learning to sew will make this happen (while staying budget-friendly).

Spiritual and Emotional Growth

Start journaling daily wins to build a gratitude mindset.
Rekindle my faith through a structured Bible study plan and share the experience online for accountability.

Closing Thoughts

2024 wasn’t perfect, but it taught me a lot. Reflecting on the wins, losses, and lessons makes space for growth in 2025. If you’ve been too hard on yourself, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and dream about what’s ahead. What do you want to achieve next year? Share your thoughts with me below—I’d love to know what’s on your 2025 wish list!