Image Credit: ID 239867451 | Scope © Lesia Sementsova | Dreamstime.com
In 1997, in a fit of desperation, I withdrew my entire savings from the bank. Everything I had totaled $800. In a moment’s reflection, I discovered that desperation didn’t suit me. I moved to New York and scrambled loca until I found my footing. That tenacity suited me, and I called New York home for the next ten years.
A few weeks ago, I reflected on 2024 in the rear view and realized the whole year was a drive to acquire and keep my dream car. The whole year I had to make projections, vision statements, mission statements, and forge clarity from chaos. As green as green could be, I had to basically guess my way through the year.
I applaud every business owner and solo entrepreneur who navigated and survived the first few years of operations.
For me though, making financial forecasts was hoodoo voodoo, hocus pocus. I may as well have thrown darts while blindfolded. It was all theoretical and only made sense in conversation. But getting the forecasted numbers to the actual bank? I was a babe in the woods, and I for sure couldn’t see the forest.
Every journey is different because every perception of the path varies from person to person. As I made my way, I could look back at the missteps I made in 2024 with newfound confidence. I’ve been around the block, as they say, and I took notes.
Now I understand when a savvy business person asks for projections. I literally parsed through the 2025 calendar to determine what my specials will be, how I’ll tie them into a theme for the blog, what other businesses I can approach to sponsor my blog posts, and why they should.
You’re going to get a much more focused massage therapist from here on out. I know what continuing education I want to pursue and how my new skills will translate to the service menu. I know the benefits you’ll receive from those new skills, too.
In addition, the plan is to diversify my client base. I’ll be pursuing corporate contracts with renewed vigor so that there’s a stable baseline of consistent revenue. Once that consistency reaches a certain percentage of operating capacity, I can bring on another therapist (create a job!). That will give me enough breathing room to court more clients. By definition, that’s growth.
Even though the year was challenging (to say the least), desperation still doesn’t suit me. I gave up quitting in my early 30s. I am still called to forge clarity from chaos; that’s not going to change so long as I’m the Founder and Owner of a business. The year ahead may call for pivots and adjustments, full steam ahead here and there, temporary backtracking, roundabouts, and shifting gears, but one thing is clear: I will not quit. Tenacity suits me. I am a survivor.
Image Credit: ID 239634068 © Fabio Diena | Dreamstime.com
What do you see in your crystal ball for the year ahead? Leave a comment.
Easily book your appointment: www.joyfulrisingspa.com
Call/Text: 754.777.9437
Follow me on Instagram: (@joyful_rising)
You are indeed a survivor! It’s a requirement for small business owners, my friend. Lots of love to you.
Old Year’s Night – Much letting go.
Happy New Year’s Day tomorrow – Much letting in.
Thank you for your kind words, wisdom, and help. I appreciate you.
Be well,
April