As we look forward to starting a new year, I would like to reflect on this past year for a bit. A look in the rearview mirror if you will.
2022 was quite the year! I’ve kind of been in protective mode this year. 2022 was full of challenges, rewards, blessings, and love! All I can say is — what a difference a year makes! It wasn’t always easy, but it was most definitely worth it!
The biggest reason I like to reflect on my year is that I am looking for lessons learned and a better way to do things going forward. I want to know if my time spent was done so wisely. I look at the goals I achieved that I set over the course of the year. This gives me a baseline to work from in 2023. Now that I know what areas need improvement, I can take actionable steps to do just that. This reflection isn’t meant as a negative thing. No, not at all. If we stay focused and positive, we can use this reflection to adjust so that 2023 is more successful. Learning is growth and growth creates success.
Personal Growth…
I’m not going to get all mushy here, but 2022 was a tremendous growth year in my personal life and relationships. I know I am very protective of that part of my life. I struggle with being vulnerable here. Knowing it gives others who are going through what I went through hope and encouragement is why I share. Getting those messages of thanks and hope from others makes it all worth it. It isn’t easy doing it, that is for sure! So here we go again in 2023… But first, understand this was not an “overnight” success story. If you have been following me all these years, you know. For those of you who haven’t… It has taken me four LONG years to get to this healthy thriving place I’m at. It was a journey that took as long as it needed to. 2021 was a year of being brave and opening myself back up. 2022 was the year of grace & love where I nurtured and protected the relationships I was building. What will 2023 be…? Whatever it needs to be. I have complete trust in this journey. Will I question it at times? Oh, heck yeah — I’m an over-thinker! Will I lose my way from time to time? You know it! If either of those things, or anything else for that matter, tries to put up roadblocks in my path, I know that I am strong, confident, and smart enough to figure it out. And if I can’t? Well, I am brave enough to ask for help!
Professional Growth….
Despite the MANY challenges businesses have faced this past year, professionally I have been able to position my companies to remain profitable and become more efficient. I have the best team we have ever had at my brick & mortar companies. I know I keep saying that, but I absolutely love the people I work with right now. We have streamlined our practices, set good boundaries, and continue to create a healthier working environment. They still pick on each other a lot, but it is all in good humor! We’ve worked hard on our mental fitness here and created an employee-centered company! I am so proud of the changes and look forward to what 2023 brings us!
Brand Building…
My Michelle Sukow company is thriving. 2022 had me prioritizing other things that weren’t necessarily more important but absolutely had to be taken care of. So, I did more podcast work, which was a new avenue for me! I learned a lot and still have more to learn there. I live for this though! Did some house cleaning and a lot of behind-the-scenes work to set me up for an awesome 2023. This is the year I am going ALL IN! It may be a bit scary (okay, really scary), but it is also very exciting! I have new speaking engagements already lined up for 2023. I am working on some writing projects. I am developing a new product to add to my store. I have a couple of new projects and collaborations I am working on that have me super excited. I’ve set some lofty goals this year for my brand! This is where the imposter syndrome comes sneaking in… however, I’m just going to lean in and do the dang thing anyways! I truly can’t wait to see what unfolds.
OKAY… enough about me! Why did I share all this? So that you know I am authentic and totally real with you. I don’t have all the answers. I’m still learning. I still fail. What I have are experiences that I am willing to share. Why? So that you don’t have to make all the same mistakes I did. So that you can get to your successes more efficiently! So that you have someone you can trust to walk with you on your journey. I am here to inspire you, encourage you, motivate you, and give you hope!
Looking forward to 2023! How about you?
Michelle