by Margaret Hirsch
As we approach the final weeks of 2024, now is the perfect time to reflect on the year so far, assess how far we've come, and set our sights on finishing strong. But as we look ahead, we must also think about how to position ourselves for success in 2025. After all, you can’t hit a target you can’t see.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day rush of business and life, but taking a moment to pause and reflect on the year so far is a powerful exercise. Ask yourself:
What have you accomplished?
What obstacles have you overcome?
What lessons have you learned that will carry you into next year?
When we take the time to reflect on our successes and challenges, we gain clarity on where we stand and what adjustments might be needed in the final stretch of 2024. It’s about celebrating the wins (no matter how small they may seem) and learning from any setbacks.
Personally, 2024 has been a year of growth, new opportunities, and strengthening the relationships that matter most—both personally and professionally. At Hirsch's Homestore, we’ve experienced fantastic milestones and have continued to build a stronger team and customer base. But even with all the success, I know the importance of always setting new goals and challenging myself and the business to achieve even greater things.
As the saying goes, “You can’t hit a target you can’t see.” Setting clear, specific, and measurable goals is critical to achieving success. As we prepare for 2025, it’s crucial to not only have a vision of where we want to go, but also a plan to get there.
Here are a few steps I’m taking, and I encourage you to do the same, as we look ahead to 2025:
Define your vision
What does success look like for you in 2025? Whether it’s in business, health, or personal growth, it’s important to visualise your end goal. If you don’t know where you’re headed, it’s hard to chart a course to get there. What does success look like for you in 2025? Whether it’s in business, health, or personal growth, it’s important to visualise your end goal. If you don’t know where you’re headed, it’s hard to chart a course to get there.
Set Specific, Measurable Goals
Once you’ve got that vision in mind, break it down into specific, measurable goals. These goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Instead of just saying, “I want to grow my business,” set a goal like, “I want to increase sales by 20% by the end of Q2 in 2025.” By being specific, you create a roadmap for success.
Plan for Obstacles
While it’s exciting to think about your goals, it’s also important to be realistic about potential challenges. Success isn’t a straight line, and there will always be obstacles along the way. By planning ahead for challenges, you’ll be better prepared to overcome them and keep moving forward.
Focus on Consistency
Success is not about one big push. It’s about consistently working towards your goals every day. Focus on the small steps—whether it’s improving your daily habits, building stronger team dynamics, or simply taking time each day to reflect on your progress. For me, that consistency comes in the form of staying connected with my team, continuing to invest in personal development, and keeping an eye on the evolving needs of our customers. It’s the everyday efforts that create long-term results.
Celebrate your Wins
For me, that consistency comes in the form of staying connected with my team, continuing to invest in personal development, and keeping an eye on the evolving needs of our customers. It’s the everyday efforts that create long-term results.
Embrace Change: Flexibility is Key
It’s important to remember that plans are not set in stone. As we’ve seen over the past few years, change is inevitable, and adaptability is key to long-term success. Whether it’s shifting market conditions, unexpected opportunities, or changes in your personal life, it’s essential to remain flexible and adjust your plans as needed.
At Hirsch’s, we’ve had to adjust our approach in response to new customer needs, market shifts, and even technological advances. But this adaptability has allowed us to continue thriving and moving forward, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. Embrace change, keep an open mind, and pivot when necessary.
Final Thoughts: Finish 2024 Strong and Set the Stage for 2025
As we close out 2024, now is the time to finish strong. Double down on the things that are working, reflect on the things that could be improved, and start building the foundation for a successful 2025. Stay focused, stay motivated, and most importantly, stay connected to your vision and your goals.
Remember, you can’t hit a target you can’t see. By setting clear, actionable goals and staying committed to the plan, 2025 will be a year of growth, opportunity, and success. Here’s to finishing 2024 strong and stepping into the new year with purpose and passion!
Much Love
Margaret Hirsch
Margaret Hirsch is the Executive Director of the Hirsch’s Group, the largest independently owned Appliance and Electronics retail outlet in Southern Africa that is now in its 45th year. She is already the enviable recipient of many international and local awards for her business, social and charitable work which has uplifted communities around the country. For many years, she has been heavily involved with Women and Youth Empowerment projects throughout Southern Africa. Margaret is passionate about women in business and entrepreneurship. She runs networking clubs at all her branches for Women In Business, encouraging mentorship programmes. Her door is always open to women who want advice on how to make their businesses grow. www.margarethirsch.co.za
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