by Margaret Hirsch
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to get swept up in the festive buzz, the shopping lists, and the year-end rush. But I’ve found that this time of year isn’t just about closing the books on another year—it’s about planting seeds for what’s to come. While we’re stringing up holiday lights, we should also be stringing together our plans and dreams for 2025. Let’s talk about how to finish this year with purpose and step into the new one with intention.
The Power of Reflection: Before we can plan for a stellar 2025, we need to take a hard look at 2024. Ask yourself:
What were my wins this year, and what made them possible?
Where did I stumble, and what did I learn from those moments?
What’s one thing I’ve been avoiding that I need to address head-on?
Reflection isn’t just about tallying up successes or failures; it’s about understanding why things unfolded the way they did. Every lesson we uncover is a stepping stone to a stronger future. Its also about celebrating successes and working towards finishing as much as you can before this year ends.
Recharging for What’s Ahead: The holidays offer a rare chance to pause and recharge. It’s not just about physical rest but also emotional and mental rejuvenation. How often do we let ourselves truly disconnect to reconnect with what matters most? Whether it’s spending quality time with family, embracing a personal passion project, or simply enjoying the silence of an early morning, find what fills your cup and make it a priority.
Revving Up for 2025: While reflection and rest are essential, planning for 2025 starts now. Here are three questions to kickstart your thinking:
What do I want to achieve by this time next year? Set goals that excite and stretch you—personally and professionally.
What resources or skills will I need to get there? Success often hinges on preparation. Identify gaps and commit to closing them.
Who can I collaborate with to amplify my impact? Growth is rarely a solo endeavour. Who inspires you, challenges you, or brings out your best?
Lessons from 2024: If this year has taught me anything, it’s that adaptability and resilience are key. Plans are important, but so is the willingness to pivot when things don’t go as expected. It’s often the detours that teach us the most valuable lessons. You need to be able to turn on a tickey as the saying goes – you change your strategy but never your goal.
Building Momentum: As the year winds down, many people fall into the trap of “slowing down.” But the final stretch of 2024 is your chance to build momentum. Tie up loose ends, finish projects strong, and set the tone for 2025. The energy you carry into January will be the foundation of your year ahead – think of it as a sprint to the finish!! It’s a proven fact that 80% of your goals are completed in the last 20% of the year.
As someone who has spent decades in the business world, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from grand gestures alone—it’s the culmination of small, consistent actions taken daily. As we approach 2025, let’s remember that the future we dream of is built on the actions we take today. Cultivate some really good habits, like waking up early, planning each day the night before, each week on a sunday evening and each month before the last month is over. Set long term of one, five, ten and twenty year goals – remembering that the more specific you are – the quicker you achieve them.
The holidays are a time of gratitude, and I want to express mine to each of you. Whether you’ve been a customer, colleague, or supporter, your role in this journey has been invaluable. Let’s finish 2024 strong and step into 2025 ready to make it extraordinary. The best is yet to come.
Much love,
Margaret
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
More articles by Margaret…
