2024 Reflections: Highlights, Lowlights, and Lessons Learned
How would you sum up your year in one or two words?
For me, I would say progress. 2024 was a year that I really made a lot of personal and professional progress. Of course, progress is never perfect—it’s messy and hard, but, damn, it feels good. So, today, I’ll dive into all the good, the bad, and the messy as an entrepreneur living with depression and anxiety.
Here are my top 5️⃣ highlights of the year:
My number one highlight was going on our cruise and hanging out with the sloths and monkeys—definitely a bucket list item and generally a feel-good moment.
I also enjoyed so many quality moments with my family and friends, from going to Storyland with my whole family to weekend getaways with my hubs to hysterical girls' weekends with my OG besties and soul-filling moments with my business besties.
Having a front-row seat to Lilly Stairs' brainchild, the Chronic Boss Collective, was incredible, and I’m so lucky to be a part of it. I felt like I found my people and my purpose in sharing my story as the Mentally Fit Founder.
Strengthening the Lauren Perna Communications team of partners through a photoshoot, get togethers, and social media promotion was more energizing than I ever imagined. It made my team of dedicated partners even more vital to me as a business owner.
Finally, all the speaking engagements and launching my LinkedIn Live series were huge wins for me this year. I love telling my story of becoming the Mentally Fit Founder, and I’m always happy to share my knowledge of LinkedIn, marketing, and communications.
Making core memories for my nephews at Storyland.
These are 5️⃣ lowlights that come to mind:
The toughest part of the year was my (physical) health, as I was privately struggling with some frustrating symptoms of a new medication and the effects of ✨perimenopause✨ (the newest buzzword in women’s health).
The lows of being a business owner make my list of lowlights. For every amazing moment in the business, there is a bump in the road, and it’s never easy. Even nearly five years in, I still get bummed when things go wrong.
Another lowlight was seeing my soul dog age. I’m so grateful she’s still around at almost 17 years young, but it’s still hard to see.
I am also disappointed that I did not totally follow through on my hope of building better habits. I am still struggling with doom scrolling, not taking enough breaks, and being consistent with journaling.
Finally, the election outcome and fallout were pretty devastating for me. As someone who dedicates her life to health equity, women’s issues, and science (!), I am sad to see our country moving backward.
And bringing us home, here are the top 5️⃣lessons learned:
Advocate for yourself. Even though I write about this all the time, when push came to shove I didn’t advocate for myself enough when I was going through some medical issues and medicine changes. I learned the hard way.
Taking time away from my business (truly away) is SO important. I got into a good groove with my team this year, which meant I could take some time away with family and friends, and it was absolutely worth it.
Lifting others as I go is the most exhilarating feeling. While I’ve always been a cheerleader for my people, this year allowed me to see just how much my words and support can influence others.
Building something new is never easy, but finding your people while doing it is so validating. Chronic Boss Collective has been a true joy and learning experience.
My biggest takeaway this year is realizing how powerful it is to reframe my thoughts. Earlier this year, I discussed some techniques I use for this, such as listing my negative thoughts in one column and countering them with alternative perspectives in another. More than ever, I found progress in the power of reframing this year.
For example, my dog is getting older, and it’s sad, but I’m so lucky to have had her for so long. Another example: I may not have implemented all the healthy habits I wanted to, but I did find a wonderful personal trainer that I’ve been going to for a year, and that’s a great start.
I’m not saying you need to abide by toxic positivity rules of finding the silver lining, looking for the good in the bad moments, or believing that everything happens for a reason. I am saying that when things are tough, try to step back and reframe them because it can really help slow down the spiraling and help you think differently.
Overall, I’ve made a ton of progress this year in my business, personal life, and the interface of the two. I am especially proud to have made significant progress in raising my visibility by sharing my mental health story and helping empower business owners and executives.
My word for 2025 is commitment. I will commit to executing some big projects and making small but impactful changes in business and life.
Be sure to keep updated about all the big and small commitments of 2025.
I'd love to hear your reflections on 2024 and your word for 2025. Drop me a note and let me know!
