The evening before Thanksgiving in 2024, I received this email from a former student:

 

Hello Merikay,

It’s been over a year ago now, but I attended a few of your classes at Cape Fear Community college in Wilmington and I would have to say the classes that I took well, I feel like they pointed me in the right direction to succeed in my career.  Helped me be more proactive with building a network of people to help me succeed.  Helped me communicate with others better and also was a confidence booster for myself.  And now with no education past high school, I am now the Production Manager for GE Venova Nuclear Fuel Manufacturing Operations.  A leader of a large group of employees that means a lot to me and helping them succeed in their careers. I just wanted to say, Thank You!!!

Tim

 

Reading Tim’s email was a catalyst moment for me for several reasons.  1. Words of affirmation is my love language and I felt very appreciated. 2. This year marks my 25th year in professional development and inspired me to evaluate my legacy. 3. I was so proud of his accomplishments and want to help more people achieve success through learning.

 

These three reasons propelled me to re-work my vision board, revise my 2025 goals and reminded me to stay the course of: “Say “no” to the good, so you can say “yes” to the awesome.” Have you set a new goal for 2025 in your career or personal life?

 

Here are four reasons why people don’t set goals: FEAR, COMFORT, FAILURE, CONFUSED. Fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.  Being too comfortable is about staying in your safe zone.  Failure can be a demotivator for sure.  Confused people don’t know how to set goals.

 

One of my coaching clients wants to improve her personal brand, obtain more speaking engagements and scale her business.  Another client wants to improve public speaking, motivate others and improve business KPI’s.  A third client wants to make health a priority, gradually grow the business and further develop her team professionally.  A fourth client wants to build strong programs, leverage business relationships and elevate professional success..

 

What do you want to achieve this year? Every day is a new beginning.  Leave behind what did not work for you last year.  Move away from people that drain, pain or stain your energy and time. Be willing to hold meaningful conversations to improve your work life and personal life.  Take 100% responsibility for every area of your life and start by making yourself a priority and you will be a better influence on your team.  YOU GOT THIS!

 

Blessings,

Merikay