Navigating the New Year: A Reflection on Work, Goals, and Growth
Times Square Ball 2025
For many in my network, this week marks the first official return to the office for the new year. While I know this isn’t the case for everyone, I can’t help but feel grateful for the flexibility I’ve been afforded. Yet, even with that gratitude, heading into the office this time felt…different.
A Year That Feels Pivotal
This year feels like a turning point. I’m setting bigger, more intentional goals—a year that could reshape how I support my family, both financially and emotionally. These aren’t just professional goals; they’re deeply personal.
I can’t (I can but I don’t want to) keep working for the sake of “working” to pay bills. I need my efforts to matter, to align with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment and for those efforts to act as bricks in a much larger pyramid.
On Being an Entrepreneur (Aren’t We All?)
It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that I identify (amongst other things) as an entrepreneur. But the truth is, I think we all are in some way—whether we embrace it or not. Growing up in New York City, the hustle wasn’t just a concept; it was a way of life. Adapting, strategizing, creating—that was the rhythm of my world from an early age.
Looking back, I can see how much that environment shaped me. Words mean things, and when I call myself an entrepreneur, I’m not just describing what I do—I’m defining how I move through life. But I’ve also learned not to let labels limit me (us). I’m navigating the world as I understand it, and that understanding grows and shifts with every experience.
“The entrepreneurial mindset isn’t just about owning a business; it’s about owning your narrative.”
The Cognitive Dissonance of Work
This brings me back to the commute.
Heading into the office felt like a mix of emotions—equal parts joy and disgust. Joy, because I’m blessed with consistent sources of income and opportunities. Disgust, because despite a new year and new goals, I still felt stuck on the same hamster wheel.
Staring out the bus window, I found myself asking: is this the best use of my time?
I’m not tired of working. I love working. I love effort and challenges. What I dislike is pouring effort into things that only pay in dollars, not in meaning.
That’s the tension, isn’t it? The balance between working to live and living to work.
“The beauty of life isn’t in finding answers—it’s in asking better questions.”
For You, the Reader
This reflection isn’t just about my journey—it’s an invitation to think about your own.
Here are some questions to consider as you navigate the new year:
What does a goal-driven year look like for you?
How are you balancing the pursuit of income with the pursuit of meaning?
Where can you carve out space for joy, even in the midst of motion?
Engage With Me
Let’s turn this into a conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments:
What’s one goal you’re setting for yourself this year?
How do you stay connected to what truly matters in your work and life?
Or reach out to me directly—I’d love to hear your story and help you on your journey.
Closing Thought(S)
The journey of aligning your work with your purpose isn’t a straight line, and it’s rarely easy. But every step, every moment of reflection, brings you closer. Let’s commit to asking better questions this year, and in doing so, building a life that truly fulfills us.
I didn’t exactly share my goals in this post. I intended to but as the words appeared it became more of an observation on the question of how we’re spending our time. I’m looking forward to sharing my intentions for the year in future posts but if you’ve read this far, I think you can guess at one of the big ones.