3 Lessons 2024 Taught Me About Alignment, Resilience, and Growth

As we wrap up another year, I find myself reflecting on 2024—a year that stretched me in ways I didn’t expect and taught me lessons I didn’t know I needed.

It wasn’t always smooth, and honestly, there were moments I felt completely lost. But in the chaos, I found clarity. And in the uncertainty, I discovered strength.

This year was about so much more than checking off goals or hitting milestones. I realigned with what matters most, learned to adapt when things didn’t go as planned, and grew into the version of myself I didn't know I needed. 

So here are those 3 lessons I learned this year that have really changed my life:

Lesson 1: Alignment Means Letting Go of What No Longer Fits

The “what” in this lesson comes down to three key areas: beliefs, people, and habits.

Beliefs

At the start of 2024, I was holding onto outdated ideas of what success “should” look like. I thought alignment was a destination—something to achieve through constant hustling, long hours, and over-delivering.

I used to think success meant constantly hustling—being the first in the office, the last to leave, and always over-delivering. I believed success was about external validation: matching or surpassing the accomplishments of those around me, achieving the "perfect balance," and tying my worth to titles, income, and professional recognition.

People

I let go of two friendships that no longer aligned with who I’m becoming. These were one-sided relationships where I was constantly fixing their problems but never receiving the same support in return.

It was a hard but necessary realization: some people, no matter how much we care about them, aren’t capable of being the support system we need. And that’s okay. What I’ve come to understand is that the people around you are just as critical as the right job or partner. 

Habits

Letting go wasn’t just about people—it was also about patterns in my own life. I had habits like overcommitting and procrastinating that left me anxious, overwhelmed, and constantly playing catch-up.

This year, I started tracking my habits to create small, intentional changes. This wasn’t about perfection but about creating space for routines that grounded me and supported my growth. Letting go of chaotic habits opened the door to productivity, better mental health, and more alignment in my daily life.

Alignment isn’t about doing it all or being perfect. It’s about letting go of what no longer fits—whether it’s outdated beliefs, draining relationships, or habits that keep you stuck.

Ask yourself:
What are you holding onto that no longer serves you? What would alignment look like if you let it go?

Lesson 2: Resilience Is Built in the In-Between Moments

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, moment by moment, especially during times of uncertainty and transition. One of the most defining moments for me was being laid off.

Losing my job felt like the rug was pulled out from under me. It wasn’t just the financial impact; it was the sudden loss of stability and direction that shook me to my core. For weeks, I wrestled with questions like, “What’s next?” and “How do I rebuild?” But what I learned is that resilience doesn’t mean having all the answers right away—it means choosing to keep moving forward, even when you don’t have a clear path.

This experience forced me to slow down and reflect on what truly matters. It taught me to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. Being laid off became the catalyst for realigning my career with my values and creating space for a life that feels more purposeful.

Ask yourself: What challenges have taught you resilience this year? How can you use those lessons to face the uncertainties ahead with confidence?

Lesson 3: Growth Doesn’t Always Look the Way You Expect

2024 wasn’t about big, flashy wins or rapid transformations for me. Instead, it was a year of quiet, subtle shifts—the kind of growth that’s easy to overlook in the moment but transformative when you look back.

One of my biggest wins this year was choosing to prioritize time with my kids.  I made the intentional decision to pause and be present for them after being laid off—something that felt both liberating and unfamiliar. Letting go of the constant hustle and valuing presence over productivity wasn’t an easy shift, but it was one that brought me closer to what truly matters.

Another unexpected win came in the form of seeking support. For years, I prided myself on being the one who “had it all together,” but this year, I realized that leaning on others—whether through therapy, coaching, or simply reaching out to trusted friends—wasn’t a sign of weakness. It was an act of self-care and resilience.

I also gave myself permission to take a break from the noise of social media. Logging off allowed me to reconnect with myself, get clear on my priorities, and focus on intentional growth without comparison or distraction. It wasn’t easy to step away, but it gave me space to reflect and realign.

Ask yourself: What quiet wins have you experienced this year that deserve to be celebrated? How can you honor them as you step into 2025?

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I close out this year, I’m stepping into 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to taking things slow and steady. This year reminded me that I don’t have to do it all, all at once. Instead, I want to focus on alignment, intentional growth, and creating a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

Now it’s your turn. Take a moment to reflect on your year. What did 2024 teach you about yourself? What are you ready to leave behind, and what are you bringing with you into 2025?