In many ways, 2024 was an exceptional year. The year included my 10-year Bluewater anniversary, our most successful year in Bluewater history, along with the continued growth of our amazing team members Brandon and Brooke. Mark and I finalized a plan for an exciting new 2025/2026 project, we engaged in great work with fantastic clients, all supported by the magical Betty Enslow. On a personal front, 2024 included a family trip to Ireland and the continued growth of my wonderful kids.
However, in some ways, 2024 was a hard year. The most successful Bluewater year ever meant I also traveled 22 weeks out of the year. Working with fabulous clients meant continuing to find ways to deliver the excellence we pride ourselves on while feeling stretched thinner than ever. Growing children come with their own unique challenges both for the kids and for the parents. As the year came to an end, I was tired. Pleased and proud, but tired. Typically, by early November, I’m focused on rounding out the year and have my sights set on the year ahead, my word of the year having become clear. But this year was different. This year, I kept my head down focused on what needed to be done but, in all reality, I found myself barreling towards the end of the year on “E” with my word of the year for 2025 nowhere on my radar, too busy to reflect or have much white space for clarity.
Thankfully, with a bit of time between Christmas and New Year, I had a few minutes to catch my breath. As I sat and thought about the entirety of 2024 and everything I wanted for next year, my word became clear:
Foundational.
While the new year is often about taking charge, making things happen and setting new goals, it’s very clear that 2025 will be a foundational year for me. If I’m honest, last year got away from me and I felt like a passenger of my schedule – I was at the mercy of my calendar more than I was in charge of it and it made me more reactive than proactive in many ways.
With such exciting things on the horizon ahead for Bluewater and for me personally, it’s very clear that I need to get back to the basics: the good habits, the planning and calendaring, the connection and intentionality that leads to long term success and happiness.
Over the holiday, I was reading a column sharing advice from everyday people across the country, filled with great nuggets like:
“Don’t just put things back. Put them away.” – Tracie McGinnity, Rochester, NY
“Does it need to be said? Does it need to be said by me? Does it need to be said by me, now?” – Astrid Moresco, Fort Collins, CO
“Don’t be the one to tell yourself no.” – Skye Verhofste, Des Moines, IA
But the one that stood out the most was from a gentleman named Johnathan Barry in Berea, KY.
“Some seasons you produce fruit, some seasons you prune, some seasons you let your roots grow deep.”
My main focus this year is growing deep roots. My energy and efforts will be focused on the everyday professional habits and priorities, along with a weekly family meeting, building sustainability and consistency for long-term success. Creating structure and recalibrating my attention and efforts that lead to growing a strong root system is crucial because without sturdy roots, a tree can’t grow as strong as its potential. We have big plans for Bluewater in the coming years so taking the time to build from the ground up for both Bluewater’s and personal and professional long-term success is what I have my sights set on in 2025. Sometimes the focus is growth but sometimes the focus is getting back to basics to get ready for that success.
What is important for you to focus on in 2025? What is your word of the year or what do you know is important for your success in 2025 and years to come? Share it with me at lindsey@bluewateradvisory.com. Happy New Year!
Lindsey Weigle,
Managing Partner