RAISING THE BAR
Reflections and Intentions for the New Year
The New Year always feels like a perfect opportunity to pause, take stock, and aim high. There’s something electrifying about that blank slate—it practically dares us to dream big and map out bold, audacious goals for what’s ahead.
For me, though, ambition can be a double-edged sword. Maybe you know the feeling? There’s a difference between challenging yourself and running yourself into the ground—and I’ve learned that the hard way. Ambition is incredible fuel, but only when it’s channeled wisely.
When I’m too tough on myself, I hit a wall. It’s like sprinting when you should be pacing. But when I shift that energy into something meaningful and forward-focused, it’s a game changer. That’s my focus today—leaning into ambition that inspires, not depletes, and leaving the counterproductive kind back in 2024 where it belongs.
Business, Design, and Relationships: A Balancing Act
I approach every aspect of my life with the intention of giving it my all. Whether it’s pushing boundaries in my design work, setting ambitious goals for my business, or investing in my relationships, I’m driven by the desire to show up fully and with purpose.
In business, this means asking hard questions, taking calculated risks, and always seeking the next opportunity to grow. This past year, I often found myself overwhelmed by the constant highs and lows of running a startup in the design industry. The pressure to do it all—networking, sales, marketing, closing deals, refining strategies—sometimes left me feeling off balance. Over time, I’ve learned to focus on fostering a culture where collaboration thrives and where bold ideas have room to shine. Letting go of perfection and embracing steady routines, like end-of-day reflections and dedicated focus blocks, helps keep the momentum alive without overwhelming collaborators or myself.
In design, it’s about embracing a mindset of constant evolution. My goal—and my studio’s—is always to design the best spaces, ones that serve the people who use them. It’s not easy work, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Grounding rituals, like morning team syncs and deep dives into history, culture, and business, are essential. Think podcasts, gallery visits, events, and lots of reading. Blocking my calendar for uninterrupted creative work most days also helps me stay centered while delivering at the highest level.
And in relationships? It’s about being truly present—even when life gets busy. This is perhaps my biggest struggle. It won’t surprise anyone who knows me that I’m a workaholic. I love what I do, and most of the time, it’s all I want to do. You know the saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”? Well, that’s my problem. Whether it’s making time for a heartfelt conversation or showing up for the people who matter most, I’m learning that meaningful connections aren’t about grand gestures but about consistent care. It’s not perfect, but it’s a priority that pays dividends in every area of life.
Taking It to the Next Level in 2025
As I look ahead to 2025, I’m setting my sights high—but with a clear focus on sustainability and intention. Here’s how I plan to raise the bar:
Quality Over Quantity: Whether it’s choosing the right projects, posting on social media, carving out time for meaningful relationships, or committing to fitness routines, I want to prioritize depth and impact over spreading myself too thin.
Rest as Strategy: Hustle culture is out. Rest and recovery are non-negotiable essentials—not just for better business and design, but for a better life.
Celebrating Progress: Instead of constantly chasing “what’s next,” I’m making it a point to pause and acknowledge the small victories that add up to big wins.
Staying Curious: Curiosity drives creativity. In 2025, I’m leaning into new challenges, diverse perspectives, and opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone.
A New Year, A New Perspective
As we step into this next chapter, I’m reminded that raising the bar isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and embracing the process. So, here’s to all of us striving, growing, and building lives we’re proud of in 2025—all while looking pretty damn good doing it.
Let’s make it our best year yet.