Before You Go!
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As we all know, 2024 brought a mix of challenges and victories and some unexpected twists, but there were also moments of growth and resilience. In the real estate sector, many firms had to adapt to shifting economic conditions and market disruptions. Whether it was pivoting to new promotional offers, refining customer engagement strategies, or finding ways to provide value in a world of limited resources, the companies that thrived this year are those that embraced change and focused on long-term relationships.
This time of year, is also about recognizing what went well. Perhaps you launched a new career, expanded your hobbies, or strengthened your personal brand identity. Here at JWilliams, we were thrilled to support our Educational Partner, Real Estate Learning Network which was responsible for educating nearly 250 maintenance students in Q4 and awarded 138 Certificates through their EPA and CPO certification courses. And, here at JWS we wrapped up our celebration of our 20th anniversary! While the industry was unpredictable, it’s been an exciting year of growth and partnerships.
It’s important to celebrate the wins, no matter how big or small, and to share those successes with “your people.” It’s also a great time to show your appreciation for their trust and collaboration with personalized thank-you notes or holiday gifts.
In addition to showing appreciation, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to reinforce kindness, and inclusiveness. Whether it’s hosting a holiday event, organizing a charity drive, or simply checking in with your family and friends, spreading positivity can lift someone’s spirit. A little holiday cheer can leave a lasting impact long after the season has passed.
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s important to start planning. While it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, taking time to plan for the upcoming year is key to setting yourself up for success. So, how can you be prepared for what’s to come in 2025?
The first step in planning ahead is to assess where you are right now. What goals did you set for 2024? Which ones did you accomplish, and which ones need more attention? Once you have a clear understanding of your current position, set new goals for 2025. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). At our end of the year event, we reflected on the predictions we set for 2024 and how we achieved all that we set out to do and more! And of course we announced our goals for 2025 and can’t wait to see how we fair at the end of the year. It’s a challenging and rewarding process that we embrace every year.
Why? Life is unpredictable, and external factors like economic shifts, health, or personal circumstances might affect your plans.
How? Be sure to build flexibility into your goals, such as setting ranges (e.g., "lose 5–10 pounds") and identifying potential obstacles. Outline contingency plans in case you run into one of those obstacles, so you can stay on track.
Regularly review and adjust your goals to stay aligned with changing circumstances.
Why? Goals should contribute to your overall aspirations while providing immediate motivation. Short-term wins help maintain momentum, while a long-term perspective ensures sustainability.
How? Break down long-term objectives into actionable steps and ensure daily or weekly tasks contribute meaningfully to larger aspirations (e.g., taking a course to prepare for a career shift).
Reassess your priorities annually to ensure your actions align with evolving ambitions.
As we bid farewell to 2024 and look forward to 2025, now is the time to embrace both the festive spirit and the possibilities of the new year. Take a moment to celebrate the achievements of the past year, and then focus your energy on setting ambitious goals for the year ahead.
