10 Lessons from 2024 That Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear

As we step into 2025, I find myself reflecting not on what I accomplished last year, but on what I learned. My focus is on something much bigger than year-to-year achievements—it's about growth, learning, and enjoying the ride.

One of my favorite quotes perfectly encapsulates this mindset:

“People overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”

2024 wasn’t about hitting milestones but planting seeds for the next decade. The lessons I learned have shaped how I approach both business and life. I’m sharing these with the hope that they resonate with you as we take on the year ahead.

Below are the 10 lessons I learned in 2024, and let me know—which one resonates with you the most?

1. Learning Isn’t Linear

Learning and change don’t happen the first time you’re faced with new knowledge. We plant seeds. We come back, we reflect, and we grow. To win, you have to be open to information that will help you evolve.

2. People Want You to Succeed—on Their Terms

People don’t want you to grow outside of the box they’ve put you in, so don’t expect people who can’t see your vision to understand the mission.

That’s why leaning into the loose tie phenomenon will help you grow faster and be happier. Loose ties are the casual connections you have—like acquaintances, past coworkers, or social media contacts—that can introduce you to new opportunities and fresh perspectives beyond your usual circle.

3. Clear Communication and Boundaries Are Essential

Communicating clearly and setting boundaries never bites you in the a**. Don’t assume what isn’t said. Lean into the discomfort early; don’t hope you’re on the same page. People always assume ambiguity in their favor—it’s not personal, it’s human.

4. Growth Is Earned

That’s why success is worth it—because it’s an achievement. Success without struggle holds no weight. It’s easy to want everything to be straightforward, but easy has no meaning. Enjoy the struggle and look forward to it—the best stories have difficulties. In short, nothing is enjoyable until you can understand why it feels good.

5. Winning Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Winning is a mindset—a lifelong attitude. It’s not a final moment with a winner and a loser. If you are learning and failing, you are winning—because you are in the game. I learned not to take small losses too seriously. People come, people go; my focus is on a bigger picture of winning.

6. Good Clients and Employees Are Earned

You learn the most from the tough clients and employees that didn’t work out. Creating strong systems, improved leadership, and setting boundaries comes from times of reflection. You can’t appreciate a great team or roster until you have learned from the sh*t.

7. Prioritize Your Well-being

Don’t let clients book your travel. Only you can take care of yourself—don’t let other busy people compromise your well-being. Rest is worth it. If comfort is out of budget, pay the difference.

8. Let Go Early

We are great at buying and poor at selling. I learned from a mentor that this is our greatest weakness. Whether it’s friends, relationships, or stocks, it’s easy to take things on but hard to let them go. Let go of things that aren’t paying dividends early. Whether that be friends, possessions, or ideas—let them go. They won’t be missed.

9. Comparison Is the Thief of Happiness

As long as you are in the learning arena, don’t compare your journey to someone else’s at a different stage.

10. A Personal Brand Is Your Best Investment

I hated the idea of showing up every day and ‘bothering’ people online or giving them reasons to judge me. The only way people remember you or think of you is when you remind them, “Hey, I’m here, and I do X.” People don’t think of you if you’re not constantly top of mind.

The best years of my life—and the most life-changing opportunities—came from showing up and taking it seriously, publicly. There are more experienced individuals who could have benefited from the opportunities I received this year, but if they’re not online, they can’t be found.

In a cluttered world, a personal brand has the greatest impact as people crave human connection. The only thing AI can’t replace is human emotion.

As I look ahead to 2025, my focus remains the same: keep learning, enjoy the journey (all parts of it), and show up everyday. The only thing you can ask of yourself is to show up–the rest is a part of the ride. 

To 2025! 🍾🥂

What was your biggest lesson in 2024? Let me know in the comments—or hit reply if you’re reading this in your inbox.