Unlock Your Best Year Yet: The Power of a Year-End Audit
Reflect, refocus, and set meaningful goals for 2025
Here’s what I’ve realized about New Year’s resolutions—they often feel like we’re starting from scratch on January 1st, as if the previous 365 days didn’t happen. But our lives don’t work in these neat, compartmentalized chapters. Every year is built on the foundation of the one before it, shaped by the habits we’ve formed, the progress we’ve made, and yes, even the things that didn’t quite go as planned.
So, instead of making brand-new resolutions for 2025, what if we first got smart about understanding our current trajectory? After all, how can we know where we want to go if we haven’t really reflected on where we’ve been?
This is why I swear by a Year End Audit—a practice that has completely reframed how I approach goal-setting. It’s not about adding more to your plate or creating a rigid plan; it’s about taking stock of your natural momentum. When you understand what’s already working (or not), you can make more intentional choices about what to amplify, adjust, or leave behind.
Celebrate the Unexpected Wins
Let’s start with the good stuff: the surprises that made your year, even if they weren’t on your vision board or to-do list. For me, 2024 brought some incredible, unexpected wins. Guiding Gently Soap to two major press moments—landing on Oprah’s Favorite Things and being featured on World News Tonight with David Muir—was a proud reminder of the power of thoughtful storytelling and positioning. And, while speaking was definitely on my 2024 wishlist, I hardly expected to follow in the footsteps of Condoleezza Rice and Jane Goodall with an opportunity like the Tate Lecture Series, where I spoke to 2,500 people in Dallas, Texas, about the power of What If thinking.
These moments weren’t just exciting; they were reminders of the good things that can come when you keep your head down and focus on doing the work.
Which Activities Energized You—and Which Drained You?
As part of my own Year-End Audit, I reflected on what truly energized me this year—and what didn’t. Hosting happy hours for entrepreneurial groups like HerTexas and Female Founder Collective’s 10th House brought so much energy and joy. The feedback was incredible, and it reminded me of what happens when like-minded people come together in the right setting: new connections are formed, and commitments to entrepreneurial ventures are renewed
.
That’s why I’m doubling down on community building for 2025. Next year, we’re planning more entrepreneurial dinners, like our upcoming event with Ruffin Mitchener’s Brydge Club for female founders and investors at Pizzana Marina Del Rey. We are also adding fun activities like Mahjong Mondays and Trivia Tuesdays to the 2025 calendar at Pizzana in Los Angeles and Texas. These events not only strengthen our local community but also create spaces for people to connect and collaborate in meaningful ways. If you’re in LA, Dallas, or Houston, keep an eye out—you can sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop!
On the flip side, I noticed that some activities drained me, even if they seemed like good opportunities on paper. One example? Podcasts. While I’ve enjoyed them in the past, I found they often left me feeling depleted rather than inspired. So, I’ve decided to step back from podcast appearances for now and focus my energy on activities that feel more fulfilling—like sharing advice and inspiration through my social channels. This shift has already made a difference, reminding me that it’s okay to adjust or let go of what no longer serves us.
What Didn’t Work—and What to Adjust
When I looked back on 2024, I realized there were some goals I didn’t quite hit. For one, I didn’t read as much as I’d hoped—despite the growing stack of books on my bedside table. I also wanted to upskill and take a deep dive into AI, but with everything else on my plate, it just wasn’t realistic. Instead of forcing it, I’ve decided to stick with more manageable steps, like subscribing to a few trusted newsletters, to stay in the loop without adding unnecessary pressure. This approach feels lighter and more aligned with the season I’m in right now.
Where Do You Want to Deepen Your Investment?
Another area where I want to deepen my investment? Gratitude. I’ve realized how much I value the people in my life: from the managers, servers and cooks at our restaurants to my kids' Curious Cardinal mentors (If you have kids, definitely check out this incredible program that pairs them with impressive college students based on their interests and passions!). For 2025, I’m focused on turning gratitude into action, whether it’s a holiday bonus, a thoughtful note, or even surprising someone with frozen Pizzana pizzas (which my children’s mentors are receiving). Simply making sure people feel seen and valued can have a big impact.
I’ve also made a conscious effort to prioritize my health by joining Function Health, and it’s been a game-changer. For $499 annually, you get 100 lab tests, follow-up tests 3–6 months later, and personalized insights from top doctors for a totally comprehensive look at your health. I love the easy user interface, the tailored doctor recommendations for diet and supplements, and even getting an estimate of my biological age—it’s been eye-opening! If focusing on your health is on your list for 2025, I can’t recommend Function Health enough. They’re currently in beta, but you can use code CNELSON15 to access it now and skip the giant waitlist.
What Do You Want to Try That’s New?
A End of Year Audit isn’t just about reflecting on the past—it’s also about imagining the possibilities ahead. For 2025, I’m leaning into something that feels fresh and fun: sharing more about my personal style. I talk a lot about building confidence, and one thing that definitely makes me feel confident is feeling good. Whether it’s beauty products or a great outfit, these little things add a spark to my day. So, expect more windows into my style as I step into this new chapter. Let’s have fun with it!
And if refining your personal brand is on your 2025 list (If you know me even a little bit, you know how strongly I feel about this!), I’ve put together a worksheet to help you get started.
Ready to Do Your Own Year Audit?
If you’re inspired to try a Year Audit, here are five questions to guide you:
What were your unexpected wins this year?
Which activities or habits energized you—and which ones drained you?
What didn’t work, and should you adjust it or let it go?
Where do you want to deepen your investment of time, energy, or resources?
What do you want to try that’s new in 2025?
Once you’ve reflected, try this ChatGPT prompt to turn your insights into actionable goals:
"I’ve done a year-end audit of 2024. Here are my key findings: [Insert your answers]. Based on these reflections, help me create 3–5 specific, achievable goals for 2025 that build on what worked well, address areas for growth, and let go of what didn’t serve me."
For example, when I input my audit, ChatGPT helped me refine “I want to read more” into specific goals like:
Scheduling two 30-minute reading blocks each week
Joining a monthly business book club to combine reading with community
Listening to audiobooks during morning walks
Let’s Celebrate Together
This process isn’t about perfection or pressure—it’s about progress. I’d love to hear: what unexpected wins are you celebrating from 2024? Share them with us in the comments—I can’t wait to cheer you on.
XO,
candace
P.S. If building community is one of your goals for 2025, I can’t recommend Entreprenista enough. It’s been a game-changer for me this year, and I’m thrilled to be hosting office hours for their members on January 30th. I’d love to see you there!
Oh wow, I love this so much. I was finishing a newsletter about how much I detest goal setting; this framework resonates with me so much more. I'm going to try it!!