As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and reflect on the journey — what worked, what didn’t, and what lessons we can carry forward. In my own experience, 2025 has been a year of immense growth, and I’m thrilled to share my reflections with you, along with how I plan to strategically enter 2026, which will mark a monumental milestone: the 5-year anniversary of my website.

It’s hard to believe how far this journey has come. From humble beginnings to a community of engaged followers, every step has been filled with challenges and triumphs. But as I reflect on this past year, I’m proud of the decisions I made, the progress I’ve achieved, and the things I learned. Let’s take a look at what worked, what I’m keeping, and how I’m reimagining my approach for the new year.

Reflecting on What Worked in 2025

Instagram: Starting Over with a Fresh Perspective

Two months ago, I made the bold decision to restart my Instagram account from scratch. It was a decision that initially felt daunting, but looking back, it was one of the best choices I made. Although my follower count is still building, the engagement rate is significantly higher. This is because I’ve focused on building deeper connections with my audience instead of just aiming for numbers. Every comment, every message, and every post feels more intentional now.

I also took a step back and reminded myself that content creation is about connection, not just vanity metrics. With a clearer, more authentic voice, I feel more confident showing up as myself on Instagram — and the engagement speaks for itself.

Pinterest and SEO: A Game-Changer for the Blog

One of the biggest wins for me in 2025 was diving into Pinterest and focusing more on SEO strategies for my blog. I can honestly say that SEO has completely transformed my website’s performance. The unique visitors have increased tremendously, and Pinterest has played a key role in driving that traffic. The visual nature of Pinterest aligns perfectly with the aesthetic of my content, and the platform has become a vital part of my content strategy.

By incorporating keyword research into my blog posts and aligning my Pinterest pins with my blog content, I’ve seen an improvement in my organic traffic. It was the perfect mix of creativity and strategy.

Organizing with Notion: Streamlining the Process

One tool that has been indispensable this year is Notion. If you’re not familiar with it, Notion has become my go-to platform for organizing everything — from my website content calendar to the daily tasks I need to tackle. It has helped me look at the bigger picture while also managing day-to-day activities.

Notion helped me keep everything aligned, especially when managing both the creative side of my brand and the logistics. Having a clear organizational structure made it so much easier to stay on track and motivated, even during more hectic months.

Extra tip: if you want to start with your Notion, but don’t know how to set ip up, you can subscribe to my newsletter to receive three free Notion templates!

Setting Clear Creative and Business Goals for 2026

As 2026 approaches, I’m reflecting not just on what worked, but on what I want to accomplish in the new year. For me, 2026 represents a significant milestone: five years of building this brand and community. It feels like a new chapter, and I’m excited to embrace the possibilities ahead.

Intentions for 2026: Progress Over Perfection

One of my core intentions for 2026 is to focus on progress over perfection. This past year has taught me that waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect version of myself isn’t the way forward. Perfection is a myth — and perfectionism can hold us back from taking bold, necessary steps. Instead, I’m choosing to celebrate the small wins, embrace the imperfect moments, and keep moving forward.

I’m not aiming to have everything figured out in 2026. Instead, I’m embracing the idea that progress is a journey. I’ll be focusing on consistent growth, no matter how small it might seem. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve.

Staying Consistent and Building My Brand

Consistency is another pillar I’m focusing on. In 2025, I learned that creating content and showing up for my audience regularly is essential for building a long-term brand. Consistency doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly or maintaining a rigid schedule; rather, it’s about being present and sharing valuable content that connects with my audience.

One of my key strategies for consistency is focusing on the idea that "you are the brand." Your brand is an extension of who you are — your values, your voice, your story. As I continue to build my personal brand, I want to stay authentic and aligned with the values I hold dear. The goal isn’t just to grow for growth’s sake, but to build something meaningful that resonates with those who connect with my story.

Dream Big, Talk Loud, Believe in Yourself

Looking back at last year, I would tell my former self: "Dream big, talk loud, and believe." 2025 showed me how powerful it is to step into your confidence and own your narrative. I spent so much of last year second-guessing myself and waiting for external validation. In 2026, I plan to trust my instincts more, take bigger risks, and continue chasing my dreams.

One thing I’m learning is that starting is the most essential step. Whether it’s creating content, starting a project, or pursuing a passion, starting is always better than waiting. And when I look at my current journey, I see how far I’ve come, and it motivates me to keep moving forward.

Embrace Being an Amateur: Enjoy the Process

Another lesson I’m taking into 2026 is that it’s okay to be an amateur. Perfectionism often prevents us from trying new things, but I’m embracing the idea that learning is a process. I started learning new skills this year (like sewing), and while I’m still an amateur, I’m enjoying the process. The fun is in the learning, not in being perfect from the start.

The Power of Reflection: How to Set Intentions for 2026

As I look ahead, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey this year. What did you learn? What small wins can you celebrate? Reflection is the foundation of intention-setting. It gives us the clarity and confidence to create actionable goals for the new year.

A great tool for reflecting and setting clear goals is the Digital Goal-Setting Dashboard, which helps you track your progress, visualize your objectives, and set your intentions for the year ahead. Combined with the Monthly Reflection Journal, you can create a comprehensive roadmap for your personal and professional goals.

Remember: you don’t have to have everything figured out. Focus on progress, stay consistent, and keep believing in your own potential. The new year is full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with all of you.