Reader,

Yesterday someone asked me for my advice on how she could fulfil her dream of hiking China's untouched mountains while working her 9-5.

We looked at all the possible and feasible options. Eventually, we worked out a plan that she'll be proposing to her manager.

In the course of our conversation, she revealed what motivated her to fulfil her dream and live her life differently than before. For many people, it's often a wake-up call that our time here is limited before we realize it's time to take action on our dreams.

For me, it was the shock and stress from relying solely on a single paycheck that got me started on my journey to build my own business to create additional income for the sake of my kids and family.

As someone who hires and fires people in my job, and also having been on the receiving end when I was forced to leave a job without a back up plan, I know firsthand what it's like to be trapped by golden handcuffs.

Now that we're at the end of 2025, have you taken a moment to pause and reflect on how you've spent your time this year? What would you like to do differently in 2026?

When it comes to my business, here's what I've realized as I looked back on 2025:

• My actions revealed my true priorities - not what I claimed were my priorities.
• I've had a lot more time than I thought or made excuses for to grow my business.
• I still have (a lot of!) room to grow to become the sort of person who gets the results I want.

Here's what I've observed from successful business owners I look up to and aspire to be like:

• They're human too and have their down days. The difference is how quickly they get back up on track rather than allow the mental and emotional drama to keep them stuck.
• They're meticulous and conscientious about looking at the data to see what's really happening rather than the stories they're making up in their own heads about what they think is happening.
• They test and experiment a lot - like all the time - until they find something that works. Then they rinse and repeat until they've built a proven track record.

This is what I'm incorporating into my action plan to grow my business in 2026.

What about you? Reply and let me know 1 to 3 things you'll do differently as we close off 2025 and enter 2026.

If you haven't reflected on 2025 or set your priorities for 2026 yet, join my free, live workshop on 29 December 2025, Create 2026, where I'll walk you through the process.

​CLICK HERE to register and get the replay if you can't join live. You'll also get my Annual Planning Guide when you register.

See you then!

Sharon