Happy Q4 and Happy End of Year!

In addition to the pending end-of-year deadlines, mandatory celebrations, frenetic gift-buying, and the rest of the deluge of December commitments, I always carve out some time to reflect on the past year and look to the goals and dreams I have for the year ahead. This year, I invite you to join me in this exercise.

If you are triaging your inbox, perhaps circle back to this one when you have a moment to pause.

I begin by remembering who I was at this time last year:

1.       How did I feel?

2.       What were my goals and my biggest hopes for the year ahead? How would I have defined ‘success’ in 2024?

3.       What were my fears and biggest challenges?

For me, I stepped into 2024 a bit chaotic – I felt like I was playing catch-up in all aspects of my life. I had goals of growth and building out the HLLP team, but it felt elusive. Wrapping 2023 was exciting (it had been a good year for the firm) but we were still shedding our training wheels, so I didn’t know if our achievements were repeatable.

What about you? How did you end 2023?

Next, I take inventory of where I am considering last year’s position. I am a glass-half-full kind of person and studies show that gratitude is critical to satisfaction, happiness, and longevity: start with something positive!

1.       Do I feel differently about myself than I did last year?

2.       Where am I vis a vis last year’s goals?

3.       Do the things that gave me pause last year still trip me up?

As 2024 winds down, I feel much more settled in the growth of HLLP and other areas of my life. We welcomed an executive assistant at the end of 2023 which made 2024 a much more organized and structured year for me. Along with the firm, many 2024 goals were met and exceeded. I know HLLP is more settled as my fears at this time are those of any business leader and likely ones I will face time and again in the years to come – they are no longer ‘start-up’ fears.

How have you done this year? Be sure to pause and give yourself a good dose of kudos!

Finally, take some time to enumerate your goals for 2025. Maybe they are simple and just live in your head, or maybe you take time write them down. The internet abounds with metrics and processes for goal setting, likely you already have your favorites.

One goal I have for 2024 is to focus on the Heilbut LLP values in everything we do at work. We collectively set these values early in the year and I have enjoyed getting to know each one. Here is a bit about our core values of initiative, confidence, integrity, and collaboration:

• Initiative.
  We drive projects forward, always anticipating, diving in, and being proactive. We don’t wait to be asked or told; we see problems as opportunities to help.
  
  
• Confidence.
  We dig a little deeper. We ask a few more questions and explore some extra options so that we have the necessary conviction to move forward with confidence. Do not confuse our confidence for bravado or ego, we simply know what we know and are prepared to impart that knowledge upon others.
  
  
• Integrity.
  Our actions are taken after considering their implications broadly and with longevity. We do not shy away from a change of course if we were wrong or later determined that we did not choose the optimal direction. Apologizing is a sign of strength as is learning something new and admitting what we don’t know.
  
  
• Collaboration.
  We are a team, and we have resources that stretch well beyond our walls and around the globe. We do not stand as a solo authority, nor do we fear carrying too heavy a load as we know we are supported by our vast network.
  

I hope some of you will share a goal or two with me. I will enjoy hearing them or can help support you with accountability throughout the year.

And finally, thank you for the privilege of our relationship in 2024. May the season bring you and yours joy, peace, and abundant happiness.

Warmest,

Wendy and your Heilbut LLP Team

Please note that Heilbut LLP will be closed between December 23 and January 1. We will have a lean staff available each day to meet emergency needs, but look forward to some deep rest and relaxation.