For many shop owners, the daily grind feels relentless—a never-ending hamster wheel of repairs, deadlines, and demands. When consumed with the business' day-to-day operations, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. But as the new year ramps up, now’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set an intentional course for the year ahead.
2025 is your opportunity to try something different. By taking the time this month to honestly reflect on specific areas of your business and personal goals, you can establish clear, ambitious, yet achievable targets for the new year.
Why Reflecting on 2024 Matters
A successful 2025 starts with a detailed breakdown of your 2024. Reflecting on your wins, challenges, and surprises can provide valuable insights to help you improve and grow this year. My recommendation would be to start by asking yourself the following questions to kick-start this reflection process:
How did your 2024 numbers measure up?
- What were your total sales? If you don't know this number, stop! Then figure it out.
- How did sales compare to your gross profit? What about your net profit?
- Analyze your 2024 EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) and compare it to your net profit. Was there alignment or a gap?
What were your biggest victories?
Did you expand your client base? Maybe you developed a new process or hit a financial milestone. Celebrate those wins—they represent your strengths and the potential of your business.
What were your biggest misses?
Every shop has areas that fall short of expectations. Be honest about what didn’t work and why. Identifying these gaps now will help drive easy solutions in the year ahead.
What was your biggest surprise?
Think back to any unexpected events, be they positive or negative. Why didn’t you see them coming? More importantly, what plans can you set to reduce these surprises in 2025?
Set Your Course for 2025
Now that you have your insights from 2024, it’s time to refine your vision for 2025 by addressing key questions to guide your plan:
What MUST be fixed in 2025?
Is there an ongoing process or system that's holding your team back? Perhaps inefficiencies in scheduling, communication, or training? Prioritize these fixes to streamline operations. Be sure to start involving your team!
What WILL be new in 2025?
Maybe it's a new service offering, upgraded equipment, or hiring additional staff. No matter how small, innovation will set you apart from the rest of your market.
What will be different about 2025?
You can't expect new results with the same methods. Identify what behaviors, goals, or strategies must shift to achieve greater success and better alignment this year.
What’s the biggest risk to your plan?
Every goal comes with risks. Be honest about what may derail your progress, and work to have a contingency plan.
Beyond 2025 — Envisioning 2027
Thinking ahead to 2027 may seem far off, but long-term planning is vital for sustainable growth and success. Consider these questions:
What WILL be new in 2027?
This could entail a major expansion, stepping into a new market, or becoming a recognized leader in your region. Dream big, but also ensure it's realistic.
What’s the biggest risk to your 2027 plan?
Identifying future obstacles gives you the foresight and clarity to mitigate problems before they arise.
What does success look like in 2027?
Define what success means for your shop and personal life—whether it’s financial freedom, a more balanced lifestyle, or running the shop of the future. Have it in writing.
Don’t Forget Non-Financial Goals
Success isn’t only measured by profit and loss. Achievements in mentorship, personal development, and overall well-being are just as important. Set one non-financial goal for your shop and one personal goal for 2025 and 2027. Whether it’s improved team morale or committing to a healthier work-life balance, these goals will sustain your drive beyond financial milestones, and others will embrace helping you get there.
Break the Hamster Wheel Mentality
As shop owners, one of the biggest challenges we face is the constant cycle of business demands. It’s easy to aim for nothing specific and end up disappointed. But it’s NOT too late to reset the approach. Adopting a calm, collected mindset and chipping away at a strategic plan can transform your business's trajectory.
“Where your attention goes, energy flows.” This saying emphasizes the power of focus. If you direct your attention toward what growth and innovation look like for you, that energy trickles down to your entire team. Together, you can build a thriving, motivated workplace striving toward shared goals.
Embrace the Challenges That Come with Change
The most successful shops aren’t just reacting to industry challenges—they’re planning their future with intention and confidence. Take this month to reflect deeply, set ambitious goals, and create a roadmap not just for 2025 but for the years to come.
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with the decision to try something different. Step away from the hamster wheel, focus on where you want to go and watch how your energy and effort shape the road ahead.
Define your vision, chip away at your plan, and make 2025 the year that changes everything. Here’s to your success!
