Well, here we are in 2025! Over the Christmas period, I spent two weeks reflecting on 2024 and laying out plans for the year ahead. I feel ready and energized to tackle 2025. My first working day of the year was actually December 30th, but I took New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day off to relax and recharge.
Looking back, one of my mentors’ pieces of advice resonates deeply: Always expect the unexpected. And wow, did 2024 throw some unexpected challenges my way.
Reflecting on 2024
A Major Setback: Closing a 25-Year Business
To start the year, in January, I was forced to close my bricks-and-mortar window blind business. After 25 years of operation, we had to shut down due to unfavorable trading conditions. It was a huge setback and, of course, a major disappointment. While external circumstances played a significant role, as the business owner, I took full responsibility. Unfortunately, this closure meant a lot of good people, myself included, lost their jobs.
This wasn’t just a professional challenge but also a personal one, especially since I didn’t have financial reserves due to a late-in-life divorce. However, as tough as it was, I’m learning to see it as an opportunity to refocus and rebuild.
A Personal Loss
In April, my father passed away. Although it wasn’t entirely unexpected due to a stroke he suffered the previous year, it was still a significant shock. With my mother’s passing a couple of years ago, losing my dad has left a profound void in my life. It’s a reminder that no matter your age, the loss of a parent is never easy.
Summer in the UK and Returning to The Gambia
After spending the summer in the UK, my wife and I returned to The Gambia in October. What is usually a straightforward two-leg journey of 9-10 hours turned into an almost week-long ordeal due to a flight cancellation. Despite this, I quickly settled into my office here.
Health Challenges
However, the year wasn’t done with surprises. Shortly after arriving, I fell ill with what I’m fairly sure was COVID (though I didn’t get tested). Later, in December, I initially thought I had food poisoning—a diagnosis that turned out to be accurate. But after collapsing from lack of food, I was finally persuaded to visit a clinic. Blood tests revealed I had chronic malaria.
I spent a week as an inpatient, followed by another week recovering at home. Those three weeks were a blur. My brain simply wasn’t functioning at full capacity. Despite these setbacks, I managed to keep my online businesses running, albeit at a slower pace.
Lessons Learned
2024 was an incredibly challenging year, but it taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. It also reaffirmed my belief in planning for the unexpected. Life can throw curveballs, but maintaining a positive mindset and having contingency plans in place can make all the difference.
Looking Ahead to 2025
For 2025, I’m hoping for fewer unexpected challenges, but I’m factoring the possibility of surprises into my plans. Health is a top priority, and I’m committed to maintaining a positive outlook. My focus will be on:
- Growing My Online Businesses: Both in affiliate marketing and copy trading, I’m building on the systems I’ve already put in place.
- Helping Others Succeed: Through my businesses, I aim to empower others to achieve financial independence and success.
- Balancing Work and Health: Ensuring I listen to my body and take care of myself so I can perform at my best.
2024 was a year of challenges, growth, and resilience. Here’s to a 2025 filled with opportunities, stability, and success. And if there’s one takeaway from last year, it’s this: always expect the unexpected—and be ready to adapt.