What 2025 Taught Me: Reflections From a Mom and Business Owner

Written By Rebekah Strunk

I tend to reflect on a lot throughout my day, but especially at the end of the year. And for some reason, each December seems to bring that little voice saying, “Oh no, I should have done that,” or “I forgot to do this,” and suddenly you feel like you’ve failed the year somehow.

I love a good quote, and this one from Thomas Edison always sticks with me:

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

And if you’re anything like me — especially coming out of burnout — that “10,000” part sounds exhausting. My first thought was, “Gosh, I don’t even have the energy to try that many times!” 😂

But honestly… I still like the quote. So I’m letting it stay. 🤓

I want to share some of the things I’ve learned this year, plus a few surprises, shifts in my business, and the things I’m choosing to let go of as we move into 2026. Let’s dive in!

What I learned: 

  • Not everyone’s success looks the same or has the same definition.

  • As a mom of a 3- and 5-year-old, I learned very quickly what my actual work capacity is.

  • You simply cannot do “all the things” and be present with those you love — there is alwys a sacrifice.

  • I need more realistic expectations for myself moving into 2026.

  • I went to a handful of in-person networking events and met great people, but I realized they drain me more than they energize me.

  • I realized I was giving too much away during discovery calls and often blending them with strategy sessions.


What surprised me:

  • How fast you can burn out when you aren’t prioritizing what’s most important.

  • How much clarity comes from letting things go instead of adding more.

  • Saying “no” to the wrong clients or partnerships opens more space than you expect.

  • That productized services feel less stressful than custom builds.

  • How much Josh Hall’s coaching group helped me — I would’ve felt so stuck without that support.

What changed in my business: 

  • I’m narrowing my focus to service-based businesses instead of juggling both service-based and e-commerce.

  • I switched a few backend tools — I stopped using HoneyBook and moved to Go High Level, and I LOVE IT.

  • I’ve been thinking a lot about pricing and how to create something accessible for smaller business owners while still profitable for my business.

  • I’ve spent more time honing what I want my business to look like five years from now.

  • I’ve realized how precious my time is with my kids, so I’m reprioritizing what I take on.


What I’m letting go of: 

After reading The Pumpkin Plan and defining my “Immutable Laws,” here’s what I’m saying no to:

  • E-commerce websites

  • Fully custom builds

  • Projects that aren’t aligned with my capacity or values

  • White-label work

  • Copywriting

  • VIP Days

  • Rush Jobs

  • Advanced SEO/keyword research

  • Full visual branding services

This may seem like a harsh “No” list, but these boundaries protect my energy, my workflow, and my ability to serve clients well. Don’t be afraid to write down your “no” list, but also recognizing that this doesn’t have to be forever, it’s a “this is what I have to do for right now” sort of list.

What I’m proud of: 

  • Scoring my biggest project in the first quarter of 2025 — over $15K.

  • Seeking out guidance when I needed it. Coaching helped me out of a rut, and it reminded me to be selective about the voices I listen to.

  • Even though new client growth wasn’t what I expected, I’m proud that I reconnected with past clients and upgraded many of them into our new Support + Care plans.

  • Letting go of offers that were draining and no longer exciting to me.

  • Protecting my time so I can be present with my family.

What I’m doing differently next year: 

  • Transitioning my offers into a more productized model, without ever sacrificing strategy or intentional design.

  • Shifting to a more holistic, outcome-driven way of talking about my services.

  • Instead of pitching my services like “web design, branding, and support,” I want to communicate the bigger picture: helping service-based businesses nurture their leads and better care for their clients. This includes thoughtful automations, SMS follow-ups, and simple workflows that make people feel seen the moment they reach out.

  • Starting a blog and writing more consistently.

  • Focusing on only a couple of marketing platforms.

  • Leaning into the marketing avenues that actually bring me joy, instead of forcing myself to show up everywhere just because I feel like I “should.”

Let wrap up this year with intention friends

As I close out this year, I’m walking into 2026 with more clarity, stronger boundaries, and a deeper understanding of what actually matters to me — both as a business owner and as a mom. I’m excited for a simpler, more intentional year, with offers that feel aligned and a pace that supports the life I want to live. Here’s to learning, growing, and showing up in a way that feels true.

I leave you with this question: 
If you were to say no to one thing today, so that it leaves room for a more important “yes,” what would it be, and what would that yes mean for you (and the person you give it to)?

Rebekah Strunk