Ryan Why -’s Post

As we approach a holiday week, I reflect on two things that often go hand in hand: family and business. The holidays aren’t just a break—they’re a chance to think about and reset your priorities. This time of year reminds many of us why we work so hard. It’s about more than $$$—the people counting on us. If you’re leading a family-run business, an SMB, a start-up, or any business, you know the balancing act: delivering results, keeping your team on the same page, and ensuring your family life doesn’t fall apart under the weight of responsibility. Take this weekend to pause. Reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and most importantly, who you’re doing it for. Wishing you clarity, peace, and some well-earned downtime before the rush picks up again. Take this time to recharge and come back ready to tackle what matters most."

How we are preparing for the end of 2024

The end of the year is just 28 days away. Here’s how we’re wrapping up in our company: 1st: Finalising Holiday Plans We’re establishing what Christmas leave will look like: Will we completely disconnect for the week? Are there any client deadlines we need to manage? What expectations should we set for the team over the holiday season? 2nd: Reviewing 2024 This is our time to reflect of the last 12 months, specifically around: What we’ve learnt, what we’ve achieved, what our biggest challenges were, what do we not want to repeat next year, what goals we hit, what goals we missed (and why). What’s most important here is for us to be honest with ourselves about what we’ve experienced and kind to ourselves around the expectations and goals we initially set. 3rd: Planning 2025 We have built an impressive foundation for our company, so we are excited about what is to come next year. Based on the results of our 2024 review, we’ll start the year with a 90-day sprint. This is our go-to strategy for creating momentum, alignment and motivation. It will include very clear company goals as well as individual goals for each member of our team to hit. How is your team preparing for the year ahead? I’d love to hear what’s working for you.

2024 HALFTIME You may or may not recall that I delivered a talk to my local business community on Leap Day – February 29, 2024. I encouraged anyone to attend who is looking to break free of the patterns, habits, and routines that have every year turn out just like the year before…and the year before that. Whether you joined us that morning or not, we are now five days past the halfway point of 2024. Think back to what was going through your mind during the Christmas holiday season. What did you tell yourself would be different THIS year as the clock struck midnight and 2024 was here? Giving yourself the benefit of not judging, are you where you said you would be at the 2024 halftime? If not, are you willing to sit with the question asking yourself what about YOU is in the way of you creating the 2024 you declared with that glass of champagne in your hand six months ago? It is unlikely I will create that type of event again and I am open to a conversation with YOU if that occurs to you as useful. The only thing at stake is your experience of the living of your life. 

Holy Holidays! Is anyone else feeling like this time of year is shaking up your routines and rituals? As an entrepreneur in the landscape design-build industry, I can tell you, the holidays aren't just about downtime; they're a unique blend of chaos and opportunity. Unlike traditional employment, my work doesn't come with fixed vacation days or an off switch 🙃 But here's the upside: With my projects taking a seasonal nap, winter becomes my strategic playground 🤩 🛝 This isn't just a time to rest; it's my chance to focus on growth - both personal and professional - without the usual client-driven urgency. This Winter I am: 🎾 Learning how to play Pickleball ⚙️  Setting up new automations for my business systems in 2025 ✅ Tackling the items on my to-do list that have been collecting dust What's your strategy for personal and professional growth during the holiday season? Please share if this resonates with you 😊 Happy New Year! #rippleeffect

Vacation mode ON… because once the holiday magic ends, corporate hustle begins. 🎄➡💼 As we slide from Christmas into the new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the balance between rest and the hustle ahead. Right now, it's all about recharging and soaking in the last moments of holiday cheer. Come January, it’s back to the grind: meetings, deadlines, and the constant buzz of work emails. Let’s embrace the quiet before the storm, recharge our batteries, and get ready to tackle a fresh year with renewed focus and drive. 💪🎯 How are you preparing for the new year? Share with me, I'll be in the comment section reading🤭 #MRICS #surveyingprofessionals #careeradvancement #globalrecognition #realestatecareers #professionalcertification #surveyors #propertymanagement #constructionindustry #realestatedevelopment #infrastructureprojects #careergrowth #industryleaders #charteredsurveyor #careeropportunities #RICS #builtenvironment #professionalsuccess #career

A few years ago, I was where many business owners find themselves during the holidays—overwhelmed, overworked, and missing out on precious moments with family. I was drowning in admin tasks, client follow-ups, and endless to-do lists while the joy of the season slipped through my fingers. Then, I made a decision that changed everything. I realized I couldn’t do it all. My business was growing, but my life was shrinking. That’s when I hired my first Virtual Assistant. At first, I thought, Can someone else really take tasks off my plate without sacrificing quality? The answer was a resounding yes. That one decision didn’t just transform my business—it transformed my life. Suddenly, I had the space to: - Be fully present for holiday traditions with my family. - Focus on growing my business instead of drowning in the day-to-day. - Experience the joy of delegating, knowing my VA had my back. That’s why I created HireToday VA, to give other business owners the same freedom and peace of mind I found. Today, I see our clients reclaim their time and enjoy their lives, just like I did. Whether it’s attending their kids’ holiday performances or hosting stress-free celebrations, our VAs empower them to focus on what truly matters. Imagine this holiday season: Waking up Christmas morning with no emails or admin tasks hanging over your head. Trusting your VA to manage your workload while you enjoy time with loved ones. Starting the new year refreshed and ready to take your business to the next level. This can be your story too. Let us help you find your perfect VA. Start Your Transformation Today This year, don’t let your business steal the joy of the holidays. Make the decision that will forever change your life—and your business. Happy holidays, Justin Berry

Why Do Holidays Fly By While Work Drags On? Today marks the start of my Christmas break—a much-needed pause after a busy year. I’ve got 10 days ahead of me, and while right now the return to work feels far off, I know from experience how quickly those days will disappear. And isn’t it interesting how holidays seem to speed by in the blink of an eye, while the grind of work feels like it stretches forever? It’s a reminder I think many of us share: life has a way of rushing by if we let it. That thought is like kindling on the fire for me—a push to take action now, not later. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I do set intentions, and mine is crystal clear: I’m going to San Diego in 180 days for our annual conference. To make that happen, I’m putting serious focus on bringing women into my business who are ready to leave the employee world behind and start building a life they truly want to live. For those who want more out of life—whether it’s financial freedom, time for the things that matter most, or a way to thrive instead of just getting by—I’d love to invite you to check out our most recent Thrive launch. It’s a powerful look at how we can turn things around in a world that often feels upside down. If you’re curious or ready to start living life on your terms, let’s chat.

The last few weeks of the year are always my favorite. Christmas is around the corner, there’s plenty of family stuff going on, and with everyone in “let’s revisit after the holidays” mode, it’s a perfect time for reflection and preparation. 💡The two things I like to key on as I mentally prepare for the next year are: 1.) What is the one thing I want to remember about this year? 🧐 2.) What is the one thing I need to leave behind this year? 🗑️ For me, I want to remember 2024 as the year my two year old became the sassiest little girl I’ve ever met and will probably run a company one day (I’m sure a lot of you have a kid like this in your life 🙃). For those of you that know me really well, this probably isn’t a surprise. On the flip side, I want to leave behind my ego around control. I’ve been really tested in that this year and it’s been proven that I need to trust more and control less. For most in executive roles, I think those are the two hardest things for any of us to work through and let go. It takes incredible teammates, a lot of faith, and a whole lot of grace. How about you? What do you need to leave behind and what are you aspiring to achieve as we leave 2024?

🎉 Happy 2025! As we step into the New Year, let’s acknowledge that the transition from holiday mode to work mode can feel a bit… cobwebby. For those of us who had some time off, this first week back might be less about hitting the ground running, and more about finding our rhythm again. A gentle reminder: cut yourself some slack this week. Whether you’re feeling the weight of unfinished holiday to-dos, lingering exhaustion, or just the January blues, it’s okay to take things slow. And if you notice a little grumpiness (in yourself or your team), remember — it’s temporary. This week is your warm-up. Focus on self-care, be kind to yourself and others, and trust that by next week, those cobwebs might be long gone. Let’s ease into 2025 with grace, especially when we and others need to do it, well, slowly but surely. Here’s to a really great year ahead.