An Honest Year-End Reflection - Between Self-Doubt and Anticipation

About this episode

The final weeks before Christmas pack a punch. As a founder, you know the feeling: your to-do list keeps growing while the year simultaneously comes to an end. In this special episode, I'm sharing a very personal glimpse into my current daily life and the thoughts that are occupying my mind right now.

When Year-End Stress Gets Real

December is always an intense time. Projects need to be wrapped up, plans for the new year are taking shape, and at the same time, you want to end the year on a worthy note. For me, two major projects are currently in focus: preparations for the new studio and the final steps for the Operator Summit.

It's fascinating how this year-end stress feels. On one hand, there's the excitement about new projects and opportunities, but on the other hand, there's also a certain fatigue after an intense year. This duality is something I'm dealing with very consciously right now.

Momentum and Self-Doubt - An Eternal Balancing Act

One topic that has particularly occupied my mind lately is the relationship between momentum and self-doubt. As a founder, you're constantly navigating this field of tension. There are moments when everything flows and you feel unstoppable. And then there are phases when doubts take over.

What I've learned: both are part of the journey. Momentum isn't something that's permanently there - it comes and goes in waves. And self-doubt isn't automatically a sign that something is going wrong. Sometimes it's even an indicator that you're developing in the right direction and taking on new challenges.

Permission to Not Always Give 100%

An important realization this year was: it's completely okay to not always have 100% energy. As a founder, you tend to put enormous pressure on yourself. Everything has to run perfectly, every day has to be productive, every decision has to be optimal.

But reality looks different. There are days when you can only give 70% or 80% - and that's completely fine. What's important is being aware of this and acting accordingly. Sometimes that means taking breaks or postponing projects.

Reflection as the Key to Growth

This year was characterized by many projects, but also by a clear focus on reflection. I consciously invested time to think about the path I've taken, to acknowledge successes, and to learn from mistakes.

Reflection isn't just a nice add-on for quiet hours - it's an essential building block for sustainable growth. Only when you regularly pause and honestly analyze what worked and what didn't can you adjust your strategy accordingly.

A Conscious Break Between the Years

That's why I'm also consciously allowing myself a small break between the years. Not out of laziness or lack of motivation, but as a strategic decision. I need this time to recharge and start the new year with fresh perspective.

As a founder, you tend to evaluate these breaks as unproductive. But the opposite is true: a conscious timeout is often the most productive move you can make.

Outlook and Gratitude

Despite all the challenges and self-doubt, I'm grateful for this intense year. Every project, every hurdle, and every small success has contributed to getting me where I am today.

The anticipation for the new year is high. The new studio will open up exciting possibilities, the Operator Summit promises to be a highlight, and there are many more projects waiting to be implemented.

With that said: Merry Christmas and a restful time with your families and friends. Grant yourselves the break you deserve. We'll catch up again just before New Year's Eve with a comprehensive year-end review!