My Mantra for 2024
As we wrap up 2024, I want to share with you the 3 words that completely shaped my year.
For a little context: around this time last year, I attended a workshop led by one of my all-time favorite coaches, Jen Waldman. The workshop, “Name it to Claim it,” was all about reflecting on the prior year to activate some juicy goals for the year ahead.
(To learn more about Jen’s framework, check out this episode of her fabulous podcast: “The Long and the Short of It.”)
Towards the end of the workshop, we were challenged to activate our goals by distilling them into a quick theme for the upcoming year—something short, snappy, evocative, and, most importantly, tied to our goals and values.
My mantra for 2024 was: Tend the Campfire.
Why? Well, it wasn’t because I was doing a lot of backpacking.
Here’s the deal:
On the most basic level, to build a lasting fire, you need two things:
- A well-constructed foundation
- A flame
If you don’t have a solid foundation with the proper mix of large logs, kindling, and room for air, your fire is going to burn out immediately.
For me, a strong foundation means a commitment to technique and good habits.
It means:
- Staying up to date on the latest research in my industry
- Consistently networking
- Staying attentive to my clients’ evolving needs
But here’s the thing…
Foundation alone does not a fire make.
You can have the most beautiful log cabin structure in the world—but you best believe you are in for a cold night if you don’t eventually light a match.
In this metaphor, lighting a match = Bravery.
No matter how strong your foundation is, you don’t have a campfire until you add the fire.
You can write the most brilliant TED Talk in the world, but if you don’t submit the application… you don’t have a TED Talk.
Tend the Campfire meant different things to me throughout the year.
There were times when it meant: “Sara, slow down and add a log to the fire. That foundation is looking rickety...”
And there were other times when it meant: “Girl, you have enough firewood stockpiled—stop procrastinating and strike the damn match!”
As I look back on 2024, a commitment to technique, habits, and bravery was the key to some of my proudest accomplishments. Tending my campfire led to:
Writing and performing a solo show and debuting it in NYC!
Launching my first online course to help speakers across the world build their own foundations.
(You can check that course out right here by the way!)
And my proudest accomplishment of all?
How many beautiful campfires I watched my clients build throughout the year. Witnessing their commitment to technique, good habits, and bravery warmed my heart all year long.
I can’t wait to see what new themes emerge for them—and for myself—in 2025.
But for now, wishing you a very cozy holiday. See you in 2025!
Sara Glancy is an NYC-based actor and public speaking coach and the founder of Speak Masterfully, a service that helps professionals take the stage with less fear and more fun!
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