December Recap: How I Said No and Still Got What I Wanted​

At the beginning of 2024,  we publicly set some goals and I (Rebecca) made a conscious decision to lean into design consulting. I knew there was a chance my husband’s job would change, requiring him to work longer hours and spend nights away. When that change came in July, it brought exactly what we expected: an unpredictable schedule and more time apart for our family. While we were prepared, it still meant I needed to reduce stress from my work to create more normalcy at home.

In the past, I’ve ‘forced’  a few full-service projects, even when the signs were there that they weren’t the right fit which led to resentment and mismatched expectations. Often, those projects could have been better served with me in a consultative role and I would have preserved my energy. In 2024, I wanted to test whether scaling back and prioritizing smaller, more focused engagements could still bring fulfillment to my work while allowing space for the things that matter most.

As a Gen-X people pleaser and the classic oldest daughter, I’ve always struggled with putting my own needs first. I hate saying no when I know I’m capable of helping someone. But last year, I found ways to say no when opportunities didn’t align with my vision. By reframing “no” as a way to stay true to myself and my company’s brand, I was reminded that boundaries can be empowering rather than restrictive.

One of the biggest changes I made was intentionally redirecting clients who weren’t a match for my full-service offerings to a Designer On Call contract. I started doing more of these in 2023, but in 2024, I leaned into it more intentionally. This shift not only helped me preserve relationships but also kept me focused on my goals. By streamlining my onboarding process with a templated generic proposal and contract in Dubsado, I made it easier to manage by just sending a scripted email and link.

This approach created space for something big: I believe I unknowingly manifested a dream project with a dream client. Every aspect of this project has been exciting, from the creative process to the collaboration. It’s the kind of experience that reminds me why I love what I do and why staying aligned with my goals is so essential.

As I head into 2025, I feel ready to embrace a new balance. My focus on consultations in 2024 gave me clarity and strengthened my systems, but this year may bring a shift back toward full-service projects—if they’re the right fit. The most important lesson I’m carrying forward is that I don’t have to choose one path forever. My business can adapt and evolve with my life, and I can adjust my focus based on what feels aligned in the moment and prioritizes my mental and physical health.

2025 is about continuing to trust my instincts, maintain my boundaries, and create space for opportunities that energize and inspire me. Here’s to a year of thoughtful growth and alignment—whatever form it takes!