3 Lessons That Changed Everything for Me in 2024
A look back at the biggest wins, lessons, and milestones that made this year unforgettable.
COOKING Creamy Goat Cheese Dip with Warm Olives perfect NYE app
MAKING Snowman crafts with the kids so easy, little mess, no-brainer
WATCHING Queer Eye new season is out, and it's a nice feel-good show before bed
BUYING Boxy crew cashmere sweater have this in grey, now getting in black
SHARING Recap of our fav. bougie family-friendly resort in Cancun
Currently
Wow—what a year.
This time last year, I was sitting at my desk with a blank Google Doc and a big vision for New Modern Mom. I had just left the corporate world, traded old routines for new possibilities, and set out to build not just a business—but a community.
Now, here we are, one full calendar year of working for myself, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
Gratitude for you—for opening these emails, tuning into the podcast, leaving thoughtful comments, and sharing New Modern Mom with your friends. Every time I see a DM saying, “This is exactly what I needed to hear today,” it reminds me why I started this in the first place.
I’ve learned a lot this year—about business, motherhood, and what it means to build a life that feels aligned. Here are my 3 biggest lessons of the year:
1. Consistency > Perfection
I’m a recovering perfectionist, so this one hit hard. I used to obsess over making every post or email flawless, every workout focused and intense. But the truth? Showing up consistently—even when it’s messy—beats waiting for perfect every single time. Progress happens when you keep showing up.
2. Slowing Down Accelerates You Forward
Taking time to pause —whether it’s a slow morning, a summer abroad, or just stepping away from my laptop for an afternoon—gave me space to think bigger and move smarter. Slowing down doesn’t mean you are lazy or unproductive. It means refueling so you can keep going.
3. Being Uncomfortable Means You’re Growing
This year stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. Launching a podcast and putting myself out there (not knowing if anyone would listen) felt uncomfortable. Buying a business for the first time felt uncomfortable. But that discomfort is where the growth happens—and I’m so glad I leaned in.
Aside from lessons learned, I love reflecting on the year past to celebrate the little things that became something big:
On Building New Modern Mom
We started the year with 1030 subscribers to this newsletter and are ending with almost 8,000—so wild.
The New Modern Mom Podcast launched in May, crossed 16,000 listens, and earned 200+ 5-star reviews.
Our Instagram community grew from 15,210 followers to over 27,000.
Our newmodernmom.com resources grew from 15,000 to 100,000 monthly views.
I built a team—a Chief of Staff, podcast producers, social media manager, creative writers, and more who help make all of this happen.
And I continue to partner with some of my favorite brands, combining my marketing expertise with my passion for helping moms thrive.
On Prioritizing Health & Habits
I committed to 20 minutes of movement most mornings and a protein-packed breakfast—and it’s set me up for success every day.
I prioritized my health, working with a functional medicine doctor to tackle some lingering issues.
On Creating Our Dream Life
We got super clear on our “why”—the vision we’re building for our family—and took big steps to make it real.
We spent 9 weeks living in Portugal this summer (and we’re already planning 5 weeks in France for next year).
We acquired not 1, but 2 pilates studios (and “broke ground” on a 3rd!).
I’m walking into 2025 with more clarity, more confidence, and more excitement than ever before—and I hope you are too.
If I could leave you with one thought as we wrap up this year, it’s this: small steps add up.
Whether it’s starting your mornings with clear intention, prioritizing your health, saying no to an invitation (or saying yes) or finally putting pen to paper toward a big goal, every small action builds momentum.
Thank you for being part of this journey. For reading, listening, and cheering New Modern Mom on. I read every single comment, reply and DM. This community means everything to me—and I can’t wait to keep building with you next year.
And with that, if you’re new here or maybe missed a newsletter, here’s my greatest hits of 2024:
Your Favorite All The Things of 2024
Now it's time to flip the script in this section of the newsletter. These were YOUR favorites to shop recommended by me this year.
Things for you:
Things for the kids:
Top Reads of 2024 on NewModernMom.com
Parenting resources:
Working motherhood resources:
Thank you as always for joining me on this journey,
Barbara