For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a somewhat fluid relationship with the idea of New Year’s resolutions. I’ve never been the type to sit down every January 1st, scribble out a list of goals, and treat them like immovable anchors for the year ahead.
Instead, I’ve tended to check in with myself regularly—sometimes monthly, sometimes quarterly—making adjustments and recalibrations as I go. Life never unfolds in a neat, linear timeline, and what might feel like the right target in January might not be the best fit come May.
But something about 2025 feels different.
This year, as I gear up for the official launch of AWARD, I’m looking at these resolutions not just as personal benchmarks but as ways to solidify the foundation of my brand and the relationships I’ve worked so hard to forge.
With AWARD’s launch on the horizon, I’m ready to push myself harder, focus more sharply, and engage more meaningfully—not only for my clients and colleagues, but for the entire industry community. That’s why I’m laying out these five professional resolutions.
My 2025 Professional New Year’s Resolutions
1. Publish My First Fiction Novel
Yes, you read that right: I’m publishing a horror novel. The Green Island Incident has been simmering for a while now, and 2025 is the year I’m bringing it to life.
Why publish a horror novel while running a brand and consultancy in the cannabis sector?
Because good stories transcend industries and niches…and I love telling stories! After writing two industry-specific non-fiction books, it’s time I show people what got me into writing: weird horror stories.
By launching The Green Island Incident during the latter half of the year, I’m not only fulfilling a longtime personal dream but also experimenting with the very marketing principles AWARD will be employing to help clients stand out in crowded markets.
I’ll be documenting the entire DIY marketing process—cover design, PR outreach, social media teasers, and strategic partnerships with editors, influencers, and marketers. This will be both a live case study and an invitation for collaboration. If you’re a marketer, PR specialist, editor, or influencer interested in partnering up, let’s talk.
Together, we can show how a gritty, atmospheric horror story can make waves far beyond the page.
2. Show Up More: Rejoining the In-Person Conversation
When I first started working in cannabis and related industries, I was out there on the ground, meeting people face-to-face, shaking hands, and getting real-time insight into the community’s pulse.
That went on for about 3.5 years. Then COVID hit, followed by personal challenges—like caring for a recently disabled dog—that kept me inside far more than I anticipated. By the time those sagas winded down, I’d gotten a bit complacent.
While virtual calls, chats, and intros have maintained connections, I know there’s no substitute for being physically present in the community. Cannabis, perhaps more than many industries, relies heavily on trust built through personal connection and word-of-mouth validation.
In 2025, I’m resolving to put myself back in the room—conferences, expos, networking events, seminars, and workshops.
Got somewhere I should be this year?
Drop me a note and let’s curate a hit list of must-attend events. After all, showing up isn’t just about me; it’s about being there for the community and making sure AWARD can bring fresh insights directly from the field.
3. Collaborate More: Strength in Numbers
There’s a lingering myth in many industries that going solo is the path to success. In 2025, I’m calling that out for what it is—an outdated notion. The truth is, none of us thrive in isolation. In fact, some social media platforms reportedly fault you for not doing it.
Not only does collaboration introduce fresh perspectives, but it also humanizes our work. It reminds us that behind every brand and every business venture, there are passionate people building something meaningful.
I’ve always been open to partnerships, but I want to double down on that spirit of collaboration this year. Whether you’re a small business owner in the cannabis space, a cannabis copywriter, an entrepreneur in an adjacent industry, or a seasoned consultant looking to expand your roster, we all achieve more together.
From cross-promotional campaigns and co-authored thought leadership pieces to joint events and the classic backlinks, let’s combine our expertise to amplify each other’s reach.
4. Continue Learning: Staying Learning, Stay Agile
The cannabis industry often evolves at breakneck speed. New regulations, technologies, consumer preferences, and market dynamics emerge every quarter.
To keep AWARD at the forefront of meaningful marketing and consultancy, I need to keep learning. That means diving into platforms like HubSpot Academy to fine-tune and learn new strategies. I also plan on exploring AI tools that streamline content creation and data analysis, and perhaps even picking up a new language or two to better communicate across markets.
5. Branch Out Beyond Cannabis
Don’t get me wrong—I love cannabis. It’s where I’ve built a foundation and cultivated a portfolio of amazing clients, friends, and collaborators. But part of what AWARD stands for is adaptability and breadth.
While I’ll always hold a special place for the plant and the community around it, I also have diverse interests that shape my approach to marketing and brand strategy.
In 2025, I want to bring that adventurous spirit to AWARD. I’ll be looking to serve clients in other sectors and broaden my understanding of different consumer ecosystems.
Just as a plant benefits from cross-pollination, AWARD will grow stronger by integrating perspectives from varied markets. If you’re in a different industry and curious about how we might work together, consider this your personal invitation to connect.
What Are Your New Year’s Resolutions for 2025?
Those are my five resolutions—each a stepping stone to a bigger, more inclusive vision for AWARD and the communities I’m proud to be part of. Now it’s your turn. What are you aiming to accomplish in 2025? What do you need to get there?
Drop me a line. Let’s make 2025 a year of collective growth, one resolution at a time. Together, we can spark engagement, support each other’s endeavors, and build a thriving network ready to face whatever the new year has in store.
