As we wrap up 2025, I'm doing what I encourage all my clients to do - pausing to reflect on the year that's been and looking ahead to all that's to come in 2026.
And let me say, there's a certain irony in being an operations consultant who helps others build structure while simultaneously figuring out my own!
The Reality of Year One
We all know the first year in business is uphill both ways (yes, even consultants who supposedly know what they're doing). There have been emotional highs and lows - thankfully more highs - and plenty of moments of indecision. Usually it's not worrying about what's right or wrong, but which route is the best way to where I want to go.
My biggest pain point this year has been the juggle of priorities, particularly between client work and working on our own business model (which I don't think you can get away from at this stage). Committing to the time to check in with our marketing directive, business plan, and goals. Building our own structure, systems, and processes as new things arise. Before we launched Real Estate Structure, I thought I'd done a reasonable chunk of this groundwork. I wanted to do so much more. Yet all the advisors say "start now, make it better later"... and there's merit to both approaches. I guess it comes back to balance. You don't always know what you're going to need or how things will unfold, but I do love to be prepared!
The first time you create something or set a process in place is always the hardest. You know that feeling when you're working on something and thinking "why is this so difficult?" It’s messy, frustrating, and exhausting. Then when it finally comes together, there's sweet relief, and genuine pride that you nailed it! And best of all, the next time is ten times easier. This year has been filled with those cycles - the grind, the breakthrough, the celebration.
This is why the small wins matter so much - they remind us of all those little things we've implemented and achieved in a year that has absolutely flown by!
Personal Challenges and Growth
One of my biggest personal challenges this year has been getting more comfortable with video content. I mentioned this in my first blog about making my video story, and honestly, it's still very much a work in progress.
But we know growth is uncomfortable. So keep an eye out for more amateur video content in the new year. Alex and I have been filming some Q&A content about Real Estate Structure. It's not edited yet (that's a job for January), but I'm pushing myself to show up authentically, even when it feels awkward.
If I'm going to encourage my clients to step outside their comfort zones and try new things, I need to practice what I preach, right?
Grateful for Our Clients
I am so grateful to all our clients this year who have put their trust in us and I value each and every partnership. I'm absolutely loving meeting real estate professionals from all walks of life in various parts of New Zealand. Getting to see how others work and learning about the areas where they want more support is an absolute privilege.
Building relationships with you as we work together is one of my favourite parts. We genuinely feed off each other. Yes, I'm here to provide the service, but I learn and grow just as much from you.
Taking Our Own Advice
As we plan to take a break for the summer season, it offers us time to create space to think about where we want to put our focus. What do we want to achieve or improve on next? How can we better serve?
This is something I encourage you all to do. And so I'm not a complete hypocrite, my first week back in 2026 is dedicated entirely to our own business planning.
Our Summer Break
We'll be closed from Tuesday 23rd December, reopening Wednesday 21st January (hello sunny beach days with cold fruity drinks, and all the garden work I've been avoiding lol). As with real estate, it doesn't all stop - we'll be keeping an eye on emails and messages over this time for anything urgent.
But if 2026 feels like the year to ask for help and get ahead, I invite you to book in a casual conversation for the new year. Let's chat about what you want to achieve and how we can support you.
Bring on 2026
Thanks for reading along this year - whether you've been here since the first blog post or just recently discovered In Heather's Head. We're looking forward to a reset, and we can't wait to hit the ground running with you in 2026.
From Heather, Alex and Erin at Real Estate Structure, we wish you a fabulous Kiwi Christmas, sunny days, and hopefully a well-earned break!!!
See you in the new year :)