As the final days of 2024 unfold, I find myself sitting with a quiet cup of coffee, looking back on a year that has been nothing short of transformative. For myself, for my clients, and for the world around us. Every December, I take the time to reflect on the moments that shaped the year the wins, the lessons, and the quiet truths that revealed themselves along the way.
And one truth stands out above all others: Success means nothing without connection.
For years, I chased success the way so many of us do. I ticked all the boxes, built businesses, showed collections on top stages, won awards, achieved goals, and proved to the world that I could “make it.” But beneath it all, I often felt a sense of emptiness I couldn’t quite explain. It wasn’t until I slowed down and reconnected with myself that I realised: success without connection is a hollow victory.
I’ve seen it countless times; clients, friends, even strangers at events. People walking through life, accomplishing great things on the surface, but deep down, feeling a profound sense of disconnection. I’ve been there too.
We crave connection, whether we admit it or not:
Connection to ourselves: The quiet confidence of knowing who we are, without needing external validation.
Connection to others: Feeling truly seen, heard, and valued by those around us.
But in today’s world, where busyness is celebrated and ambition is worn like a badge of honour, connection often takes a backseat.
I remember a time in my life when I thought ticking off achievements would bring me peace. But instead of feeling fulfilled, I felt like I was floating further and further away from myself. I was achieving for the sake of achieving, not for the sake of alignment or joy. And I’ve learned this is a common experience: we’re so focused on proving ourselves to the world that we forget to nurture the most important relationship of all, the one we have with ourselves.
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. And know that it’s possible to rediscover what truly matters.
Ambition is a double-edged sword. It can propel us to greatness, but it can also pull us into a cycle of comparison, greed, and relentless striving.
I’ll never forget the moment I realised this for myself. I had reached a milestone I’d worked toward for years. I was showing my collections on NY, Paris catwalks, rubbing shoulders with top designers, closing 6 figure sales over a few emails… On paper, everything looked perfect. But instead of celebrating, I felt empty—like I’d been running a race with no finish line.
This is the paradox of ambition:
We chase success to prove our worth, yet the more we achieve, the further we feel from ourselves.
We strive to be different, but in doing so, we isolate ourselves from the very connection we crave.
The truth is, ambition without intention can lead to disconnection. It’s not about giving up your dreams—it’s about pursuing them in a way that honours who you are and what you value most.
Everything You Need Is Already Within You
I say this to my clients all the time: You already have everything you need. And I know it’s not always easy to believe.
For years, I thought the answers were out there, in the next achievement, the next course, the next “big thing.” But the deeper I’ve gone on my own journey, the more I’ve realised: the answers are always within us.
The peace you’re searching for? It’s in your ability to trust yourself.
The fulfillment you’re craving? It’s in the connections you nurture.
The success you want? It’s in the choices you make every single day.
This isn’t about dismissing ambition or downplaying your goals. I am an ambitious woman. This is about understanding that true fulfilment comes from within. It’s about aligning your external actions with your internal values.
So, as you reflect on 2024, ask yourself: Are you chasing something outside of yourself, or are you building a life that feels deeply meaningful?
I used to blame everything and everyone for where I wasn’t in life; circumstances, family, my stuff, other people, even myself. It’s a pattern I see often:
Blaming others for missed opportunities.
Blaming circumstances for holding us back.
Blaming ourselves for not being “good enough.”
Blame feels justified in the moment, doesn’t it? It gives us a reason, a story, a way to explain why things haven’t worked out. But here’s what I’ve learned:
blame doesn’t solve anything. It doesn’t move you forward. It keeps you stuck.
Blame anchors you in the past. It holds you from seeing your own power, your own choices, and the limitless possibilities for your future. To create something new, you have to release the blame whether it’s directed at others, your circumstances, or even yourself, and replace it with responsibility.
Responsibility isn’t about guilt or shame; it’s about recognising that while you can’t control everything, you can control your response. You can choose how you move forward. And that choice is where your power lies.
Blame is a way of handing over your power—of saying, “I have no control over this.” But the truth is, you always have a choice. It’s not about fault or blame; it’s about ownership.
When I stopped blaming and started claiming responsibility for my choices, everything changed. And I believe the same is possible for you.
This has become a mantra for me: Stop blaming, start claiming.
Claim your life.
Claim your power.
Claim the responsibility for the choices you make every day.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard. It’s about choosing connection over blame, courage over fear, and alignment over approval.
This year, I’ve watched clients transform their lives simply by stepping into this mindset. They didn’t wait for permission or perfect circumstances. They chose to own their power, and that choice changed everything.
As we plan for a new year, I encourage you to redefine what success means to you.
For me, success used to be about external achievements. Now, it’s about alignment, connection, and living a life that feels authentic and joyful. It’s about:
Prioritising connection over competition.
Choosing presence over perfection.
Seeking fulfillment over fleeting success.
What will success mean for you in 2025?
2024 was a year of lessons, growth, and transformation, for me and for so many of the people I’ve worked with. It was a year that reminded me of what truly matters: not the titles, the trophies, or the applause, but the quiet, powerful moments of connection.
As we step into 2025, I invite you to embrace courage and connection in your own life. Take the time to reflect:
Where have you been chasing instead of creating?
Where have you been blaming instead of claiming?
Where have you been striving instead of connecting?
The answers to these questions are your guide. They’re not about judgment; they’re about clarity.
Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about what you have it’s about who you are and how deeply you’re connected to yourself and the world around you.
Here’s to 2025
Let’s end 2024 with gratitude—for the lessons, the growth, and the connections we’ve made. And let’s enter 2025 with courage, clarity, and the confidence to live a life that truly matters.
This year, let’s stop chasing. Let’s start creating.
Let’s stop blaming. Let’s start claiming.
Let’s choose connection.
Here’s to a new year of courage, connection, and fulfilment.
Elif x