Hi Friend,

It’s been a while since I’ve been in your inbox and well, I’m happy to be back!

I’ve been busy fighting cancer and helping women step into more aligned careers. Since I last wrote to you:

• I’ve completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy and surgery for my breast cancer. Radiation starts in the coming weeks, and while I still have six more months of active treatment ahead, I’ve been told the hardest part is behind me—and that alone is worth celebrating!

• I welcomed 14 incredible women into The Aligned Career Blueprint program - my group-coaching program - and can’t wait to kickoff my next cohort in early February!

If you’re setting career goals for 2025, I’ve got the perfect way to jumpstart your journey: The Aligned Carer Challenge: Gain Career Clarity & Stand Out In Your Search - a two-part FREE vitual workshop next week (Jan 15th & 16th) t

Warm-Up Week for 2025

Like many, I’ve spent this first week of January easing into the year, which is my annual tradition of declaring, “The new year officially starts tomorrow.” Tonight is no different.

I love the idea of a “warm-up week” because let’s be real—even the most motivated among us probably stumbled a bit while easing back into reality (and let’s not forget, everyone seems to be recovering from a holiday bug).

But here’s the catch: by giving myself extra time to warm up, I sometimes feel even more pressure to “get it all right” come Monday.

So, here’s my advice for me—and maybe for you if this resonates: Let’s stop that.

Why I’m Over Resolution Culture

Resolution culture often feels like an endless to-do list, where we pile on more and more without considering what we actually need to feel aligned.

Instead of starting the year with an avalanche of new habits, I’m starting with simplicity. This year, with the help of my (free) Jumpstart Your January Journal, I chose four core desired feelings—my guide for everything I say yes to in 2025.

So let’s dig in….

Clarify 💡

Before adding anything to your plate, I encourage you to tune into how you really want to feel this year. Start by asking yourself:

What can I stop doing to get closer to those feelings?

• Continue abstaining from alcohol - As an entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor, this is the best way for me to stay clear, motivated and prevent recurrence. It’s been ~15 months from my last beverage, so I’m here to help if you’re trying out Dry January or something a bit more long-term!

• Limit my scrolling - Scrolling social media leaves me feeling the antithesis of all my core desired feelings. For now, I’m starting with deleting all social media off my phone every Saturday for 24 hours.

• Stop doing things simply out of obligation - If it’s not a ‘duck yes’ it’s a no for me right now - of course, within reason (taxes and laundry aren’t that 🦆 yes but we’re still doing both anyways).

Connect 🤝

Now connect every habit & goal you decide to ‘add’ to your plate to your core desired feelings. Use these feelings as a filter for what you say yes to and a guide for what you take on. The Jumpstart Your January Journal guides you through how to narrow in on what you say yes to - what I call intentions.

My top 3 intentions for 2025 that will enable me to feel more empowered, strong, connected and abundant?

1️⃣ Heal my body and mind as I transition from active cancer treatment intto maintenance.
2️⃣ Share my voice by publishing my cancer journey.
3️⃣ Launch a new way for clients to connect with me and with each other to align their careers and lives to their truest selves.

Confidently Communicate 🗣️

Sharing your core desired feelings with loved ones (or even me—just hit “reply”!) is powerful. It creates accountability and deepens conversations.

Try swapping “How was your day?” for “How did you feel [core desired feeling] today?” Trust me, the answers get a lot more interesting.

Let’s kick off 2025 together. Join my free virtual workshop next week and gain clarity, confidence, and connection to start your 2025 strong

((recording will be sent if you can’t join live))

This week..

Until next time 💗

Jess Storiale