Happy New Year
I’ve never been a “New Year's resolution” type of person. I believe that reflecting, setting goals, and working towards personal and professional growth should be constant, not a once-a-year event. We should recognize and act on the signals life provides us—whether it’s December 31st or during a summer vacation. However, this year, some signals became especially clear toward the end, and I found clarity in my professional intentions and vision for the future.
# In professional conversations we often highlight our hard skills and past achievements. While I value my expertise and accomplishments, I want to lean more into my unique talents and perspectives—qualities not easily captured by a traditional CV or portfolio. These strengths are rooted in my personality and life experiences, which I’ve learned to recognize and articulate over the years. Moving forward into 2025, I aim to step out from behind my achievements and confidently lead with my vision—and, ultimately, with my authentic self.
# In telling the story of my father’s craft—creating custom buffalo horn glasses in the Black Forest—I’ve noticed how people often struggle to imagine without visual aids. When hearing about the material, the process, or the workshop, their first instinct is to ask for pictures. This tendency isn’t unique to our product; it’s a broader societal behavior. Whether it’s recounting a museum visit, a hiking adventure, or showcasing a product, we lean on visuals for quick validation and instant gratification. But stories have the power to spark imagination. I want to challenge this surface-level engagement by telling stories that invite curiosity and foster meaningful dialogue.
# Revolutionary inventions share a common thread: they are often misunderstood at first. Truly original ideas, whether big or small, are hard to grasp because they lack familiar comparisons. This makes me reflect on the cultural differences between Europe and the US. In Europe, we’re often conditioned to fit in, while in the US, people are encouraged to stand out. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between. I want to encourage those around me—and those I work with—to embrace being misunderstood initially. It’s often a sign that you’re onto something meaningful. The key lies in having clarity of purpose and the determination to pursue your vision while remaining flexible in how you get there.
I invite you to share your intentions and visions with me!
Happy New Year!
jonasschwaer.com