The Never-Ending Year

Written By Ariana Cofone

December 28, 2023

 

👆 Listen to the article

 

I’m not sure about you, but this year has felt like an eternity. It’s like we’ve lived a decade in 365 days. Personally, it’s been one of the most challenging years to date (saving those stories for my memoir), while professionally it’s been the most rewarding and thrilling years of my life.

As an operator, I’ve helped a lot of founders grow and scale their businesses. This year, I got to be in the driver’s seat of that journey through founding Secret Ops.

Since staring in October 2022, we’ve:

My podcast pillow fort for ideal sound quality

Building a business isn’t a glamorous journey, but for the first time in my life I wake up every day excited for what’s to come.

It’s beyond thrilling to help others become top operators in their own businesses and in their lives. Cheesy, yet oh so true. Cue the sentimental music…

As we wrap up 2023, I’m sharing with you some personal lessons and thank yous. Cheers to all you wonderful humans—I’ll see you in 2024 🎉

— Ariana

📜 Top 3 Lessons

Life’s twists and turns are intense. Luckily, out of that rollercoaster comes wisdom and wonderful lessons learned. Here are my top three for the year:

Lesson 1

You never get time back. The greatest tool in your toolbox is to stay as present as possible. Don’t try to speed up painful moments or slow down joyful moments. Be present in them and ride the wave.

Lesson 2

When you say “yes” to anything, you’re prioritizing that in your life. Be thoughtful of your “yeses” and generous with your “nos”. Visualize your days, get clear on your priorities, and stand up for your time.

Lesson 3

Laugh a lot. Big, delicious belly laughs. Health-wise, laughter positivity affects your heart functions, glucose levels, and decreases inflammation. Be a magnet for laughter. Doctor’s orders.

Mom, Dad, and I organizing their spice drawer…
because being an operator is infectious!

🫶 Thank Yous

My goodness, there are so many people to thank. Building anything is a group effort, and wow do I have an amazing group of humans to lean on. Thank you to:

  • All the incredible Secret Ops Guests for sharing their expertise so generously

  • Our multi-faceted Ops Specialist Andrea who brings every episode to life

  • Our fantastic Producer Fina for making us all sound super smart and cool

  • Our wise Researcher Justina for helping us make the future real

  • Mom, Dad, and all my family and friends who’ve supported this journey

  • All the people who given me advice, feedback, and encouragement

Joey, Luigi, and I celebrating our five-year wedding anniversary

Last, but absolutely not least, a heart felt thank you to the two loves of my life— Joey and Luigi.

Joey, you give me courage to be myself and build a life that’s beautifully ours.

Luigi, your snuggles are worth more than gold.

Love you both more than you could know.

Ariana Cofone
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