As the New Year rolls in, it’s hard to escape the messaging that bombards us: “New Year, New You!” Everywhere you look, there’s encouragement to change, transform, and revolutionize every aspect of your life. But here’s a thought, what if the old you is doing just fine?
I’m a single mom navigating the wonderful chaos of a blended family with two school-age daughters, and I own an insurance agency that I’ve worked hard to build. My life is full, sometimes messy, sometimes a little too busy, but overall, it’s good. Really good. And yet, I’m not immune to those little nudges of doubt that sneak in when everyone around me is talking about drastic resolutions.
Growth doesn’t always have to come from tearing everything down to build something new. Sometimes, it’s about fine-tuning what’s already working, finding small moments to stretch yourself, and embracing change at your own pace.
Celebrate What’s Good
Give yourself credit where it’s due. Take a moment to reflect on what’s working in your life. For me, that’s knowing I’ve built a business that supports my family. It’s seeing my girls thrive in our blended family, laughing together over dinner, even on nights when it’s just pizza delivery and chaos. It’s knowing I’ve worked hard to juggle all the moving parts of my life and succeeding most of the time.
Acknowledging what’s good doesn’t mean you’re settling. It means you’re showing gratitude for the life you’ve created and honoring your efforts.
Stretch Without Breaking
Even when things are great, there’s always room to stretch a little, figuratively, and literally! This year, instead of drastic resolutions, I’m focusing on trying small, manageable things that push me just outside my comfort zone.
Maybe for you, it’s taking on a new hobby, saying yes to an opportunity that feels a little intimidating, or even setting a boundary that protects your peace. These are the kinds of small but meaningful changes that keep life interesting without feeling overwhelming.
Try Something New
When was the last time you did something for the first time? It’s a question I like to ask myself as a way to keep life vibrant. As a business owner, I spend a lot of time in my comfort zone, doing what I know works. But there’s something exhilarating about venturing into new territory.
Trying new things doesn’t mean you have to reinvent the wheel. It’s about adding variety to your routine. Maybe this year, you explore a new family tradition, try cooking a cuisine you’ve never tackled, do a LinkedIn Live, start a podcast, or plan a weekend getaway to a place you’ve never visited. These experiences enrich your life without requiring a total reinvention.
Embrace the Comfort Zone
It’s okay to love your comfort zone. We’ve all heard that “nothing grows there,” but I’d argue that plenty of good things do. Your comfort zone is where you recharge, where you connect with your loved ones, and where you feel like your best self.
As a single mom, my comfort zone is my anchor and it’s the routines that keep my household running smoothly. These are the things that ground me, and I’m not about to throw them out just because a new calendar year has started.
Trust Yourself
Finally, and most importantly, trust that you know what’s best for you. The pressure to constantly improve can make us second-guess ourselves, but if you’re happy with where you are, that’s a beautiful thing.
When I think about the life I’ve built, the love, the laughter, the work that fulfills me, I know I don’t need to overhaul anything. Sure, I’ll stretch a little, try something new here and there, but I don’t need to “fix” what isn’t broken.
So, this New Year, if you feel the urge to set big, bold goals, go for it. But if you’re content, don’t let the world convince you that you need to change just for the sake of it. Growth can be gentle. It can be joyful. And it can coexist with gratitude for everything you’ve already achieved.
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