Quote of the Day: “Be you, not them. Growth doesn’t come from fixing everything, it comes from returning to what matters.”

A new year doesn’t always mean a new you…but that’s my opinion.

Every year about this time, we start hearing that a new start is just around the corner. New year. New goals. New versions of you, or me, or us on the way.

I can’t say I’m a big fan of that.

Not because I don’t believe in growth, but because I don’t think we always need to begin again. What if instead of becoming something new, we returned to what really matters?

The word broken gets thrown around a lot, especially when we talk about growth. And while I do acknowledge that I am broken in some ways, I’m not sure we should always focus on the broken parts of ourselves in order to grow. If you’re anything like me, I’m already my own worst critic. I don’t need help there. I’ve got words buzzing around my head all the time like less or you could do better. I don’t need everyone telling me how broken I am.

And honestly, most of us aren’t “broken”. We are being molded by our age, and our experiences. By our surroundings and even seasons that look nothing like we thought they would. We are tired. We are distracted. And we are carrying far more than we planned in a number of the days we face.

Remember when we used to say, “Once this next thing is over, we’ll be able to…”? That next thing keeps coming.

Maybe this year isn’t about becoming a new you. Maybe it’s worth saying out loud, a little louder than usual: be you, not them. What if this year is about returning to what actually matters most?

For me, that return shows up in very practical ways. Progress often looks like saying no to things that don’t align with my personal mission and vision, even when I love the idea and would genuinely enjoy being part of it. Sometimes it sounds like, “I love this idea, and I have a person I’d really love for you to talk with who might be more aligned with this goal.”

That kind of no creates space. Space to rest easier. Space to save energy for the things that sit on my passion list. And space to collaborate and support others who are fully living out theirs.

And I think that matters.

A Permission Slip for This Season

If you’re walking into this year feeling a little behind, you’re not alone.

Progress doesn’t always look like big moves or loud wins.

Sometimes it looks like rest.
Sometimes it looks like asking for help.
Sometimes it looks like staying put for a minute longer than you planned.

It still counts.

A Few Simple Actions to Try This Month

You don’t need a full overhaul to move forward. Try one of these instead.

Audit your yeses.
Take a look at where your time is going and ask, Does this align with what matters most right now?

Name one thing to protect.
Your energy. Your family dinners. Your creativity. Your rest.

Practice a values-based no.
You can decline without disconnecting. Refer. Support. Bless and release.

Allow slower progress.
Momentum isn’t the only measure of growth.

This year doesn’t need a reinvention. It needs presence, alignment, and a willingness to return to what actually matters.

Be where your feet are. That’s where real progress begins.

Because life and growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about giving your team the clarity and confidence they need to do their best work.

Grab a notebook and work through these three:

What actually matters right now: Growth doesn’t happen everywhere at once. Get honest about what deserves your attention in this season and what can wait. When everything feels important, nothing really is. Focus creates momentum.
What needs to change and what doesn’t: Not everything needs fixing, including you. Some things need refining, protecting, or simply accepting. Name where growth is required and where grace is needed, for yourself and for others.
How you’ll show up while you grow: Growth doesn’t just happen in what you do, it shows up in how you carry yourself while you’re doing it. Pay attention to your pace and your energy. Notice where you need better boundaries or more support. Decide who you want to be for yourself and for the people around you as things shift, not just what you want to get done.

Keep working…it’s always worth it. And hard doesn’t last forever and is where the magic happens.