FRIDAYTHOUGHTS #276: NEW YEAR, NEW PROGRESS

New Year, New Progress

Instead of saying 'New Year, new me,' let's focus on making progress... and that's just a choice away.

Yes, we’ve started a brand new year. So many people have their New Year’s resolutions, and some are focused on giving this year their all. Others may not have resolutions, but at the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter. It’s not about something you decide to do in December or January—it’s about a shift in your mindset.

People often shift their mindset when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change. That’s when transformation happens.

For example, many years ago, when I used to go to church, I was an usher. There was a head usher at our church, a bit bigger than me, probably around 200 pounds. I was about 170 at the time. I stopped attending that church, but about two years later, I saw him at my gym. He was nearly my size—around 175, maybe 180. I told him, “Wow, you look great! It’s awesome you started working out.” Then I asked, “What happened?”

He explained that he’d been diagnosed with diabetes. His doctor told him if he didn’t lose weight, he would die. That was his turning point. The pain of continuing his unhealthy habits became so overwhelming that he had no choice but to make a change.

That’s the beauty of pain—it’s there to get your attention, to show you it’s time to make an adjustment.

If you’re in a situation where the pain of what you know you shouldn’t be doing has increased, consider it a blessing. Pain is often the catalyst for growth. You have two options when faced with it: you make the change, or you don’t. But remember, there are repercussions for not making that change.

This is a brand-new year, and if I’m speaking to you, give God praise. The adjustments you make today can move mountains this year. For those who have decided to give the world the most healed/greatest version of themselves on purpose, know that this is your season. There is an avalanche of blessings waiting for you in 2025.

Listen, a broke clock is right twice a day—and you are far from a broken clock. Keep going/growing. Stay consistent. Life is exactly what you make it...and this year, make it whatever you want it to be.

To the people making 2025 a banner year, celebrate in advance - matter of fact, I’m celebrating you in advance.

Happy New Year! Have an incredible rest of January, and as always, build something beautiful. 

P.S. It's a new year, let's make some new progress...it's the progress that brings joy.

🌹