Do Better!

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It’s the first week of the year, and the notifications are endless—vision board ideas, goal-setting strategies, productivity hacks—your feeds are buzzing, and I’m sure for some, it’s inspiring fuel to kickstart the year. But for others, it’s already overwhelming. I hope this newsletter is a gentle reminder to breathe.

It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And while the world is screaming for you to move, move, move - remember, you’re allowed to pause, reflect, and reset.

But I also want to speak to another group: the ones who feel stuck. The ones who’ve tried repeatedly, only to feel like nothing’s changing. Little to no wins, no growth metrics, and no tangible progress. You’re staring at the same “wall” you’ve been facing for months or maybe years. If this resonates, I see you. I’ve been there. And today, I want to share a lesson that’s been on my mind: Now that you know better, do better.

The Power of Knowing and Acting

A few years ago, I came across the phrase “feign incredulity,” which means pretending not to know something. It’s an interesting phrase I love using, but recently, I’ve been reflecting on the danger of knowingly doing the same.

Maya Angelou said: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Yet, isn’t it strange how often we don’t? We hold back, close our eyes to the truth, and feign ignorance about the very things holding us back. Why? To avoid discomfort? To delay responsibility? To stay in our boat of “familiar misery”? To just be?

I was reading Sarah Jakes Roberts' Woman Evolve recently, and she referenced Genesis 3:7, where Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened, and they realized their nakedness. What did they do? They took action, they covered themselves. Knowing better led them to do better. But here’s the truth: many of us have opened eyes, but remain frozen. We know what needs to change, yet we close our eyes to the truth, avoiding the scary and uncomfortable parts of growth. We self-sabotage. It’s human, but it’s also stifling.

Stepping Out of the Boat

Another time, I read Joyce Meyer’s devotional and stumbled on the moment Peter was supposed to step out of the boat to walk on water. Peter knew it was Jesus calling him, yet he had to make the bold decision to step into uncertainty. That was very relative because so often we feel trapped in situations that no longer serve us - jobs, routines, habits, relationships. We get comfortable with the very things draining us because stepping out feels scary. But let me remind you: You cannot reach the next level if you refuse to leave the boat.

If last year left you at a T-junction where you were drained, stuck, or frustrated, what’s stopping you from breaking free? Yes, it’s daunting, but isn’t staying stagnant worse? Just like the games we play, each level gets harder, but you have to keep trying to unlock a new level.

Try, Learn, Fail, Tweak, Repeat - Fail Forward

If you’ve been trying the same approach over and over again without results, it’s time to tweak the recipe. Think about it: if you’re cooking a dish and it’s not turning out right, do you keep using the same recipe? No. You go online, research, experiment with new ingredients, or ask someone who’s mastered it.

Growth is no different. It requires you to:

1. Keep trying.
2. Make adjustments along the way.
3. Surround yourself with people, tools, and resources to help you grow.
4. Keep iterating and voila!

"Insanity is doing the same thing over, and over again and expecting different results.” - Rita Mae Brown

This year, let’s leave that insanity behind. Let’s experiment, iterate, and approach challenges with eyes wide open - actively learning from mistakes and making intentional changes.

Lessons from Algebra (Yes, Algebra!)

Remember back in school when we had to “find X”? Algebra frustrated me to no end because it felt pointless to search for something that clearly didn’t want to be found. Yet, the process of trying, failing, and trying again eventually brought me to the answer. Life’s like that, too. We give up after one or two failed attempts and convince ourselves it’s not meant to be. But here’s the thing: you’re not failing; you’re learning. Each tweak, each attempt brings you closer to finding your “X.” If Thomas Edison stopped trying with his eyes wide open, we wouldn't have the electric bulb today - much less attributed to him.

What’s Your Next Step?

So, as we step into 2025 with eyes wide open, ask yourself:

• What have you been doing that’s no longer serving you?
• What’s one tweak you can make today to align with the life you want to build?

If you’ve been stuck in a loop, it’s time to step out of the boat, even if it feels shaky. Start small, try again, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. There’s nothing new under the sun, and you’re never as alone as you think.

This year, let’s commit to showing up - eyes wide open, fully present, ready to try again.

Wishing you clarity, light, and all the strength you need to make another push!

You’ve got this.

Happy New Year! 🌟