What's Holding You Back from Being in a Different Place Next Year?

What's Holding You Back from Being in a Different Place Next Year?

Hey there,

Let’s have a real talk.

There’s a LOT of misery floating around these days.

Complaints, excuses, and “poor me” attitudes are practically on a parade.

And don’t get me started on the internet’s obsession with 'Victim Culture.'

Here’s the deal: most of this stuff is about as real as pro wrestling.

Entertaining? Sure.

Authentic? Not even close.

The FAKE Epidemic

Manufactured mental illness is spreading faster than the latest TikTok trend.

Suddenly, everyone’s an expert on how you should feel:

• Depression.

• Anxiety.

• Stress.

• Hopelessness.

But let’s get blunt: if you adopt a “depressing” lifestyle, you’re signing up for—surprise—depression.

The same goes for anxiety. Surround yourself with chaos, and guess what? Your life becomes chaos.

The Big Secret here is that YOU’RE in Control!

Let me flip the script for you: You are in charge of the inputs into your life.

• The music you listen to.

• The people you hang out with.

• The content you consume.

• Even your daily habits.

If you’re binge-watching apocalyptic dramas, scrolling negative news feeds, or spending hours in a pity party group chat, you’re marinating your brain in negativity.

Here’s a stat that might make you sit up straighter:

People who regularly consume negative news are 27% more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depression (source: Journal of Behavioral Science).

Here are 5 Steps to NOT Be a Miserable Sad Sack today and in 2025:

1. Audit Your Inputs
   Be ruthless about what goes into your brain. Replace endless doomscrolling with uplifting podcasts or books. (Ever read Atomic Habits by James Clear? You should!)

2. Move Your Body
   Exercise is nature’s antidepressant. Studies show that 30 minutes of physical activity just three times a week can reduce depression symptoms by 47% (source: Harvard Medical School). Plus, you’ll look better, which is a BIG BONUS.

3. Ditch the Whiners
   Birds of a feather flock together. If your circle loves misery, you’ll be one of them soon enough. Surround yourself with people who inspire, and do not drain you. You know who they are…believe me. And if you feel like you’re one of them…change your attitude. For how tempting it is…it’s hurting you!

4. Practice Gratitude
   Did you know writing down three things you’re grateful for each day can boost your happiness by 25%? It’s simple math, people. (Source: UC Davis research). And I’m sure if you do it with someone you love, like your spouse or partner, it will have an even greater impact!

5. Focus on Action
   Feeling stuck? Do something. Even small wins—like organizing your desk or going for a walk—build momentum. Action kills stagnation every time. If you stay in a state of curling up on the couch and moving into that victim mentality…you will stay there. It’s like being an alcoholic. Sometimes our misery is comforting in some strange way…get uncomfortable…do something about it…and stop the victim game. Only you can do this!

There’s Power in Hope

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “This too shall pass.” It’s true. One year from now, you’ll either look back and thank yourself for making better choices or curse yourself for staying stuck.

So, what’s it going to be?

• Miserable sad sack?

• Or the person who decided to take control, make changes, and thrive?

The choice is yours.

And hey, if you need a little accountability, I’m here to cheer you on. Let’s leave the fake misery for the soap operas and create a life you’re excited to wake up to.

Here’s to a better you—starting today! Let’s crush it in 2025 so 2026 looks totally different!

Forward this to someone who needs to hear it or needs a good kick in the pants to stop acting like a victim—because let’s face it, we all know at least one!

Three things to ALWAYS remember:

Be CONFIDENT!

Be EMPATHETIC!

AND ALWAYS HAVE PASSION!!!!