New Year, Same You

Originally posted on January 1, 2020.

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What if, instead of “New Year, New You,” you decided you were satisfied with the course you had already set?

What if you’re already happy with who you are?

This doesn’t have to mean you have to stop improving. Change and growth are healthy. It just means: if you were already doing the right things in the “old” year—wouldn’t you want to keep doing them?

For me, challenge is one of my values. I want to set big goals and attempt hard things. But it’s not a new value; it’s one I’ve had for a while. If I ever lose interest in challenging myself, I suppose that would be a new me. It’s just not a version of myself I’m remotely interested in.

Two years ago, I was in a dark place and feeling uncertain about a lot of things. Since then, I’ve made a number of changes in my life, both large and small. Many, many times in the months that have passed, I’ve looked up from whatever I’ve been doing with a sense of wonder.

I can’t believe I’m here, I think. I’m so glad I was willing to walk through that dark place.

I kid you not, this happens to me at least several times a day. I hope it never ends.

All things considered, I was pretty happy with the year that’s ending—and while I hope to continue to grow and improve, I don’t need a full-on transformation this time.

If you’re happy with the version of yourself you already have, maybe the question to ask at this point is: how can I be better than before?

Which is not the same as being totally different, because there’s no reason to change what you’ve worked so hard to achieve, accomplish, or become.

Happy New Year!

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Image: Erwan