Tired of New Year’s emails that pile on more expectations? Let’s try something different. Instead of choosing a new year’s resolution or writing a list of aspirational goals, essentially asking “what more can I do?,” let’s ask “what can I stop doing?“

Yesterday, I had the privilege of leading my Ultimate Vision Board Workshop, where we explored something crucial: Most of us have been conditioned with layers of others’ expectations, and we’ve forgotten—or learned to ignore—our authentic selves. Through powerful exercises, we highlighted a simple truth: creating a vision for our future isn’t just about adding new goals—it’s also about releasing what no longer serves us.

What can you let go of?

The past year might have left you carrying things that aren’t yours to carry:

• Other people’s expectations: How much of our energy is spent trying to live up to how others think we should be?
• Walking on eggshells: Are we constantly trying to control others’ emotions through our actions?
• The pressure to be available 24/7: How many times did you check your phone the last time you had coffee with a friend?
• The habit of doom-scrolling through news and social media instead of sleeping: Yep, I’m talking to myself on this one. I enjoy catching up on Instagram before bed, but maybe I could set a timer. (As a side note, a few years ago I decided to stop reading the news and had only good things come from this decision. I let this slide around the election, but I’m getting back on this habit.)
• The tendency to compare your behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reels: With social media constantly showing us curated perfection, we forget that everyone’s life has messy moments—they just might not be posting about them.
• The endless effort to please people who were never going to be satisfied: When we pour our energy into winning approval from perpetually critical voices, we’re not just depleting ourselves—we’re missing opportunities to connect with people who appreciate us as we are.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is let go of who we’ve been to become who we are.

An invitation: Take a moment to ask yourself:

1. What drained your energy in 2024?
2. Which obligations do you keep doing out of guilt rather than joy?
3. What would happen if you just…stopped?

If you’re navigating change, know this: growth doesn’t require perfection—just enough courage to start.

Is it time to let go of who you’ve been to step into who you ARE?

🥂 Here’s to less pretending, less people-pleasing, less pressure—and more you in 2025.

Happy new year. I’m cheering for you.

– Nicole