Reframing the word "goal" to "challenge" as I think it can force more of a growth mindset. Mine for example is to completely leave work. No stepping down or side-stepping. Fully leave the company before my 5 year anniversary (June). This is obviously a goal, but in reality it will be my biggest challenge of the year. I have to view it as a problem to be solved with sequenced steps in order to succeed, rather than a "goal" with no tangibility. Reverse engineer it from the desired outcome and just stick to the process. In reality, I could just get another job, but the challenge is because of the bigger picture. I don't want to work in a conventional working structure my whole life, and life's responsibilities will ramp up even more in the coming years. (little guys gotta get a good education and dad's dreams won't matter so much at that stage). I don't have much time left to take more shots without it potentially pulling time, energy and resources from my family that I would struggle to make back. I genuinely mean it when I say you are all capable of so much more than you give yourselves credit for. I'm sure some of you might look at this as inspiring or courageous or interesting that I'm doing it, giving this whole community thing a go. I'll be honest, I got no clue what I'm doing, BUT.. I'm just leaning into it. I'll figure it out. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ I'd love if you guys would consider sharing your biggest challenge for the year. It doesn't have to be life changing. But it has to be challenging enough to force you to grow in the process. (There is nothing like the social pressure of telling everyone what you are trying to accomplish to get you started and follow through haha. Case and point–this community) much love, Krys

As a bit of an intro, the title of this post is a quote I have a deeper than usual sensation with. It’s SO easy to miss what you are experiencing right now in this very moment, when you are so hell-bent and stuck on the past. We all have a past. We all have struggles. Not to say each and every one of them isn’t recognised and important. But that’s why this forum is such a good idea. Krys has made it so easy to recognise my own challenges within my head and reminds you that just like yourselves, we are all human. I feel one of my pitfalls is always feeling unloved. This particularly sucks because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much love you show off, not all of it will find its way back to you. From friends who aren’t really your friends, to a pretty horrific breakup, this feeling has plagued me for years and opening up about it is truly the only thing that has calmed the storm. At the time I wish I knew more people like Krys cause bottling up all these feelings for all that time, was brewing harsh ideas in my brain. I try to think i’m over most of these feelings, but i’m really not. It comes back on a random Tuesday and sticks for weeks. As a very wise man once said, “don’t think somethings not heavy, just because the person carry’s it well”. Much love, Alan