#HEYGRRRLFRENNNS Let’s get real for a second—have you ever felt like you’re running a race that no one even told you to sign up for? Because, same. Lately, I’ve been leaning into the idea that it’s okay to take things slow and steady, even when it feels like everyone else is sprinting ahead. The pressure to have it all figured out, to be perfect, or to “level up” overnight is real, but here’s the thing: life isn’t a competition, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. I’ve been trying to remind myself daily that it’s okay to start small, to make mistakes, and to let progress be messy. Honestly, embracing being a beginner has been humbling, hilarious, and unexpectedly freeing all at the same time. Did I completely fail at sticking to a morning routine for three days straight last week? Absolutely. But instead of spiraling into a “what’s wrong with me?” hole, I took a deep breath and said, “We’re learning, and that’s the point.” Slowly but surely, I’m building the life I dream of—one small, imperfect step at a time—and learning to enjoy the process along the way.

If you’re feeling that same pressure to have it all together, let this be your reminder that you’re allowed to take your time. No one’s grading you on how fast you get there, grrrl. Progress is progress, no matter how small, and your dreams aren’t going anywhere. That’s why this week, I want to talk about easing into the new year without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking January 1st has to be a magical reset where all your habits are perfect, and your goals are flawlessly mapped out. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Building the life you dream of takes time, patience, and a whole lot of grace—because, let’s be real, no one wakes up on New Year’s Day with their life suddenly transformed. So, let’s explore how you can start small, take your time, and enjoy the process of creating a life that truly feels good to you.

New Year, Same You??

Let’s squash the myth that you have to reinvent yourself every January. The truth is, you don’t need to become a brand-new person to create a better life—you just need to build on who you already are. It’s easy to get caught up in the “New Year, New Me” rhetoric, but honestly, grrrl, who said the old you wasn’t worthy? You’re already enough, and your dream life starts by embracing that fact. Instead of feeling pressured to overhaul everything at once, start small. Ask yourself: What’s one tiny thing I can do today to feel more aligned with the life I want? Maybe it’s finally unsubscribing from that email list that clogs your inbox (you know the one), or taking five minutes to breathe deeply and check in with yourself. These small actions might not feel groundbreaking in the moment, but trust me, they add up. The beauty of starting small is that it builds momentum. Think about it like pushing a snowball down a hill—it starts tiny, but as it rolls, it gathers more snow (or in this case, more progress). You don’t need to tackle your biggest goal on day one. In fact, trying to do too much too soon is often why resolutions fail. Focus on progress, not perfection. Want to start a fitness journey? Begin with a 15-minute walk instead of committing to an intense six-day-a-week workout schedule. Dreaming of launching a passion project? Start with an outline or a brainstorming session instead of pressuring yourself to have it fully realized by February. Small wins create the foundation for bigger ones.

All Or Nothing

Here’s the thing about building the life of your dreams: it’s not about how quickly you get there; it’s about staying consistent and enjoying the ride. Think of it like training for a marathon—you wouldn’t lace up your shoes and try to run 26 miles on the first day, right? (If you would, more power to you, but please don’t forget to stretch!) Instead, you’d pace yourself, build up your endurance, and celebrate each milestone along the way. That’s the same approach you need when working toward your goals. The first step to pacing yourself is ditching the “all or nothing” mindset. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life in one fell swoop. Start with manageable goals and build from there. Let’s say you want to prioritize your mental health this year. Instead of jumping straight into daily meditation sessions and journaling marathons, start by taking five minutes each morning to sit quietly with your thoughts. If you skip a day? No big deal. The key is consistency over perfection. Little by little, those small habits become part of your routine without overwhelming you. Trying to do too much too soon can leave you feeling drained and defeated. We live in a culture that glorifies hustle, but grrrl, let me tell you: rest is productive and absolutely radical.

Brick By Brick

Every dream, no matter how big, starts with a single step. It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture—imagining the dream career, the beautiful home, the healthy relationships—but those things don’t just appear overnight. They’re built piece by piece, and the foundation is always the most important part. Think of it like building a house: before you can decorate with cute furniture and stylish art, you need a strong base to hold it all together. The same goes for your goals. Start by focusing on the basics. Ask yourself: What skills, habits, or resources do I need to make my dream life a reality? If you want to become a writer, maybe that means carving out time to practice writing every day—even if it’s just a paragraph or a few random thoughts in your notes app. If you’re dreaming of financial freedom, it might mean creating a simple budget and tracking your expenses to see where your money’s going. These foundational steps might not feel glamorous, but they’re what make the bigger goals possible. And don’t underestimate the power of intention. When you’re clear about what you want, even your smallest actions can feel meaningful. Want to cultivate a healthier lifestyle? Start by swapping one soda for water or adding a veggie to your plate. Want to build stronger relationships? Start by sending a thoughtful text or scheduling a coffee date. Small actions done with intention build momentum and remind you that you’re moving in the right direction.

Of course, the journey won’t always be smooth. There will be days when progress feels slow or nonexistent. On those days, remind yourself that every brick you lay—no matter how small—is part of the bigger picture. Celebrate those “boring” wins because they’re the ones that create lasting change. It’s not just about getting to the finish line; it’s about building a life that feels good to live every step of the way. And here’s a tip that’s made a big difference for me: surround yourself with people who support your vision. Share your dreams with friends who will hype you up, remind you of your progress, and hold you accountable when you need a little nudge. Building the life you want doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Whether it’s a grrrlfren who’s always down for brainstorming sessions or an online community that shares your vibe, having a support system can make all the difference. Now go and be great, you lil grrrly pop! TTYL!