In life, we all function differently. The word “normal” is increasingly discouraged, because what is normal anyway? We all have our own version of normal, and comparing yours to someone else’s is rarely effective. So let’s make 2026 the year of you.
Inspiration is powerful. I love learning and being inspired by others, especially those in completely different sectors, where I find myself thinking, how could that work in what I do? What I’ve learned to do less of, however, is stressing over, or feeling pressured into, doing something simply because everyone else is doing it.
I’ve learned to say, I love this for you.
It won’t work for me, and I won’t be trying it, but for you? Brilliant. Fantastic. Well done.
Whether it’s because I’ve turned 50, am menopausal, or have been running a business for a very long time, I now have a clearer understanding of what I should, and shouldn’t, focus on.
Well, to a point.
I’m not stuck in my ways. I’m always open to new ideas and to how business and society are evolving, because we must evolve to stay relevant and successful. But I’ve worked hard to stop feeling the guilt that comes with thoughts like;
Why aren’t I doing that?
I must change this and that because everyone else is.
If I don’t do what that person says, I’ll fail.
That mindset doesn’t help my focus. It doesn’t help my confidence. And it certainly doesn’t help my team or my network.
Am I alone, or can you relate?
Maybe it’s forcing AI into your business because everyone says you’ll fall behind if you don’t. Maybe it’s spending a fortune on franchise recruitment out of fear of missing the right people. Maybe it’s waking up at 5am because that’s what “successful people” do.
Or believing you must be an expert in every single aspect of your business, every number, every marketing angle, every new trend in “success”.
If so, you might benefit from one simple phrase, I love this for you.
Acknowledge that it doesn’t suit you. Decide not to stress over it. Appreciate that it works brilliantly for them.
Stop comparing yourself, your business, your time and your energy. Focus instead on the best way you work. Yes, be inspired. Yes, try new things. But don’t try everything you’re told to do, because guess what? You’ll still work well, and you’ll still find your way.
You can be happy with how you operate, and still be genuinely happy for those who do things differently.
