It’s Okay to Not Have Everything Figured Out

January is the friend who consciously and unconsciously puts unnecessary pressure on everyone. They don’t intend to but somehow everyone seems to want to get their act together in January, forgetting that it’s okay to not have everything figured out and so begins the race.

The start of the year comes with the pressure to hit the ground running, everywhere we look we’re flooded with messages about having a vision board, making plans, setting big goals and starting strong. And while there’s nothing wrong with all of these, it can sometimes feel suffocating or create a sense of feeling left out.

The simple truth is life doesn’t follow a calendar, and neither is it straightforward. Experiencing growth, meaningful changes, and clarity don’t always arrive in January.

If you’ve started this year feeling like you’ve been left behind because you don’t have a clear roadmap, I want to remind you that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, so take a deep breath and read about how you can ease yourself into it.

Here’s why it’s perfectly okay to ease into the year and take your time figuring things out.


The Beauty of Easing Into the Year

Think of the year as a journey, not a sprint. Just like you wouldn’t start a road trip without checking the map, packing essentials, and fueling up, it is also important to take stock of where you’ve been and where you want to go.

Easing into the year gives you the chance to:

  • Reflect on the Past Year: What worked for you last year? What didn’t? What brought you joy, and what drained your energy?
  • Set Intentions Instead of Goals: Instead of focusing on rigid outcomes, think about how you want to feel or what kind of energy you want to bring into your life.
  • Experiment and Adapt: Treat the first few weeks or even months of the year as a trial period. Try new things, see what resonates, and adjust as needed.

By taking things slow, you give yourself the freedom to explore and discover what truly matters to you, without the pressure of adhering to arbitrary deadlines.


Practical Tips for Starting the Year Slowly

If you’re wondering how to embrace this mindset while still feeling productive, here are a few tips:

  1. Reflect Before You Plan: Spend some time journaling or thinking about what’s truly important to you. What do you want more of in your life? What do you want less of?
  2. Set Flexible Goals: Instead of rigid resolutions, create intentions or themes for the year. For example, “prioritize self-care” or “explore new opportunities.”
  3. Celebrate Small Wins: Progress isn’t always linear, and every step forward counts. Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories along the way.
  4. Focus on One Thing at a Time: Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many goals. Start small and build momentum as you go.
  5. Be Kind to Yourself: Remember, there’s no “right” way to start the year. Give yourself grace and trust that clarity will come in time.

The Importance of Self-Compassion

One of the most valuable lessons you can take into this year is the importance of being kind to yourself. It’s easy to compare yourself to others who seem to have it all figured out but remember that everyone is on their journey. You don’t have to have the same pace, goals, or timeline as anyone else.


Finally, as you continue into the new year, remind yourself that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. You’re allowed to take your time, to reflect, to adapt, and to grow at your own pace.

There’s no prize for having it all together in January.

So, let go of the pressure to have a perfect plan and embrace the beauty of the journey. Trust that clarity will come, and remember that you’re exactly where you need to be right now.

If you made it to the end of this post, leave me a comment or like this post. Also, do check out my previous post on ‘Embracing Change: New Year, Same Me, More Growth’ here and check out the latest episode from my podcast here.

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Yinka's Muse
Yinka's Muse
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