Remember January 1st? You imagined an incredible year ahead. Maybe you declared that this is the year you’d finish your manuscript. You’d launch that podcast. You’d be consistent. Or you’d pursue speaking opportunities. You had momentum, a plan, and maybe even a shiny new planner with stickers and colorful highlighters.
But here we are two months into the year. Maybe that manuscript is stuck at chapter three. The podcast equipment is still in the box. Life happened. Work got busy. The kids got sick. Or maybe the blank page just felt too intimidating.
Before you spiral into discouragement, here’s good news: falling off track doesn’t mean failure. It means you’re human, and you’re not alone! Each year by mid-February, 80% of people with New Year’s resolutions have already given up. But here’s an empowering thought, you get to choose how you move forward from here.
What Got in the Way?
We can’t fix what we won’t name. Take a few minutes to honestly answer: What actually got in the way? Maybe it was fear of putting your voice out there. Maybe perfectionism whispered your words aren’t ready yet. Or maybe it was the comparison trap to others’ posts while you’re still in the messy middle.
For some, it was time management. Life is full, and creative dreams can get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Whatever it is, write it down. When you name the barrier, you can start to address it.
Re-frame the Narrative
Instead of “I failed at my goals, again,” what if the narrative became “I’m learning what doesn’t work for me”?
Maybe that daily writing habit didn’t stick because you’re not actually a morning person, despite what productivity gurus tell you. Now you know you need evening or weekend writing time. Maybe that speaking proposal template felt inauthentic because you were trying to sound like someone else. Now you know you need to write something authentically you.
Setbacks aren’t failures. They’re information. When you re-frame your internal narrative, you move from shame to strategy. And that changes everything.
Start Where You Are
Stop the “should” trap. “I should be further along by now.” “I should have already reached out to event planners.” All that “should” does is make us feel guilty for not being somewhere we’re not. Your starting point today isn’t January 1st, it’s today.
If writing a book feels overwhelming, start with a blog post. If a keynote feels too ambitious, craft a shorter message. Give yourself permission to begin again from your current reality. Progress beats perfection every single time.
Build Your Creative Rhythm
There is no “right” way to be productive. Some writers thrive with quiet morning writing time. Others do their best work at night. Neither approach is wrong; they’re just different.
Maybe you write best in short bursts or in one long session. Maybe you’re most productive with a timer set for 25 minutes with distractions quieted. You may work better with music, or silence may be your sweet spot.
Give yourself permission to experiment and find what rhythm actually works for you, your life, your creativity, and your calling.
Choose Your Next Right Step
Now it’s time to choose one next step. You don’t need to plan the next ten steps. You don’t need a complete overhaul. Just one next right step. For writers: write for 15 minutes, outline one blog post, or email that writing partner. For speakers: record a 2-minute talk on your phone, research one speaking opportunity, or refine your speaking bio.
The step doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be taken. Because momentum builds when you move, not when you wait.
It’s Your Turn
Your writing voice and your speaking message matter. The world needs what you have to say. And here’s the beautiful truth: It’s not too late. You haven’t missed your window. You’re right on time. No perceived delays in your progress have taken God by surprise. He knew you’d be right where you are at this very moment.
So yes, maybe you fell off track. But you get to choose what happens next. You can choose calling over comfort. You can choose to believe that your voice matters and that your message is worth sharing.
What is your next right step? Put it in the comments and own it—and tag another writer or speaker who might need this reminder. Sometimes we all need someone to tell us it’s not too late to begin again.
Question: What is one thing you plan to do to get back on track with your goals for this year?
About Susan Call
Susan Call is an author, speaker, coach, and jewelry maker who encourages women with contagious hope and practical next steps. Her memoir A Search for Purple Cows shares her journey through betrayal, abuse, faith, and redemption. Published in Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Focus on the Family, Susan helps women to cultivate courageous resilience and to live with intention, especially when life feels messy or hard. Connect with Susan at www.susancall.com.
