Where Will You Be Next Year?
Updated: Aug 20
Bill is the founder of Bloom Financial and Diane Money, where he helps people prepare for a confident and meaningful retirement. Drawing on decades of experience in financial planning and retirement education, he empowers individuals to align their finances with the life they want to live.
Take a quick and simple snapshot of your last year. What changed? What improved? What’s going wrong? What’s your North Star? Most people on the planet cannot answer these questions. They are so stuck in stress, poor habits, and repetitive behavior, hoping things will change. The funniest part is that they do not even realize they are doing this external work.
You see, you need to go inside, not outside, for your validation. We all look at the cars, clothes, and body shapes of others and give them labels. Labels are ridiculous. Humans gave meaning to these words, and we are so obsessed with them.
Over the past year, have you been able to make your life better and do the things you want to do? Or are you still stuck in the safety of repeating your bad behavior?
It is easier to stay stuck because you do not have to change, rather than try something new. Staying where you are may feel safe, even when it is making you unhappy. At least you know what to expect. The unknown feels uncomfortable because it asks you to let go of control and trust that something better may be waiting for you.
This is your path forward. Go for something new and try something that truly scares you. It does not need to be a huge life-changing decision. It could be one honest conversation, one new routine, one boundary, or one step toward something you have been avoiding.
Breaking your behavior patterns requires just a few small actions that may scare you because they can lead to a different outcome. That outcome will set you free.
So, what are you going to do today to get things moving in a better direction? What excuses are you allowing to keep you stuck?
You are not stuck, but you will need to be willing to go into the unknown to make it happen. The life you want will not appear simply because you keep thinking about it. You have to participate in creating it.
Final thoughts: A year from now, you will look back at the decisions you are making today. You may realize that one small choice changed the direction of your life. It might be the moment you stopped waiting for permission, stopped comparing yourself to others, or finally admitted that your current situation was no longer working.
Progress does not always look impressive from the outside. Sometimes it means getting out of bed when you would rather hide. Sometimes it means saying no when you usually say yes. It can mean walking away from something familiar or returning to a dream you abandoned years ago.
You do not need to have the entire journey figured out. You only need to know what your next step is. Once you take it, the next one will become clearer.
Ask yourself what you would do if you were not afraid of failing, disappointing someone, or being judged. Your answer may reveal the direction you already know you need to take.
You will never feel completely ready for change. Confidence often comes after you act, not before. The first step may feel uncertain, but every step you take builds evidence that you are capable of moving forward.
Do not wait for another year to pass before asking yourself these questions again. Check in with yourself regularly. Notice what is working, what is draining you, and what needs to change.
Your future is being shaped by what you choose today. Take the leap of faith, trust yourself, and start moving toward the life you truly want. It is worth it.
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Read more from Bill Bloom
Bill Bloom, Founder& Retirement Purpose Coach
Bill is the founder of Bloom Financial and Diane Money, where he has spent decades helping individuals and families prepare for retirement with confidence. His work extends beyond financial planning, focusing on helping people navigate the emotional and lifestyle transition into retirement with purpose and clarity. Through his writing, speaking, and educational programs, Bill equips readers with practical strategies to make informed financial decisions and build a fulfilling life after work. His mission is to help people retire with confidence, purpose, and peace of mind.
