It’s officially 2026! Happy New Year! Let’s get to learning something new. Here is the first question I ask myself at the beginning of the year: What needs to change?
The article below was written for 2025, but the message fits. Change isn’t something to avoid — it’s something to step into. I know one thing for sure, the world is changing so rapidly, not changing (or growing) is a one-way ticket to getting left behind.
Here are a few quick takeaways:
— Change Wakes You Up: It snaps you out of autopilot and forces you to pay attention. In 2025, I had shoulder surgery and faced a long, slow recovery. I couldn’t drive for 6 weeks so I hired a driver…Waymo. I rode in over 40 Waymos last year. Change.
— Anchors Keep You Grounded: Small routines matter when life gets uncertain. I wake up everyday at 4:00 AM, no matter what, and that keeps me grounded. I track a ton of stuff, not just workouts and cold calls but connections with my kids and my wife. I have a morning routine. I catch over 250 sunrises a year. All these ground me and help me live my best life.
— Fear and Excitement Together: Every real change brings both — lean into the excitement. We had a crazy year with Habanero Ventures in 2025 writing 29 investment checks…scary for sure, but exciting as well.
— Resilience Comes From Reps: You don’t bounce back — you adapt. Reps can be physical (morning routines), mental (reading nightly), spiritual (praying daily) or even mindful (meditation). Get your reps daily.
We already know change is in motion — our job is to shape it. Step forward with clarity, intention, and the confidence that you’ve handled every past shift just fine. Have a Fantastic 2026!!
The Fantastic Life Rule #2:
Be Crystal Clear on What You Want
Change becomes easier when you know your direction. Get clear on what you want this year, then align your actions with that clarity—one day at a time.
Embracing Change: Leadership Insights for Thriving in 2025
January 10, 2025
Carla Martins
Happy New Year! 🎉 I’ve chosen change as my word for 2025—and for good reason.
Looking back on 2024, it was a year full of surprises, milestones, and moments that stretched me in every direction. But the truth is that change isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it feels exciting—like turning the page to a new chapter. Other times, it feels heavy, like you’re standing on the edge of the unknown.
And yet, change is how we grow. It’s how new opportunities, lessons, and versions of ourselves are born. This year, I invite you to reframe change as a tool for progress rather than something to fear.
My Story: Starting Over in a New Country at 41
I know firsthand that change can feel overwhelming. In 2014, at 41 years old, I packed my life into a few suitcases and moved from Portugal to London to start over after a difficult chapter in my life.
At the time, I was a single mother to my 9-year-old son. It was heartbreaking to leave him behind with my parents, but I had no choice. I had no job lined up and needed to ensure financial stability before he could join me.
Starting from scratch felt like being back in my 20s—only this time, the stakes were higher, and I had more fears to wrestle with. There were moments when I felt lonely, homesick, and overwhelmed by self-doubt. I wasn’t sure if I’d made the right choice.
But giving up wasn’t an option. I leaned into routines that kept me grounded, reframed failures as lessons, and reminded myself of why I was doing this. Step by step, I built a new life.
Today, looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Those moments of struggle taught me resilience, adaptability, and the belief that even when life feels uncertain, you can rebuild and thrive.
The VUCA World: Why Change Feels So Unpredictable
Ever feel like the world is shifting faster than you can catch up? That’s the essence of VUCA—a term originally used by the military to describe environments that are:
- Volatile: Fast-paced and ever-changing (think of economic swings or industry disruptions).
- Uncertain: You can’t predict what will happen next, no matter how much you plan.
- Complex: There are so many moving parts that it’s hard to know what’s driving what.
- Ambiguous: There’s no clear “right” answer, just lots of grey areas.
Today, VUCA perfectly describes both the global landscape and our personal lives. Careers, relationships, routines—everything feels like it’s in flux.
I believe that the faster the world changes, the more important it is to anchor yourself.
Anchors for Navigating VUCA Times:
- Create small daily routines: When everything feels chaotic, grounding rituals—like morning coffee (or tea) or a quick journal entry—can bring stability.
- Break it down: When facing a big, complex situation, simplify it by identifying your first small step.
- Ask empowering questions: Instead of “Why is this happening to me?” ask “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I adapt to this?”
For more insights, I recommend reading this article: Navigating the Turbulent Seas of VUCA.
Why Fear and Excitement Go Hand in Hand
One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned is that fear and excitement can exist at the same time.
When I first arrived in London, I felt two contradictory emotions: fear of failure and excitement about a fresh start. Both emotions were valid. But I realised that the same physiological response fuels both fear and excitement—it’s how we interpret it that makes the difference.
- Fear asks: “What if I fail?”
- Excitement asks: “What if I succeed?”
Reframing Fear in the Moment:
- Shift your internal dialogue: When you feel fear creeping in, consciously change the question to: “What’s the best that could happen?”
- Turn fear into fuel: Remind yourself that discomfort is a sign you’re growing—if it feels scary, it probably matters.
- Use pen and paper: When worries start swirling, write them down. Seeing your thoughts on paper can make them seem more manageable.
Resilience: The Superpower of Thriving Through Change
Resilience isn’t about “bouncing back”—it’s about learning how to move forward, no matter what, learning to bend without breaking. In moments of change, resilient people focus on adaptability, purpose, and connection. But resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you can strengthen.
5 Ways to Build Resilience:
- Pause before reacting: When change hits, resist the urge to make snap decisions. Take a breath, step back, and give yourself time to process.
- Find your anchors: Think of 3 habits or people that help you feel centred. Maybe it’s a walk in nature, a cup of tea, or calling a friend.
- Learn from setbacks: When something doesn’t go as planned, replace “I failed” with “What can I learn?”. Ask: What didn’t work? What can I adjust next time?
- Strengthen your support network: Whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or a community group, seek out conversations where you can share honestly.
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small: Small wins lead to momentum. Acknowledge them.
Building resilience isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a skill set that you can strengthen daily. For more insights, read 7 Mental Health Practices To Cultivate Resilience in 2025.
Why Change Can Be a Positive Force for Growth
Let’s flip the narrative. We often associate change with loss—losing stability, familiarity, or comfort. But what if we reframed it as an opportunity?
Think back to a change you once dreaded that ended up being a blessing. Chances are, you’re stronger or happier today because of it.
- A new job might bring uncertainty, but it could also bring growth and new connections.
- Moving cities might feel lonely at first, but it can lead to adventures you never imagined.
- Saying goodbye to old habits can be painful, but it makes room for healthier choices.
Actionable Ways to Embrace Change in 2025:
- Start small: Change doesn’t have to be big and overwhelming. Choose one small habit to adjust—like your morning routine or a new hobby—and build from there.
- Document your journey: Keep a journal of the changes you’re making—how they feel, what you’re learning, and the wins (big or small).
- Revisit your goals quarterly: Life shifts—so should your goals. Treat them as living, breathing things rather than static resolutions.
For inspiration, check out “Change Is Hard, Here’s How to Make It Easier”.
Looking Ahead to 2025
2025 will undoubtedly bring its own twists and turns—just like every year does. But with the right tools, you can approach change with resilience, curiosity, and courage.
Take a moment to reflect on these questions as you begin the year:
- What’s one change I’m excited about?
- What habits or anchors will keep me grounded when things feel uncertain?
- Who can I turn to for support and encouragement?
No matter what changes come your way, remind yourself: I’ve made it through change before—and I’ll grow through it again.