Why Coach Leah believes January isn’t the only time for new beginnings

Every year, as the calendar flips to January 1st, a wave of pressure sweeps through us. New Year’s resolutions are announced, goals are set, and gyms are packed with determined faces. 

But here’s the truth: January isn’t the only time for fresh starts.

If you’re reading this right now and already feeling like you’ve “failed” because you’ve fallen off track, take a breath. 

You’re not alone. And more importantly, you haven’t missed your chance. The reality is that meaningful change doesn’t follow a calendar date. Real transformation happens when you’re ready, not when society tells you it’s time.

Timing matters, but not in the way you think

Our lives are naturally cyclical. There are seasons when we feel energized, inspired, and ready to take bold action. And there are other times when we’re drawn inward—to rest, reflect, and gather our energy. This rhythm is part of being human. Just as nature moves through winter to spring, so do we.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, January lands squarely in the heart of winter. Traditionally, this season is about slowing down. Animals hibernate, the earth is still, and many of us feel the pull to go inward. It’s no surprise that this might not feel like the most natural time to make huge, sweeping changes in your life.

But here’s the empowering part: There’s nothing wrong with that. If now doesn’t feel like the right time to dive headfirst into a new routine or goal, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Instead, you can use this season to plant seeds—to set intentions, reflect on what you really want, and plan for the changes you’ll take when the energy feels right.

Change happens when you’re truly ready

We’ve all experienced moments when we feel an undeniable surge of motivation. Maybe it comes in spring, with its sense of renewal and growth. Or perhaps it’s summer when the energy of the world feels expansive, and you’re ready to create, connect, or take on something new. Fall can even bring a sense of focus and organization—a “back to school” energy that inspires action.

These natural shifts are worth paying attention to because they align with how we feel, not just what the calendar says. True, lasting change often comes from a deep, intrinsic desire—a readiness that can’t be forced. It’s the difference between making changes because you want to and because you feel pressured to.

That doesn’t mean change is supposed to feel easy. It’s not. Growth requires stepping out of our comfort zones. But there’s a delicate balance in knowing when you’re ready to push yourself and when you need to take things slow. If you rush into something before you’re truly prepared, the foundation for change isn’t strong enough to last.

Your time will come—trust it

If you’re feeling a little lost right now, I want you to know this: There will be moments throughout the year when you naturally feel ready. You’ll wake up one day with the energy to tackle that project, start that cleanse, or build the habit you’ve been thinking about. Trust those moments when they arrive.

In the meantime, January can be a month of preparation. Reflect on the changes you want to make and why they matter to you. Take small, thoughtful steps to lay the groundwork so that when your motivation does rise, you’re ready to take action.

Remember: Change is always possible—no matter what the date says. If you fell off track, start again. If you’re not ready yet, honor that. Life doesn’t move in a straight line, and your fresh start can come any day you decide to begin.

So take a deep breath and be kind to yourself. Your new beginning is still waiting for you, whenever you’re ready to claim it.