As we closed out 2025, I encouraged you to ask yourself a simple question: What is one thing you can do - big or small - that would make your future or current self proud? Now I’m asking you what that was, and to actually intentionally name it, write it down, and celebrate it.
I recently listened to Mel Robbins, who talked about the importance of doing a true reflection on the year behind us before setting intentions for the year ahead. One exercise she shared was surprisingly powerful: go back in your photo library as close to January 1 of last year as you can, and slowly scroll through your pictures and videos.
Pay attention to what brought you joy - the moments, people, places, and experiences that energized you. Ask yourself how you can lean into more of that this year. Notice, too, what made you sad or drained and consider how you might give less energy to those things moving forward.
What struck me most was her reminder to examine the stories we tell ourselves that may not actually be true. She shared that she often told herself, “I never get to see my parents - they live so far away.” But when she looked back at her photos, she realized that by March she had, in fact, seen them several times. That narrative had simply been taking up unnecessary space in her mind.
Our internal monologue shapes how we show up in the world more than we realize. One of the most meaningful exercises of grace we can offer ourselves is telling the actual truth - not the harsh or limiting version - and then giving ourselves the opportunity to make things even better. I tried this exercise myself, and I found it incredibly freeing. For example, when I looked back at my photo album I was shocked to be reminded of just how many dance performances I had been traveling around to on so many weekends last year, and it made me reset my internal monologue about how could I be so tired when there was thorough justification. I also got to be reminded about how happy my daughter was (and is) to perform in front of crowds and how much fun family time we had traipsing around southern California, including my Granny before she passed. This exercise validated a lot of my actual feelings, and is helping me feel excited about the billion competitions my daughter’s doing again this year.
This brings me to something that happens for many people around this time of year. You may have heard of “Quitter’s Day” - the informal name for the second Friday in January, when many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. Often, it’s because goals were too big, too vague, or simply unsustainable.
But I like to think of this moment as an opportunity - a chance to reset, reframe, and begin again. Instead of giving up, we can adjust. We can make goals smaller, more realistic, and more aligned with who we truly are. We can focus on progress, not perfection.
One thing that can help with this (as you’ve heard me talk about aplenty in this newsletter) is the power of an accountability buddy for different aspects of our lives. But accountability only works when it’s grounded in grace. Not someone who bullies or shames you into action, but someone who understands how you need support. Maybe that’s a quick check-in text or emoji on your Apple Watch workout notification. Maybe it’s a gentle reminder. Maybe it’s simply knowing someone is walking alongside you (with your weighted vest).
Now check in with your accountability buddy, pull up that photo library, and let the scrolling begin. As you do, I encourage you to reflect honestly, release narratives that no longer serve you, and give yourself permission to move forward with intention, compassion, and care. You might be surprised by how many of the memories you created are far more positive than you remember them to be - and, in the process, find yourself smiling as you move through memory lane.
For those who celebrate, I wish you a happy Lunar New Year and a joyful Year of the Fire Horse.
Oh and one more thing: when I tell you that I want to make your life easier, I mean it. If you are someone who has multiple Chrome browser windows open, each with several tabs (ahem, is it just me?) here’s a little tip I recently discovered: The quickest way to find an open tab in Chrome is using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + A (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + A (Mac). This instantly opens a search bar in the top-right corner to filter through all open and recently closed tabs across all windows by typing keywords.
Lead with grace and courage,
Terri S. Winbush
Campus Chief Human Resources Officer
