SANDY ADAMS

Life isn’t static. We’re all evolving, whether we’re aware of it or not. The person you are today is the sum of your experiences, your choices, your challenges, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. But here’s the most exciting part—you’re never done evolving.

Each stage of your life presents an opportunity for growth, change, and a shift in direction. It’s like upgrading to a new version of yourself. The question is: What does that next iteration look like for you?

The Power of Evolution

We often think of ourselves as fixed in time, but the truth is, we’re constantly in flux. Whether we realize it or not, we’re always going through an iterative process. This can be anything from learning new skills, adapting to a new role, or simply changing how we view the world. Just like a software update, our lives and careers can be upgraded, refined, and improved. But we have to be intentional about it.

Every new experience—whether it’s positive or challenging—shapes the next version of us. Our growth isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous journey. With each challenge, we have the opportunity to pivot, adapt, and evolve.

What Does Your Next Iteration Look Like?

So, if your life and career were to be seen as a series of “iterations,” where are you now? And more importantly, where do you want to go next?

Here are some questions to reflect on as you consider the next iteration of yourself:

• What skills have you been neglecting or putting off? The world around us is constantly changing, and with that comes the need to learn new things. Whether it’s mastering a new technology, developing soft skills, or diving deeper into your industry, there’s always something new to learn.
• What passions or dreams have you put on the back burner? Sometimes, life demands our attention in certain areas, but that doesn’t mean your true passions need to be ignored forever. Have you been postponing something you’ve always wanted to explore? What if now was the perfect time to start?
• How can you show up differently in your personal or professional life? Maybe it’s a mindset shift or a career pivot. Perhaps it’s about setting new boundaries, pursuing a different career path, or simply embracing a more positive outlook. The next iteration of you might require a leap outside your comfort zone.
• What do you need to let go of? In order to step into the next version of yourself, there might be old habits, limiting beliefs, or fears that you need to release. It’s hard to move forward if you’re still carrying the weight of past versions of yourself.

The Importance of Embracing the Change

Growth requires courage. It means facing the unknown, stepping into discomfort, and choosing to move forward even when it’s unclear. But one of the most powerful things you can do is embrace your evolution with open arms.

The reality is, the next version of you doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be better than where you are today. Even the smallest shift can lead to profound changes. Whether it’s in your personal life, your career, or your mindset, the goal isn’t to be flawless; the goal is to be intentional and always moving forward.

Remember, progress is what matters most. Don’t get bogged down by the idea of perfection. Life is about moving through the ups and downs, learning from each experience, and constantly seeking to improve yourself.

How to Start the Journey to Your Next Iteration

If you’re unsure where to start, begin with small, actionable steps. Here are a few ways you can start your next iteration today:

1. Reflect on where you are now: Take some time to assess where you currently stand in your career, your personal growth, and your life goals. What’s working well? What could be improved?
2. Set a clear intention: Think about the version of yourself you want to be. Define what growth looks like for you. Whether it’s developing new skills, changing your environment, or pushing through a personal challenge, be clear about what you want to achieve.
3. Take action, even in small ways: You don’t need to make giant leaps to begin the next iteration of yourself. Start with small actions that align with your goals. Perhaps it’s enrolling in a course, reaching out to a mentor, or simply writing down your goals.
4. Be patient with yourself: Growth takes time, and it’s rarely linear. Celebrate the progress you make along the way, even if it’s slower than you expected.

Your Future Self is Waiting

The next iteration of you isn’t a far-off dream or some abstract version of yourself. It’s already within you, waiting to be unlocked. You have everything you need to create your next chapter—you just have to choose to embrace the change and take action.

So, what will your next iteration look like? What step can you take today to begin evolving into the person you were meant to become?

Remember, the journey of growth is as much about the small steps as it is about the big ones. Keep evolving, and don’t be afraid to step into the next version of YOU. The world is waiting for what you’re about to become.