Growth Is Never Finished—It Just Moves Into a New Area of Life

Becoming self-aware is a process—a gradual shift in how we live and present ourselves. It’s not a means to an end or a destination. It’s a state of being. Once we begin to understand that, we realize awareness isn’t something we arrive at; it’s something we practice every day. It’s about maximizing our experience, potential, and presence in every moment.

This truth came rushing back to me over the weekend in the most unexpected place—on the soccer field.

My competitive playing days ended long before I began the deep personal work that has brought me to where I am today. But when I play, I’ve always felt grounded, in control, and most myself. It’s the version of me that feels easy and authentic. This time, though, was different.

I hadn’t played regularly in four years because of concussion issues and the risk of further injury. When I stopped playing, it felt like a piece of my identity had been cut off. I didn’t choose to walk away—my body did. And that loss sent me on the path of self-work that led to the awareness I have today.

Fast forward to this weekend: I’ve made the necessary safety adjustments, rebuilt my strength, and—most importantly—reestablished my mindset. I walked onto the field ready to play again, with no expectations except to enjoy being back.

Jen and I after a game from a tourney in April. Unsure if I can make a serious face.

We start the game, and within ten minutes, we’re down two goals. My competitive instincts kick in—I start analyzing, problem-solving, trying to shift the game’s momentum. But even as I do, I fall back into an old habit: beating myself up for every mistake.

At halftime, I’m stuck in my head when a teammate—someone who’s also done a lot of personal growth work with me—looks over and says, “How long are you going to beat yourself up about that?”

Without missing a beat, I reply, “Oh, only five minutes.” And in that moment, it clicks. She wasn’t just making a joke—she was coaching me and reminding me to stop focusing on what went wrong and start focusing on what’s in front of me.

That was the moment I realized: I hadn’t yet integrated my new mindset into this part of my life. I’d done the work outside of soccer—but not within it. I was still showing up as my old self in a new season of life. And that’s what so many of us do.

We master a tool or concept in one area—our relationships, our career, or our health—but we don’t carry it over to the others. Imagine if you could apply the simple tools that help you manage one area of life to thrive in every facet of your world.

That’s what I teach through The Next Step Connects—how to bridge awareness across all areas of your life, how to use what you’ve already learned to unlock what’s next. Because awareness isn’t just insight—it’s action. It gives us the courage to see where we need refinement, the clarity to recognize what’s missing, and the hope to believe we can evolve. Awareness lets us know what others see in us—our potential—and it helps us step into that version with confidence.

So, ask yourself: What new tools have you acquired through expanding your awareness? Where have you started to create change? And how can you bring that same mindset into other areas of your life? You only need one slight shift to start building momentum. And if you don’t have that tool yet—let’s find it together.

Through Next Step Coaching, I help you reconnect to your purpose and build habits that align with who you’re becoming.

Through Next Step wellness programs, you’ll learn how physical health and nutrition amplify your mental and emotional clarity—because you can’t grow your mind if your body isn’t fueled to keep up.

And through Next Step financial education and planning (coming soon), you’ll gain confidence in creating security and long-term peace of mind for your family—because actual growth includes your financial foundation, too.

At The Next Step Connects, everything we do is designed to build longevity and balance—so you can create the life, health, and wealth that sustain your vision.

Growth isn’t finished. It just moves into a new area of your life. And Jen—thanks for the reminder.