- Why Growth Often Feels Like Failure
- Lesson One: Letting Go of What No Longer Fit
- Lesson Two: Growth Without Urgency
- Lesson Three: Learning to Trust My Timing
- The Lessons I Didn’t Expect
- What I’m Taking Into 2026
- Conclusion
2025 was a year that did not look like I expected. At times. growth felt hard, draining and even like failure – like I was moving forward but staying still at the same time. The truth is that growth is not a straight line and what often feels like failure is the foundation for something bigger.
This year taught me to let go of things that are no longer serving the person that I am becoming, to slow down and trust timing. These are part of building the life for myself that feels meaningful and aligned. In this post, I am reflecting on the key lessons I have experienced in 2025 that has changed me for the better.
Why Growth Often Feels Like Failure
Growth is messy. There were moments this year where not only myself but hundreds of others felt they failed at everything. Jobs, relationships and how we should of achieved something that most people do when they are in their 40’s. Yes. We get too carried away o focusing on success and how to make it in life that we feel stagnant and the whole world is moving faster than us.
Lately, I heard that your 20’s are the most confusing and lonely period of your life. And well that is very true, an eye opener for me. People in their 20’s are full of anxiety wondering where life is heading. When it is all going to fall into place.
So that is why I began to write on the nervous system and write about my findings, to understand why so many people feel the way I do. I have learned by writing that feeling uncomfortable is a sign that we are stretching beyond our comfort zones. When growth feels hard, it does not mean you are doing it wrong. It means you are moving forward.
You’re Not Lazy, Your Nervous System Is Just Overwhelmed
Failure is not about outcomes – it is about perspective. What felt like a setback often became the most valuable lesson.
Lesson One: Letting Go of What No Longer Fit
Somethings I held onto in 2025 weren’t helping me grow – habits, thought patterns and even relationships. Learning to let go of them was not easy. It felt like a loss at first but letting go can create space for what truly aligns with us.
The lesson here wasn’t just about saying goodbye; it was about recognising what deserves attention and energy. Growth requires letting go of things that no longer help you bloom into the person you want to become.
For me, the thing I had to let go of earlier this year was law. I studied law for two years, I have an HND in legal services. But something within me knew that law was not a path that I wanted to go down.
The Self-Awareness Shift That Changed Everything for Me
Lesson Two: Growth Without Urgency
I used to rush progress, checking boxes an expecting instant results. 2025 taught me to slow down and that growth doesn’t have to be urgent. Patience is a skill, not a delay. Small, consistent actions accumulate into meaningful change.
This year, I learned to step back, breathe and trust the pace of my own journey. Sometimes the quiet, unnoticed work is the most transformative. Growth isn’t measured in speed; it is measured in alignment.
In June, I went to Greece with my best friend and it taught me more about myself than any blog post or academic work could ever. It was the first time I fully felt relaxed. In this generation we are so focused on hyper independence- the need to be strong because showing weakness is a vulnerability- we forget to just slow down and enjoy life.
I Didn’t Realise How Badly I Needed a Nervous System Reset Until I Went to Greece
Lesson Three: Learning to Trust My Timing
I spent so much of this year comparing myself to others and worryig about whether I was “late” to achieving my goals. But the truth is, everyone unfolds in their own time. Some doors open sooner, some later, but rushing only distorts the path you are on.
I struggle with thinking about having a career that is in line with what everyone else is doing. University, apprenticeships. But the truth I realised later on is that I don’t even know who I am why would I jump into a career path when I don’t know what I want out of life.
The truth about being so career driven at this age can be an excellent thing but if you are unaware of who you really are and what you value, it can be a burn out. In September, I began a counselling course and not only does this course help me communicate thoroughly. I am learning about myself and what matters to me isn’t just success its a balance because one day our success wont matter it will be the relationships we choose.
2025 reminded me that timing is personal. My growth, my career it all has its rhythm. Learning to trust that rhythm has been one of the most freeing lessons of the year.
The Quiet Truth About Life: Why Relationships Matter More Than Success
The Lessons I Didn’t Expect
Beyond these three lessons in 2025. I also learned that vulnerability is a strength, patience id powerful and self-trust is a non-negotiable.I discovered that letting go and slowing down are not just strategies for growth – they are ways to show up fully in life.
The Creator’s Paradox: Why True Value Requires Radical Vulnerability
What I’m Taking Into 2026
I’m carrying these lessons with me:
- Growth isn’t linear; discomfort is part of it.
- Letting go makes space for what truly matters.
- Patience and trust in timing are not weaknesses; they are foundations.
Most importantly, I’m reminding myself that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. My growth is for me, my timing is mine, and my journey is exactly where it needs to be.
Conclusion
As 2026 begins, I’m stepping forward with clarity, confidence, and self-love, knowing that every pivot I make is part of building a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and aligned.
Looking back, the pivots of 2025 weren’t setbacks they were lessons in disguise. I learned that letting go creates space for growth, that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind, and that trusting my timing allows me to move through life with less fear and more alignment.
The year ahead isn’t about rushing or proving anything to anyone — it’s about showing up fully, embracing vulnerability, and continuing to build a life that reflects who I truly am.
Remember, it all starts with self love
-M
Makia by Morgan Thain-Miller 
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