Simple Truths for Every Day Operation

By Chris Warden

January is in full effect, and I’ve found it’s actually pretty important to hit pause and look back over the last 365 days to figure out what I’ve learned (besides finally remembering which day the trash gets picked up). Every year brings new lessons, but the real growth comes from digging into our experiences—especially the ordinary, everyday ones.

So, here are the main things I’ve learned from 2025… and why they actually matter.

1. The Myth of Tomorrow

You know how it goes: “I’ll start tomorrow.” “I can’t begin today.” “Maybe another day.” Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow—like it’s some magical land where we’ll have endless motivation and six-pack abs. Spoiler alert: Tomorrow never actually shows up.

Life isn’t just about the big, dramatic events. It’s really a bunch of little moments—hundreds every single day—where we get to choose to keep doing the same old thing, or mix it up and try something new. Want to lose a few pounds? Don’t stress about overhauling your entire existence or designing a six-year master plan. Just make a better choice at your next meal. That’s it. Tiny steps count, and they add up way faster than you think. So, pay attention to those small chances to be better… and maybe give “tomorrow” the day off for once.

2. It’s All in Your Head

Most of us (yep, myself included) spend a lot of time searching outside ourselves for the fix, the magic answer, or something to finally make us feel better. But here’s the secret sauce—it’s not out there. What holds us back the most isn’t really the weather, the latest training plan, or whatever’s going on in the world. It’s our own thoughts and beliefs. Doubt, fear, self-criticism—all that fun stuff—usually takes up premium real estate in our heads. Sure, maybe we didn’t put those thoughts there on purpose, but now it’s our job to spot them and push through. Change your brain, change what’s possible. Who knew the real obstacle course was between your ears?

3. You’re the Boss (for Better or Worse)

Stop what you’re doing—seriously, just for a second. Take a look at where you are right now. Your attitude, your fitness, your relationships, your finances—all of it. Guess what? You’re responsible for every single bit. The results you’re seeing are a direct result of where you’ve put your time, effort, and energy (and maybe what you haven’t prioritized).

If you don’t like something about your life, I know exactly who you should talk to: yep, yourself. Ask yourself what you’re truly valuing each day. Are you giving your energy to the things that actually matter to you? Or just letting them slide to the bottom of the to-do list? Here’s a little pro tip: make sure whatever you’re focusing on lines up with what you actually want. If not, it’s probably time for a little priority tune-up.

4. Embrace Imperfection (Even If It Hurts Your Inner Perfectionist)

This one’s a tough pill for me to swallow. As a recovering perfectionist, I’ve had to do a lot of work to accept that perfection is basically a unicorn—nice to dream about, but not actually real. Nobody’s perfect, not even close. Sure, I still think aiming high and having great standards is important. But let’s be honest: we all mess up sometimes.

The key is to admit when you’ve gone off script, forgive yourself (and others), and keep it moving. When you accept that perfection isn’t the goal, it gets a lot easier to take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and actually grow. Plus, that’s where all the best stories and new experiences come from anyway. Real growth happens when you let go of the idea of being perfect and just jump in.

5. Be the Model, Not the Narrator

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone blame their problems on someone else, I’d probably be writing this from a beach somewhere. When will we learn? You can’t force others to change—but you can lead by example.

Instead of griping about what others should do, show us what it looks like. Be the model, not just the narrator. If you want more kindness, honesty, patience, fitness, or good leadership in the world, or your life start with yourself. When you consistently model the qualities you value, you inspire others to do the same.

But here’s the catch: to really be that example, you have to stop complaining and start learning how to actually embody what you expect from others. It all starts with you.

6. Shape Your Space, Starting from Within

One really important thing a lot of people forget: you shape the environment you’re in. Whether it’s your room, your car, your house, or your office—you have the power to set the tone. But here’s the catch—it all starts on the inside.

We make choices about whether we carry anger or frustration with us from space to space. Taking care of your thoughts, your mood, and your attitude is crucial. When your inner world is more balanced and positive, your outer world tends to reflect that, too.

So, make time to get calm before stepping into a new space. Show up neutral or—if you can—positive. Do your best not to contaminate every room you walk into with negativity. Remember, you’re not just in the environment… you’re helping to create it.

7. Give Grace—To Others and Yourself

As a Christian, I’m learning what it truly means to live in a godly manner—and let’s be real, I fail at it pretty often. But the journey matters. I remind myself that everyone is worthy of love and kindness, including me. Everyone has struggled, is struggling, or will face tough times at some point.

Showing forgiveness and grace isn’t always easy, but it’s important. Give others the compassion you hope to receive. We all have value—no matter where we are, or where we started. So, give grace to those around you. And don’t forget to show a little grace to yourself, too.

8. Consistency Over Intensity

“I’m getting back on the wagon—I fell off.” I’ve heard (and said) that so many times. Maybe the issue isn’t falling off, but trying to do too much, too quickly. You don’t have to chase brutal workouts or extreme efforts. In fact, consistency beats occasional or overly intense sprints every time.

Small, steady, effective actions—day after day—lead to real, lasting results. If you go so hard one day that you can’t show up the next, you’re missing the point. Sustainable progress comes from finding the minimum effective dose you can actually maintain.

Trying to do it all at once only leads to burnout or setbacks. Focus on building habits you can stick with. Steady wins the race.

Inspired by the Writing of Chris Moore, Barbell Buddha

9. Practice What You Need

As a firefighter, I have to train in specific ways to be ready for the physical and mental demands of my career. As a husband, I need to communicate well and follow through on my commitment to be the best partner I can be. As a leader, I have to learn what effective leadership looks like and keep working to grow in that area.

The lesson? Make sure what you practice matches what you actually need. Whether it’s at work, in your relationships, or in self-care, train for the real demands you face—so you’re ready when life calls on you.

Specificity matters. Direct your energy towards the skills and habits that will serve you best in your real life, not just in theory.

Growth Happens in the Small Choices

2025 has taught me a lot—especially that true growth doesn’t require perfect conditions or taking big, scary leaps. Growth is about making small, meaningful choices with intention, day after day.

You don’t need the newest gear, a flawless plan, or the latest technology. The truth is, no one has it all figured out. Just start where you are, make the next best decision you can, and keep moving forward. Consistent, intentional steps add up to real change and growth over time.

What have you learned this year? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from you.