Today’s pep talk is for the Chick who keeps telling herself “maybe next time” about the things she actually wants.
Welcome back to Being Relatable. This is part of my Hype Yourself Up Pep Talk Series, where I’m helping you let go of what you are not taking into 2026 and step into a HYPE worthy year.
You see something and your whole body lights up for a second:
- A workshop.
- A networking event.
- A program.
- A trip.
- A conversation you’ve been wanting to have.
For a moment, you think, “This is it. This is exactly what I need.” Then your brain kicks in and says things like:
- “This month is too busy.”
- “Money is tight.”
- “I wouldn’t be able to show up the way I should.”
- “I’ll catch it next time… when things calm down.”
On the surface, it sounds responsible. Underneath, it’s a very sneaky way of keeping yourself in the same place.
“Maybe next time” feels gentle. But stack enough “next times” together and what you really have is:
“Not this year.”
“Not for me.”
“Not now… again.”
Here’s the truth: The things you say “maybe next time” to are often the very things that would help you become the woman you keep saying you want to be.
You are not flaky. You are not incapable. You’re just used to giving firm yeses to everyone else’s needs… and soft maybes to your own.
Question to ponder: What is one thing you’ve been saying “maybe next time” to that you would genuinely regret not doing a year from now?
Tiny action: Name that thing. Then, today…not next week, take one concrete step toward it:
Pay the deposit.
RSVP yes.
Send the message.
Block the time on your calendar.
Fill out the form.
Don’t overhaul your life. Just move it out of “maybe someday” and into “I’ve already started.”
Take this a step further: If one of the things you’ve been quietly putting in the “maybe next time” pile is getting clear on what you want your next year to look like, that’s exactly what we’re doing inside HYPE Worthy Year Bootcamp. We’ll map out a simple, honest plan for your next 12 months so it’s easier to give yourself a real yes instead of another “later.”
Head on over to ericacastner.com/hypeyear for more details. You owe it to yourself to have a life, career, and relationships that hype you up, and I’m here to cheer you on.
