Stop Hiding: The cost of playing small in the wrong environment:

Why 2025 demands you step into the light.

Think a lightbulb in the wrong socket… or imagine the sun on a cloudy day. You’re still powerful, still full of potential, but something outside of you dulls your shine. Or maybe it’s like being a bottle of water—your value changes not because you’ve changed, but because of where you’re placed.

And now, as 2024 feels like it’s flown by in the blink of an eye, 2025 is already tapping us on the shoulder, asking, what will you do differently this time?

We’ve all been there—feeling stuck, undervalued, or like no matter how hard we try, the storm around us is holding us back. The reality? Sometimes, it’s not you. It’s your environment.

The Power of Environment

Your environment has the power to shape how you see yourself. Consider this: A bottle of water costs $0.50 on the street, $1.00 in a grocery store, and $7.50 at the airport. It’s the same bottle of water. It’s worth isn’t determined by its contents but by where it’s placed.

The same applies to you. If you’re in an environment that doesn’t appreciate your skills, talents, and efforts, it’s easy to feel undervalued. And while self-worth must come from within, even the strongest of us can’t thrive in a storm forever.

Jamie Lee Curtis said: Beware of the candle blowers in your life—the ones who snuff out your light instead of helping it shine. You can’t control them, but you can control where you choose to burn.

Want some tips to help you shine bright into 2025?

1. Recognise Your Value

Start by reminding yourself of who you are and what you bring to the table. Make a list of your skills, achievements, and contributions. This isn’t about ego—it’s about clarity.

2. Audit Your Environment

Look at your workplace, your social circles, and even your personal life. Who’s cheering for you? Who’s blowing out your candle? It’s time to distinguish between the builders and the breakers in your life.

3. Speak Up or Step Out

If your current environment feels stifling, try to improve it first. Talk to your manager, suggest changes, or find ways to add value in a way that aligns with your strengths. But if the storm persists, it’s time to move to greener pastures.

4. Give Your All, Always

I don’t believe in “quiet quitting.” Why? Because life is too short to half-live it. Whether it’s your job, your relationships, or your passions, give 100%. Not because someone’s watching, but because you deserve to live fully engaged. Imagine looking back from your rocking chair one day, knowing you left no stone unturned.

Shine Through the Storm

2024 raced past like a whirlwind, leaving us with moments to cherish and lessons to learn. But as my business coach JT Foxx often reminds me, “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me”. Don’t let 2025 be a repeat of 2024—make it even greater.

Step into the new year with intentionality. Plan for more fun, epic experiences, love, light, and laughter. Shift into environments that nourish your growth and energy.

That light bulb in the wrong socket? Move to one where your wattage matches.

The sun behind the clouds? Seek spaces that clear the skies.

And that bottle of water? Find your airport—where your value is recognised and appreciated.

Because when you thrive in the right environment, you don’t just shine—you illuminate the world around you. Make future you proud of the changes you made.

Make 2025 your brightest year yet. Step out of the shadows. ✨