When the Best Is Yet to Come
That Fresh Start Energy
There’s something magical about the promise of “the best is yet to come.” It’s the kind of optimism that gets people to set goals, make New Year’s resolutions, or sign up for a 6 a.m. spin class (albeit, that last one’s not me… I’m definitely hitting snooze). However lofty your goals are, here’s the thing: hoping and planning for the best isn’t a mindset reserved for January 1st, graduation day, or your next birthday. It’s a belief you can carry every single day, whether you’re in the middle of the year or just trying to make it to Friday.
To give you a simple take on what I’m talking about, imagine you’re in a taxi on the way to the airport. The driver asks, 'Big trip planned?' And you answer, 'The usual—heading to the grind.' Now, imagine flipping that narrative: 'Big trip planned?' 'Yep, I’m heading toward my next best chapter.' Sounds better, right? That’s what this mindset is all about. It’s having a hopeful heart, an open mind, and inviting a spirit of curiosity when anything is possible. It’s about reframing the way you see each day—not just as something to get through, but as something full of opportunity and potential.
The best is yet to come isn’t just a phrase (or a catchy Frank Sinatra song). It’s a way to stay open to growth, to challenges, and to the idea that what’s ahead of you could be even better than what’s behind you. It’s hope in action.
The Best Is Yet to Come (Even When Life’s Pretty Great)
Here’s the thing: life can be good and still get even better. Believing “the best is yet to come” doesn’t mean you’re in a tough spot. This isn’t about those big challenges, or the general malaise, or scraping rock bottom- not even worrying about the possibility. It’s about realizing that there’s always something to be grateful for no matter how good life is, there’s room to grow, learn, and reach new heights.
Think of it this way: You’re at your favorite restaurant, enjoying the best meal of your life, and then the waiter says, 'Dessert?' Do you say, 'No thanks, I’ve peaked'? Of course not. Life’s sweetest moments come when we build on what’s already good.
The best is yet to come isn’t just for the struggling—it’s for the thriving. It’s a reminder that you’re allowed to want more for yourself, not because you’re ungrateful for what you have, but because growth is an essential part of life. And because you deserve it.
Leaders Set the Tone for Optimism
If you’ve ever walked into a meeting and instantly felt the vibe was off, you know how much a leader’s energy matters. Fear, uncertainty, or self-doubt doesn’t just stay in your head—it ripples out to your team like an awkward song choice in a karaoke bar. This is what a leader makes a huge difference when they show up with hope in the face of uncertainty.
The secret is: bravery doesn’t mean fear disappears. It means you do the thing anyway. So, as a leader, show your team that you believe in the future. Be the person who says, “Yes, things are tough, but here’s how we’re going to move forward.”
You don’t need to slap on a fake smile or pretend everything’s perfect. I’m definitely not advocating for toxic positivity or rose-colored glasses all the time. Acknowledge the challenges, and then show up with the kind of energy that says, “We’ve got this.” When you believe the best is yet to come, and then proclaim it out loud again and again, your team will start to believe it too.
You Don’t Have to Be Sick to Get Better
One of the most powerful statements I’ve ever heard came from my late friend and former colleague Trevor Moawad, who spent his career working with the world’s top athletes. Trevor used to say, 'You don’t have to be sick to get better.' Think about that for a second. You don’t have to wait for a crisis, a failure, or even a minor hiccup to decide it’s time to improve.
Imagine working with athletes at the top of their game—professionals who are already at peak performance. Trevor treated each of them, whether they were a young soccer player or an MLS champion, with the same belief: they could get even better. That mindset wasn’t just about physical performance; it was about unlocking potential and empowering each person to see their next level.
Trevor’s wisdom was simple: growth is for everyone, all the time. Whether you’re excelling or just starting out, there’s always room to expand your capacity, sharpen your skills, and embrace the belief that the best is still ahead. That perspective still inspires me to this day.
OK, Let’s Play
Let’s do a quick exercise to help you focus on what’s possible. Grab a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle.
Ready: On the left side, write down everything that could go wrong in the year ahead.
Set: On the right side, write down everything that could go right.
Go:
- Contemplate the worst-case scenarios on the left and the best-case scenarios on the right. It’s okay to acknowledge that anything is possible.
- Choose hope and optimism! Tear away the 'what could go wrong' list and toss it—literally or dramatically, your choice!
- Place the 'what could go right' list somewhere visible, like your desk or fridge.
- Refer to this list every time you feel doubt creeping in—let it anchor you to unlimited possibility.
The Best Is Meant To Find You
Here’s my challenge to you: the next time you think about the future, ask yourself, 'Why not me?' Why not be the one who steps up, dreams big, and makes it happen?
You don’t have to wait. Take a step, embrace the possibilities, and remind yourself daily that the best is meant for you. Let that big truth carry you forward.
Whether you’ve got a “New Year, New You” perspective or you’re ready to shift from rise-and-grind to rise-and-shine, remember this: the best is ahead, and it’s waiting for you to claim it. You’ve got this, and I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way.
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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!