This past Thanksgiving, it became clear that sometime soon we would need to convert my son’s bed from his toddler bed to his “big boy” full-sized bed. As I watched him jump on the mattress that night, his feet nearly touching the end, the quiet reality of him growing older hit me hard. With Christmas just around the corner, I found myself thinking back to the day we set up that toddler bed for the first time, which before that was a crib.

What I knew was best for him, and where I was emotionally, were two very different things. I knew the change was coming, but I wasn’t quite ready to face it. Thankfully, my wife agreed to delay the upgrade until Christmas. Christmas came and went, and I still hadn’t pushed for the transition. Then one night, as we were nearing New Year’s, she said, “I know you want to keep him this age forever, but we really need to get him a bigger bed.”

Reluctantly, I ordered one that day, picked it up that night, and put it together the next day.

Transitions can be difficult. Change is hard. Staying comfortable, staying with what feels familiar, is always the easier option.

As we step into 2026, what’s the one change or transition you know you need to walk through this year? Maybe it’s a house project you’ve been avoiding and promised yourself you’d tackle after the holidays. Maybe it’s upsizing or downsizing your home, and the thought of sorting through everything to sell, donate, toss, or pack feels overwhelming. Maybe it’s a new hobby you’ve talked about trying for years. Maybe it’s a relationship that needs to begin, or one that needs repair. Maybe it’s cutting out a bad habit or starting a healthier one. The list really is endless.

Whatever this next change or transition may be, here are three things to help you get started on the right foot.

It’s okay to feel attached, nervous, or even sad about what’s changing, but don’t let those emotions completely stall the decision. You can honor how you feel and still take a step forward. Growth often requires doing the right thing even when your heart needs a little time to catch up.

Big transitions rarely require one massive leap. They usually begin with one small, manageable step. Order the bed, clean out one drawer, research the hobby, send the text, make the appointment. Momentum builds confidence, and confidence makes the next step easier.

It’s easy to focus on the work, the awkwardness, or the sense of loss that sometimes comes with change. Try shifting your attention to what life could look like on the other side. More space, more peace, stronger relationships, new skills, better habits. That vision can be enough to carry you through the uncomfortable middle.

I know this is a short and simple list. There are thousands of self-help books, blogs, podcasts, and motivational videos out there meant to pump us up and drive change. Those things can be helpful, and I’ve consumed plenty of them over the years, but they’re not a replacement for taking the first step. Each morning when we wake up and put our feet on the ground, we have two choices: stay in our comfort zone or take the risk of growing in some area of our life. It’s not an easy choice – I get it.

That first night in the “big boy” bed went better than expected. It was a joy, reading to him and his sister as they lay together, cuddled under the blankets, saying our prayers before leaving them to fall asleep side by side. The next day, after a long stretch of housework, I decided to take a nap in the bed myself. And yes, I used his baby blanket, because there really isn’t much better than the smell of your baby boy.

Wishing you a happy and blessed 2026.

“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” — Roy T. Bennett