Have a Grinchy New Year

Becoming more than you thought possible.

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, many of us reflect on the past and look ahead, contemplating how we might grow, improve, or find greater joy in the months to come. To begin this journey of thought, let us consider a most unexpected inspiration: The Grinch.

The Grinch’s story is a familiar one. For most of his life, his name was synonymous with negativity and bitterness. To "be a Grinch" was to embody disdain for joy and generosity. But, as the story unfolds, we see a transformation: After witnessing the unyielding spirit of the Whos in Whoville, he has a complete change of heart. The Grinch, once the very emblem of cynicism, becomes a model of compassion and community. By the end of the story, his heart is not only larger but fuller — more alive with love and the spirit of togetherness than anyone else.

The Grinch’s transformation reminds us that change is possible for anyone, no matter how entrenched we may feel in old patterns. But how do we initiate change in our own lives? It begins with three essential steps:

1. Believing that you must change something. Recognizing the need for change often starts with self-awareness. Perhaps it’s a habit, a mindset, or a behavior that no longer serves you or those around you. Like the Grinch, we must confront the truth of who we are and where we want to be.

2. Believing you can change it. The Grinch didn’t just acknowledge his unhappiness; he came to see that it was within his power to change. Belief in the possibility of growth is fundamental. Without it, we stay stuck in the narrative that who we are today is who we must always be.

3. Believing that you, not someone else, must act to change it. No one climbed Mount Crumpit to save the Grinch; he took that journey himself. Change is an active process, requiring effort, persistence, and a willingness to step into discomfort. Waiting for someone else to act or for circumstances to shift only delays transformation.

Underlying these steps is the crucial distinction between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset tells us that our traits, talents, and circumstances are set in stone. It whispers that "things are just the way they are," discouraging us from even trying. In contrast, a growth mindset believes in potential — in our ability to learn, adapt, and evolve. With a growth mindset, challenges become opportunities, and failures are merely steps on the path to success.

The Grinch’s story exemplifies this shift. He moved from a fixed mindset (“I’ll always be miserable”) to a growth mindset (“I can choose joy and connection”). It wasn’t easy; it required him to confront his fears and make changes that felt uncomfortable. But in doing so, he opened himself to a richer, fuller life.

As we enter the new year, my hope for each of us is this: May we embrace the possibility of radical growth. May we approach our lives with the courage to change what needs changing, the belief in our ability to do so, and the resolve to take the first step. Like the Grinch, may our hearts expand, filled with the spirit of hope, generosity, and transformation.

Here’s to a new year of possibilities, where each of us might discover the joy of becoming more than we thought possible.