When One Door Closes

As we step into a fresh year, it’s natural to map out grand plans and set ambitious goals. You know, the kind where you confidently imagine everything going smoothly, like a movie montage with upbeat music in the background. But life? Life prefers plot twists. It’s like a scriptwriter who loves drama and keeps forgetting to warn you about rewrites.

Take me, for instance. A few months ago, in a group I volunteer with, an important team leader—someone who had just taken on their role—resigned within weeks. Since they reported to me, guess who had to deal with the fallout? Yours truly. My first reaction wasn’t exactly calm or composed. Picture me staring at my to-do list with a mixture of panic and the vague hope that someone else would magically handle it. Spoiler: they didn’t.

In desperation, I called a senior member of the team and asked if they’d step in. To my immense relief, they said yes. And within days, it became clear that they were exactly what we needed—like they’d been custom-made for the role. Looking back six months later, I can honestly say, “Thank goodness the first leader quit!” Though at the time, it felt like the universe had sent me a bad joke, complete with a laugh track I couldn’t hear yet.

This whole saga reminded me of a lesson I seem to need on repeat: what looks like a disaster today might just be the start of something better tomorrow. And sometimes, the biggest challenge is getting out of my own way and letting life surprise me.

Here are three things I’ve learned from experiences like these:

• Don’t Label Too Soon: Not every setback is a catastrophe. Sometimes it’s just life’s way of editing your script for the better.
• Look for the Silver Lining (Eventually): Sure, it’s hard to see opportunity in the moment, but asking, “What could this make possible?” can change the whole story.
• Ask for Help Without Guilt: Turns out, you don’t have to be a solo superhero. The best solutions often start when you let others pitch in.

So here’s to 2025—a year of embracing the unexpected, finding humor in life’s little messes, and letting those surprise rewrites make the story even better. Oh, and here’s a short 2-minute motivational video to kick off your year. Who knows? It might even inspire your next great plot twist.

Mindfully yours,
Sanjay Chaganti
Leadership Coach and Mindfulness Trainer