I almost didn’t finish my first book.

Which is kind of crazy, because writing a book was a dream of mine for ages. And yet, when I finally had the opportunity to do it, I got stuck. I developed writer’s block. I was plagued by procrastination, overthinking, and overwhelm.

Procrastination, especially, can be such a tough hurdle to overcome. By some estimates, 1 in 5 Americans are chronic procrastinators. And according to one survey I read, 78% of Americans feel anxious when they’re procrastinating. So it doesn’t seem to me like procrastination is something we do to feel better.

Spoiler alert, I was able to overcome my writing procrastination (and even publish a second book). That didn’t happen without tremendous support, of course. This season and always, I’m so thankful and grateful for that system of support around me that allows me to accomplish these big goals.

So, I’ve been asking myself lately: how can gratitude plus reflection support all of us in living a more purposeful life?

I know there are things in your life that you want to accomplish, too. Maybe you want to start a small business. Or perhaps you want to visit all 7 continents. Maybe it’s something much smaller like starting a vegetable garden.

If you’re having trouble getting started, let’s try this as a start. I want you to ask yourself 3 questions:

Think of you as a child. What are the things that little kid always wanted for you? I know that some of those things are going to be unrealistic. Who didn’t want to grow wings and fly as a child? But many of those young dreams have truth in them, even when they seem silly.

Think of you now, reflecting on your life. What would you regret never trying?

Seeing the world? Being more vulnerable? Forgiving dear friends?

And what would the child in you thank your older self for doing?

The answers to these questions are some of the ways your purpose is calling you forward. And you owe it to yourself to try to overcome whatever’s getting in your way.

In the spirit of gratitude, I wanted to share some with you today.

When I launched my podcast On Purpose 6 years ago, I never expected that one day it would reach 5 Million subscribers. In honor of this milestone (and with gratitude for you, my loyal listeners), I put together a compilation on Wednesday’s episode of some of the most iconic conversations I’ve had over the years. Did you listen? If not, check it out! These conversations offer us a glimpse into how greatness is built, how vulnerability becomes strength, and how love and resilience shape our lives.

I’m so grateful for how far we’ve come. And it’s all thanks to you.

If you want to feel inspired, learn practical tools, and hear powerful stories, follow and listen to On Purpose on Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Let’s return to your answer to what your older self would regret if you never tried it.

Try This: What’s one thing you would absolutely regret never doing 20, 30 years from now? What habit can you start today to do that thing, in honor of future you?