Sheryl Dickerson

“Doing the hard stuff” doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s getting up early to walk with a backpack. Sometimes it’s learning spin class at 66. Sometimes it’s packing for a second solo Camino across Spain.

Six months ago, I set a goal: to return to the Camino de Santiago. The first walk changed me. This one? I feel it’s about deepening, not proving. Not chasing a dream—but living one.

This time, I’m not walking for a business or a brand. I’m walking for me. For the stories I’ll collect. For the book I’ll write. For the strength I’ve built—step by step, early mornings and aching legs and all.
To the women (especially post-50) who feel the tug of something more—this is your sign.

Follow along if you're curious what 800km, 1 million steps, looks like.

Stepping up - What's next for 2025 - Public speaking? 👩‍🎤
This can feel terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be! This year, I’ve worked with amazing entrepreneurs and business owners, helping them craft powerful elevator pitches and presentations. Seeing them overcome fear and embrace their unique voices has been one of my biggest joys.

What were you initially afraid of but decided to tackle head-on?

I think a podcast might be my next challenge. What do you think? Should I give it a go?😮

DON'T BREAK THE CHAIN

The Camino de Santiago taught me that life is all about small, consistent steps. Whether it’s walking 800 km or tackling a challenge like speaking up in a meeting, progress comes consistently putting one step in front of the other. 🚶‍♀️

As I prepare to walk the Camino again in May 2025, I’m reflecting on this year’s ‘hard stuff.’ For me, it was sticking with the things that I knew worked, but for whatever reason, had stopped doing. For example, my daily meditation practice or my daily early morning walk. Sure I replaced this with the gym, but could easily have moved to the afternoon. This was often the highlight of my day and crucial if I am to walk the Camino again.

James Clear in his book ‘Atomic Habits’ suggests we shouldn’t miss more than one day in our daily rituals. When we break the chain, we quickly loose the habit. Is this what happened to my meditation and daily walk?

My new regular daily habit is to spend an hour each day on social media. Sometimes it is posting, other times it is creating interesting content. My challenge will be to stick with this even with Christmas and Family arriving any day.

What regular habit have you found that has worked this year, but for some reason have given up?

Or have you managed to keep up a new daily habit. How did you do this?

Improv? Ever wondered what this is all about. I've been attending classes over the last 2 months. I was told it was great for my speaking skills. Last night I finally found out what this looks like when it all comes together. What fun. I haven't laughed so much in ages. Covert Theatre in Grey Lynn, Auckland holds shows every weekend. It even has ones for kids. Check it out. I'm going back again soon

This amazing cathedral in Burgos is next door to where the albergue is, in the old town. The walk wasn't quite so interesting today with half of it following a fairly busy road which led into the industrial part. Eventually it took me into downtown Burgos then eventually the old town. I did pass through a couple of old towns with some very old and small buildings

Want to improve your confidence, even if you don't intend on speaking to groups. Come and see what Toastmasters can do to help you do this. Silverdale Orewa Toastmasters club meets on alternative Thursday evenings. Why not join us.

With a new year starting and face to face networking events emerging again, I wonder if others are feeling a little like me. Excitement, coupled with a little nervousness? It feels like forever since I had a chance to mix with other business people. Lockdown has seen so many taken online, I’m feeling a little out of practice when it comes to meeting real people.
If you are feeling a little unsure about attending your next networking event, you might like to do what I am going to do. Prepare a list of potential questions and research a couple of current topics (other than COVID) just in case there are any awkward silences. Throw them out there, then just step back and listen. By listen, I mean really pay attention, rather than preparing your response. You may be surprised what you learn, plus your nervousness will just disappear. As Mark Brown World Champion of Public Speaking says ‘be interested, not interesting'.
Where are you going this week? I'm keen to hear what events may have started. Natalie Cutler-Welsh I know you have some exciting ones coming up.

I love making plans, I don’t always follow through on them all, but I certainly love making them. This time of year, therefore, is such a wonderful time for me. But New Years Resolutions are frowned upon currently. They say we never stick to them, that in a few months, weeks, even days they are out the window, which only sets us up for failure. But this doesn’t stop me from making them anyway. Intentions work for many people. We move toward a goal, the intention being to just keep forward motion happening. That certainly makes sense. My problem is, if I allow myself too much wiggle room, I take it all, then nothing much happens.
This year I am creating some very small goals and I'm going to start right now. These will be ones I know I can achieve and I’m making them short term, 30 days. Each month I will set a new one, which builds on the previous one. Lots of baby steps with lots of wins, and always celebrations to acknowledge these wins. This time next year I will be where I want to be, without the pressure or sense of failure created by not achieving those huge goals.

My first one for 2022, for January - post on Facebook every week for four weeks. Well, this is week one done, three to go. Feel free to hold me accountable. What small goals can you plan for, that will build up to a major win? Please share it. Do you need to be held accountable?