Change isn’t easy. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes feels downright impossible. But here’s the thing: the best transformations often come when we push ourselves to step into new, uncharted territory.

Experts say it takes 21 days to form a new habit and months—or even years—to fully reshape an old one. That’s no small feat. But I like to keep things simple and executable. My personal mantra? Aim for 1% better each day. That tiny, incremental progress compounds over time and creates something extraordinary.

Think about it—1% of our cells are replaced daily. Our bodies are literally in a constant state of renewal. The same goes for our lives. While we may blame genetics or circumstances for what holds us back, experts tell us that only 5% of our health issues are hereditary. That means 95% is up to us. That’s incredibly empowering.

The End of One Journey, the Start of Another

After 30 years of dedication—and 18 years as a CEO—I recently closed an incredible chapter of my life. I stepped away from the helm of EarthKind, a company I poured my heart into, leaving it in a place of strength, profitability, and purpose. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and humbled by all the people who believed in my vision and gave it a leg up so I could make it this far- a place in business that less than 1% get to.

When I started, the pest control market was 98% toxic. My vision was to change that by creating a healthier, sustainable alternative that didn’t rely on killing or poisoning, and then make it easy for people to use and buy it. Today, this market is 85% toxic, as giants like P&G stepped in after 5% market penetration was made- proving it wasn’t just a fad. That’s real progress, and it’s humbling to know we were pioneers in the space.

Together, we:

• Generated $350M in retail sales.
• Built a 35,000-store footprint and growing.
• Created hundreds of jobs over the years, transforming lives and providing income opportunities many had never dreamed possible.
• Became a top place to work.
• Prevented over 100M uses of poison bait and plastic/aerosol containers from entering the ecosystem (only God knows how many accidental poisonings of pets or children have been prevented.)

I left this role with immense gratitude and pride, yet I also knew I needed a fresh start—not just for the company, but for myself. The hardest part of building a business is that first 5% market share.  I liken it to a farmer breaking up a field of hard ground that’s never been cultivated. It’s tireless work I loved, yet my body was begging for healthier lifestyle habits and my mind was wanting to start my next chapter as executive chairman in the healthiest happiest way possible.

A 21-Day Reset: Body, Mind, and Spirit

Just three days after graduating from founder to Chairman, I committed to a 21-day stay at the Optimum Health Institute in Austin, Texas. I chose this legendary space for its holistic approach to cleansing the mind, body, and spirit—a total reset to set the stage for a healthier, intentional life that prioritizes reaching one’s potential.

Here’s what I found:

Body

I released 18 pounds during my stay, but that’s just part of the story. The food, 100% raw and plant-based, was absolutely delicious. Even the seven days of juice fasting—spread across the three weeks—wasn’t as hard as I imagined. After the initial adjustment, I wasn’t hungry, and my energy skyrocketed.

Mind

This was the toughest part of my journey. We learned that of the 85,000 thoughts we all have in a day, 95% are negative. Completing mindfulness practice each day, and going on a digital detox (no emails, no social media, no notifications) forced me to sit with my thoughts in a way I hadn’t in years. Developing a new cadence of mind care—daily meditation, intentional thinking, and presence—helped me realize just how much I’d been leaving on the table due to my habits. I’m leaving OHI sharper and more focused, with non-negotiable priorities for protecting my mental clarity.

Spirit

This was the most transformative part of my stay. Each day, we gathered in prayer, meditation, and reflective circles that were deeply healing. I even met a Sufi who introduced me to Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke to the commoners. It was a profound moment that filled in pieces of my spiritual practice I’d been seeking for much of my life.

The Magic of Transformation

OHI is a special place. The transformations I witnessed were nothing short of magical. Guests often leave as completely different people than when they arrived—healthier, lighter, happier and with their skin glowing.  It’s no wonder the repeat business rate is over 80%.

The accommodations may be modest, but the experience is priceless. Celebrities and everyday people alike come here, not for luxury, but for real, lasting change.

I even made a video to share a behind-the-scenes look at OHI. You can check it out on my social channels this month.

The Road Ahead

As I continue down this new path, I’m more energized than ever to build global change—starting with myself. Throughout December, I’ll be focused on sustainable, healthy solutions and inspiring family & friends to push boundaries, reset habits, and embrace the power of 1% better each day.

Here’s to forcing new paths, one small step at a time. What’s your 1% today? Let’s walk this road together.

Kari