As the calendar turns, I find myself struggling with split energy: the heavy pull of everything I didn't finish last year and the frantic urge to finish everything in the next twelve months. After many years of this struggle, I have found that the most powerful way to start a new year isn't with a long list of demands- it's with a clean slate.
1. The Art of the "Honorary Exit"
Before you can invite new energy in, you have to acknowledge where you’ve been. Take a moment to look back at 2025.
-
Acknowledge the wins: Even the tiny ones.
-
Forgive the "failures": That project that didn't launch or the habit that didn't stick? Let it go. It was a lesson, not a life sentence.
-
Declutter the mental space: If a goal no longer excites you, permit yourself to drop it.
2. Intentions vs. Resolutions
Resolutions are often about "fixing" something you think is wrong with you (e.g., "I will lose 10 pounds"). Intentions are about how you want to feel and live.
-
Resolution: "I will work out every day."
-
Intention: "I intend to move my body in ways that make me feel strong and energized." Intentions are kinder and more sustainable because they focus on the journey, not just a binary pass/fail result.
3. Creating Your Roadmap
Now, look at your Weekly Plan. Instead of filling it with chores, try anchoring your week with your core intentions. If your intention is Connection, your weekly plan might include a coffee date or a phone call to a friend.
4. Small Steps, Big Impact
The "New Year, New Me" mantra is a myth. You are already enough; the new year is simply an opportunity for New Growth. Use your To-do List for the "micro-wins"—the small, daily actions that align with your bigger intentions.
My first planned "micro-win" for 2026? Adding meditation as a way to transition from work to home mode. I'm a beginner, so I'll start with guided meditation and accompany it with diffused essential oils. My go-to is Smells Like Spring, which is the perfect mix of lavender and lemongrass.
