Ushering in a new year

I'm writing these words during my first business day of 2026. Is it a fresh start, a turning of the page? Or is it just an ordinary weekday full of emails, client calls and other competing demands for my attention?

Spoiler alert: it's both.

If the start of your work year is anything like mine, I'm guessing you are just trying to do your job while also hanging on to the opportunity we've all been handed in the form of a fresh calendar. Oh, and trying to make sense of a world that seems no less uncertain and strange than it did in 2025.

Here's one version of taking advantage of a new year: perfecting your many, many resolutions before the stroke of midnight December 31, and executing on them brilliantly from day one.

Here's the gentler, more reasonable version: at some point before the middle of January, get rid of something that isn't serving you anymore. It could be a pile of clothes to donate, or a pile of recurring meetings to eliminate. Then try something new. Maybe a new restaurant or a new recipe, or maybe a course or a book you've been eyeing. That's it.

A few resources to consider: 

• YearCompass is my favorite annual planning tool. I used it last year and loved it. I plan to sit down with it again this coming weekend. It's absolutely free and won't even ask for your email address.

• Career clarity coaching and retirement coaching. If 2026 is your year to make changes, to wrap up one chapter and start another, I'd love to be at your side for the journey. Simply respond to this message so we can set up some time to talk.

Wishing you much kindness, fulfillment and success in 2026!