It's a New Year

How I'm starting 2026, what I'm shifting, and "goals" for the new year.

This year isn’t starting with a list of resolutions and goals. It’s starting with clarity. I’m coming into 2026 with a clear sense of what matters to me, and knowing what no longer works.

I pushed myself really hard last year, often working late trying to make it all (Substack, my blog, Instagram, the podcast, partnerships, and affiliate) work. The work itself isn’t stressful, but the pace wasn’t sustainable. I was productive, but not always present, and my kids deserve more than the version of me who is running on fumes after working until 1AM.

What I want instead is a year where I feel less scattered, less pulled from one thing to the next. I started organizing on New Year’s Day, and threw everything in the office that I never use. It doesn’t have to be done right away. The door is closed, and I’ll get to it when I can.

I think they call that growth.

I always say “it has to get worse before it gets better” and I think that’s what last year was. I pushed too hard, and I’m done with the self-imposed stress. I have what I think is a good plan. Not a rigid schedule, but a (flexible) framework that allows for focus without leaving me feeling boxed in.