2026. New year… new you?

2026. New year… new you?

Or the old you, with a few intentional changes?
Or maybe… the old you suddenly feels new again? 🌱

I was chatting with the team last week about the strong, almost laser-focused energy I feel coming into 2026. They reminded me that this might make sense symbolically too: we’re moving out of the Year of the Snake (shedding, letting go) and into the Year of the Horse in February (momentum, movement, fresh energy). 🐍🐎

It really does feel like something changed at a deep level last year. Something shifted. And that’s positioned us for sharper focus and more grounded action this year.

The Dutch historian Rutger Bregman reminds us that:

1. We’re living through a period of moral decay, where many leaders aren’t leading. They’re prioritising themselves.
2. Many talented people are pulled into higher-paid roles that simply replicate the systems we already have, rather than challenging or fixing them.
3. Real change happens when small, committed groups of people shift what society considers acceptable.

That third one? That’s you!

So, in the words of my all-time favourite, Tracy Chapman 🎶:

“The moment has arrived.
If not now, then when?”

And … if not us, then who?

But to do this work, truly do it, we need to be strong, resilient and grounded. Focused and energised.

I’m sharing six things that have helped me significantly over the past couple of years - and a couple of new ones that I’ve started with recently.

1. Get clear on your North Star ⭐
What is your top priority this year? Write it down. Put it on a sticky note on your desk. Let everything you do pivot towards it. Focus isn’t about doing more: it’s about choosing less.

2. Work with your energy, not against it 🔋
Figure out when your best energy hours are and protect them fiercely. At law school, mine were 9 pm – 1 am. Since having Sophia, they’ve shifted to mornings. Use your high-energy window for thinking, creating and deciding. Save admin and emails for lower-energy times.

3. Structure your calendar like your life depends on it 📆
Because it does! I once read: your life is what you do, not what you say you’re doing. If you can, use calendar blocks to make your priorities visible in real time. Even if there are exceptions, and at first maybe many exceptions, your life will start to pivot towards making them a reality.

4. Single-task 🧠
I stopped multi-tasking a few years ago. I used to do it constantly, until I read the science. Multi-tasking slows you down, reduces quality, and increases burnout. Our brains aren’t built for it. I still sometimes get pulled into multi-tasking, and I have to catch myself and come back to single-tasking.

5. Be intentional about what you consume 📵
News is consumption. Scrolling is consumption. Conversations are consumption too! Be mindful of what you let into your orbit: it shapes your energy more than we realise. It’s OK to not get pulled into certain conversations so that we maintain our energy for the conversations that matter to us (see above re North Star!).

6. Build simple energy rituals 🌞
I am an all or nothing type of person so I tend to think: what’s the point of going on a walk right now if I only have 10 minutes, that kind of thing. I’ve had to work against that: ten minutes is always worth it. And it tends to lead to more with time. I’m still working on this - with walking, meditation and exercise. Less is always better than none. And this is how good habits are formed, see James Clear’s work.

And here are the two that I’ve just added:

7. Schedule regular check-ins with yourself 🧭
Every Monday morning, I now ask myself: What is this week really about? What would make it feel impactful, joyful and successful - for me? I write it down, to begin the week with intention. The reminder from Oliver Burkeman that we only have 46 or 47 work weeks in a year is really something. We’ve already used one and we’re into our second one already.

Then I do the same on Friday: How did the week go? Did I work toward my North Star? Did I stay grounded? And if I didn’t: how did I notice, and how did I find my way back?

8. Actively notice joy 🌸
I have a new beautiful calendar where every day, I write down one thing that brought me joy (sometimes three).

I started this at the end of last year and I have found it really powerful, as you start to observe much more how the little things make you feel (that we know are the big things at the end of the day!). Also, you start to do more of the little things that bring you joy. Try it!

What is helping you stay grounded and strong in this rapidly changing world? Do share!

See you on Friday. And… Happy New Year 2026!

Anna