Welcome to 2026, Now what?
The bubble was poured, the countdown was executed, and the Happy New Years was shared and celebrated. The New Year is often referred to as the New Beginning. People set New Year resolutions with plans to eat better and go to the gym more. Some look at the previous years as something to overcome. Whatever the case may be, you may have heard this first day of 2026 described as a start to a New You. But here's the question worth asking: do you really need a "New You"? Or is it time to continue on your already set journey?
2025 was not a "great" year for me personally. I had wonderful moments and amazing experiences, but it was also the year my depression made its big comeback. Once it became clear I was not managing my depression symptoms, and with the encouragement of my support system, I got professional help. I took time to reflect on what was important to me and what no longer contributed to my overall health and wellness. In understanding what I needed, I was able to set goals for continued growth while breaking old patterns of always saying yes at my own expense and being that people pleaser. I worked hard to get to this place, and I am proud of the woman I see in the mirror. I want to continue on this journey.
Others may feel that they want to start anew. If 2025 left you feeling stuck, disconnected from your values, or simply ready for a fresh chapter, that desire for change is valid and worth honoring. Starting anew doesn't mean erasing who you are or dismissing your past experiences. Rather, it's an opportunity to intentionally redesign aspects of your life that no longer serve you.
This process begins with honest self-evaluation. Take time to ask yourself some difficult questions: What patterns keep repeating that I want to break? What relationships drain my energy rather than replenish it? What habits have I been maintaining out of obligation rather than choice? Where have I been living according to someone else's expectations instead of my own values?
As you reflect, consider the future person you aspire to be. What does that version of you prioritize? How do they spend their time? What boundaries do they maintain? How do they treat themselves when things get hard? Getting clear on this vision helps you identify the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.
Once you understand this gap, you can identify the roadblocks standing in your way. These might be external circumstances like a job that doesn't align with your values, or internal patterns like negative self-talk or fear of disappointing others. Some roadblocks need to be adjusted—perhaps a relationship needs better boundaries rather than complete removal. Others may need to be eliminated entirely—maybe it's time to let go of commitments that consistently leave you resentful or exhausted.
Starting anew also means giving yourself permission to try things differently. This might look like saying no without over-explaining, pursuing a passion you've put off, or simply allowing yourself to rest without guilt. It's about creating space for the person you're becoming.
The following are some steps to help you start new or continue on the journey:
Set small achievable goals - resolutions can set us up to fail. For example, instead of "lose 30 pounds," try "add one vegetable to dinner three times this week."
Implement goals slowly - start 2-3 days a week until it becomes habit, then build up. If you want to exercise more, commit to 20 minutes on Monday and Wednesday before adding more days.
Recommit to yourself when goals have fallen off - progress isn't linear, and setbacks don't erase your efforts. Simply start again without judgment.
Celebrate your achievements - acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small. Kept your commitment for a full week? That deserves recognition.
Continuously reevaluate and, if needed, pivot - sometimes the way we're doing things needs to be readjusted. That's not failure; that's wisdom.
In closing, the new year can represent many things. Whether this is a new start or continued progress, keep in mind your "Why"—the deeper reason behind your goals. Are you doing this for your health? For your family? To feel more like yourself? That purpose will sustain you when motivation fades. And if you need help on your journey, don't hesitate to seek it. Asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Happy 2026!