10 Things Worth Remembering As You Start The Year

January 16th, 2026

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You know that feeling you get each January, when you try to sit down and create the “perfect plan”?

Fresh notebook. Highlighters ready. Maybe a new app or a bold theme word for the year.

You tell yourself this is the year you’ll stick to the routine, hit every goal, finally feel like you're in control.

But by mid-February, the energy fades.

This happened to me more than once in previous years, I had color-coded goals, a 6AM alarm, and a new productivity app.

By February, I was burned out. Not because the goals were bad, but because my approach back then ignored something essential:

That growth isn’t just about planning harder or doing more.

It’s about remembering what really matters to you, internally and externally.

So this year, before you charge ahead, I invite you to take the time and pause. These are 10 lessons that I want to share with you:

10 Things Worth Remembering As You Start the Year

1. Your pace is allowed to change.

We all live our lives in seasons. I was in a different season when I became a parent, or in my 20s, living abroad. Some seasons ask you to sprint. Others ask you to slow down, reassess, or take it one step at a time. If last year stretched you thin, maybe this year means slower, more meaningful progress. Remember that the tortoise didn’t win the race by accident.

Living my life in seasons between sprinting and slowing down is one of the key reasons why I haven't burned out in years.

2. More isn't always better.

You don’t need five morning routines, a longevity protocol, three side hustles, and absolute inbox zero. One thing done well often beats ten done halfway. Ask yourself honestly: What’s essential, and what’s just not?

3. You don’t need everyone’s approval to do what matters.

If you’re waiting for approval, you’ll be waiting forever. Think of any meaningful decision you’ve made, it probably required ignoring at least one person’s doubts. And don't get me wrong, some of these are from people who carely deeply about you, but trust your instincts because you know where you should be going.

4. Success that costs your well-being isn’t success.

What’s the point of hitting your goals if you’re too exhausted to enjoy them? Or too ill to get up and face the day? Protect your energy like it’s part of the strategy, because it is.

5. You can begin again. Today. Tomorrow. And the day after that.

You don’t need a new month, a new week, or even a new morning, especially not just because it's a new year. You don't need to know every step, just the next one. Having a better choice right now is enough. And sometimes that's all it takes.

6. Focus is a superpower.

Every “yes” is a silent “no” to something else. Saying no to another meeting, project, invitation, could be what makes room for your real work. Often in the hectic and distracted world that we live in, the most valuable asset isn't just always time, it's your attention.

7. You’re not behind.

Your timeline doesn’t need to match theirs. When we are surrounded by so much noise on social media, remember that you are always seeing that person’s highlight reel. It’s not your baseline. You’re exactly where your next step begins.

8. The real work is invisible most of the time.

Progress is what you do in the dark. Not all wins are obvious. Declining a toxic invite. Journaling through your emotions. Showing up when no one’s watching. These all count too.

9. Most people are too busy worrying about themselves to judge you.

That awkward post, bold idea, or big decision you’re second-guessing? Post it. Speak up about it. Be proud to own it. Most people are too caught up in their own insecurities to notice. It's time to be free.

10. Joy is not a distraction.

Laughing with friends, dancing in your kitchen, taking the long walk instead of the shortcut, these moments are the point. Don’t delay joy until after the “work” is done. It's the ultimate hedonic treadmill of delaying joy for "one day", because that day might never come.

Which one hit hardest for you? I’d love to hear what you’re carrying into this new season. Just hit reply, I read every single one.

To a year of intention,

Laurie 🙌​
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🎥 How to Have The Best Year in 2026​

If you’ve ever sat down to plan your year and felt overwhelmed, by goals, systems, or just the pressure to “get it right”, this video is for you.

I break down a simple but powerful approach to planning for 2026 that goes beyond just productivity.

It’s about clarity and alignment. Making this your most meaningful year yet, not just your busiest.

I also shared my personal step-by-step framework on how I create the vision and the action plans behind my best year each year.

You can watch the full video here.

Hope you had a great start to 2026 so far, and check out this short story about decisions.