Happy New Year, friends!
Turning the page into a new year is a powerful time, not because everything seems to reset, but because we get to choose how we begin again. A fresh start invites us to pause and approach our work and leadership with greater clarity about what we’re aiming for and who we want to be.
Before diving into ambitious goals, new metrics, or a packed calendar, I want to share with you a simple reminder: recalibrate your own compass before leading others forward. This is where the process of ‘Reflection → Intention → Action’ can serve as a steady guide.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.” - Confucius
Reflection is the noblest way to learn as a leader. Pausing to look inward before setting goals gives you the clearest path to intentional action, ensuring your efforts this year are guided rather than reactive.
Reflection: Before You Plan, Pause
Most leaders skip this step. Not intentionally, just out of habit. We’re wired for progress, and January often brings an urgency to do more, move faster, tackle everything under the sun.
But reflection is clarifying.
In his chart-topping book Atomic Habits, James Clear discusses the idea of “casting votes for the type of person you want to become.” Reflection helps us see which votes we’ve been casting, and which ones we want to cast differently.
Try asking yourself:
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What worked this past year that I want to carry forward?
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What drained me more than it developed me?
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What did I learn about myself as a leader, especially in the tougher moments?
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Where did I show up as the person I want to be, and where did I drift?
Reflection gives you data, and data gives you direction.
Intention: Who Do You Want to Be in 2026?
Before you set goals for what you want to do, you first need to clarify who you want to be.
This is where identity-based leadership habits come in.
Instead of: “I want to be better at prioritizing,”
TRY: “I am a leader who focuses my time and attention on what most improves outcomes.”
Instead of: “I want to be less reactive,”
TRY: “I am a leader who responds thoughtfully, even in high-pressure moments.”
Instead of: “I want to support my team more,”
TRY: “I am a leader who creates psychological safety and removes barriers so others can do their best work.”
This difference matters. A lot.
Small habits compound, but they only do so in the right direction when they’re anchored to identity. Your intentions help set that anchor.
And don’t forget about the stretch goal paradox: ambitious goals inspire us, but only when they’re paired with practical, achievable habits that build confidence.
It’s not about choosing between stretch and sustainable. It’s about holding both.
Ask:
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What kind of leader do I want to become this year?
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What daily or weekly habits would reinforce that identity?
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What support or structure do I need to stay aligned?
When your identity and intentions are clear, goals stop feeling like pressure and start feeling like purpose.
Action: Move Forward With Rhythm, Not Haste
Once your reflection is honest and your intentions are clear, then you plan your actions strategically.
And here’s what I want you to remember. Action doesn’t have to be dramatic for it to be meaningful. It just needs to be deliberate.
Take one small step this week:
→ Schedule your weekly heads-down thinking time.
→ Have the conversation you’ve been delaying. You’ll feel lighter after - trust me!
→ Map your top three priorities for Q1.
→ Identify one habit that will make future you proud.
Action becomes sustainable when it’s rooted in reflection and guided by your own intentions.
A Space to Support Your Growth
If you’re stepping into a new leadership role, or you have a rising star on your team who’s ready for their next step, this is a pivotal moment.
Enrollment is now open for my Spring 2026 New Leader Launch cohort, a six-week small-group experience designed to help new and emerging leaders:
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Grow faster
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Lead stronger
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Build the skills, confidence, and community they need to thrive
Early bird pricing is available through January for just $799 (regular $899).
This includes:
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Six live teaching sessions
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Four group coaching calls
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Optional one-on-one coaching
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12-month access to recordings & resources
If someone on your team is stepping into leadership this year, I would be honored if you shared this opportunity with them. I’d love to support them as they begin their journey.
I'm rooting for you!
CURATED PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
for the leader who wants to dig a little deeper
James Clear on Atomic Habits, with Brene Brown
Great Leadership Starts with Self-Leadership, Lars Sudmann, a TEDTalk
