In this episode, I’m talking about moving into 2026 without trying to fix yourself first, as well as thinking about the concept of “direction instead of destination.” I explain how to create habits that actually stick because they’re an extension of who you are. If you want this to be your year of clarity and alignment, this one’s for you.
We’re officially in that strange in-between stretch of winter break. Christmas is behind us, the kids don’t go back to school until early January (mine don’t go back until the 6th!), and although today is Wednesday, it feels like a Sunday. It’s that weird, feral week between holidays where routine is more of a suggestion than a thing. (;
I want this post—and the podcast episode that goes with it—to feel like a big, virtual hug. An exhale, if you will. This not a “new year pep talk” or a checklist of resolutions you’re supposed to conquer before January 2nd. This is a casual convo about moving into 2026 without trying to fix yourself first.
Let’s dive in.
Why Resolutions Often Miss the Mark
The start of a new year hits most of us like a pressure cooker. January has a way of convincing us that December was a disaster, that our bodies are “off,” and that we need to overhaul everything, ASAP. And that approach doesn’t seem to work for 99% of us. Beyond feeling performative, that messaging assumes we’re all starting from a calm, regulated place (and if you’re reading this, you know that’s rarely the case!).
Instead of chasing drastic change, I’ve started thinking about rituals. Rituals are, for starters, much gentler, and they’re not about proving anything or hitting a goal by the middle of February.
They’re about creating the conditions that allow your life to unfold naturally.
Rituals > Resolutions
Let’s talk rituals. Rituals are small, intentional actions you return to again and again (…and again). Like:
Sitting with your first cup of coffee and setting an intention before the day begins.
Taking a walk when your brain feels fried.
Writing a single sentence in a journal instead of committing to pages you’ll never finish.
They’re not about white-knuckling your way into a “better” you. They’re about scaffolding your life so you can actually show up consistently, even when your prefrontal cortex (that brain region in charge of planning and decision-making) is overstimulated or running on fumes.
Because here’s the truth: January 1st doesn’t magically make your brain suddenly capable of life-altering decisions. Motivation is a finite resource. And when we try to plan and execute from a depleted nervous system, we’re setting ourselves up for frustration.
Think About Direction, Not Destination
Instead of obsessing over every goal for 2026, I’ve been asking myself a different question:
What direction do I want to move in?
Imagine you’re in a car. You either don’t need the whole map, or maybe you don’t even have a map (pre-Waze era). You don’t need to know every stop along the way. You just need to know…
Am I generally heading toward myself or away from myself?
Am I rushing because I feel behind?
Am I taking a route that actually fits my life right now?
Am I gripping the wheel so tightly that I can’t enjoy the scenery?
While direction gives you flexibility, a destination can create unnecessary pressure. And this mindset works whether we’re thinking about our health, our work, our to-dos, or how we show up in relationships.
Identity-Based Habits
Another shift I’ve been thinking a lot about is this: Instead of trying to change habits, try clarifying identity. Who are you beneath all the expectations, social media comparisons, and should-haves?
Once you know that, habits become a natural extension of you, not a chore:
“I’m someone who takes care of my energy.”
“I’m someone who eats in a way that supports my hormones.”
“I’m someone who doesn’t abandon herself when life gets messy.”
That clarity changes how you move through your days without a dramatic reinvention. Small actions become effortless because they align with who you actually are.
Questions to Sit With
If you like a little structure (think anchors), here are some questions I’ve been sitting with as I think about 2026:
How do I want to feel in my body this year?
When do I feel most like myself?
Who do I want to prioritize?
What direction do I want my days to lean toward?
These are not about outcomes or metrics, but rather… alignment.
The Power of Showing Up (Again and Again)
I want to leave you with this: You can stay intentional about the direction you’re going without gripping the wheel so tightly in 2026. Promise. And if you aren’t quite sure of the direction you’re going this year, coming home to yourself is a beautiful place to start.
If ‘coming home to yourself’ feels abstract, tend to the basics: start your day with a glass of water (before coffee!), add 2-3 different colors to every meal, and put your phone in a different room when you go to bed. Notice how your body responds.
You just need to show up for yourself, again and again, with curiosity. And remember, there is so much evolution that stems from choosing daily rituals over resolutions. Trust that small, steady steps count more than intense leaps.
If you’re ending this year feeling a jumbled web of emotions, you’re in good company. I’m so (very) grateful you’re here, and thank you for letting me be a small part of your life in 2025.
I’ll see you in 2026!
🤍
Edie
