The start of the year demands focused attention. A few years ago, as the year kicked off, I made a series of decisions after careful consideration that all felt right at the time. I found myself saying “yes” to extra work, to reasonable requests, to opportunities that made sense in isolation. That experience changed how I approach the start of a year. I now pay closer attention to the pressure points that don’t appear obvious early on.

The Obvious Question: “How do I set my team up for success this year?” Is it really? In my experience, I have found that starting to create momentum at the end of the year is important.

Have you heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words”? It’s fascinated me, in hindsight, how much my approach to planning, New Year’s resolutions, and goal-setting has changed over time.

So 2026 is here and I sure you are asking "How do I start strong?" I had to take a moment as the calendar flipped. For most of us, this should be a time of reflection.