Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Make up any new words last year?

Did you make any new year’s resolutions? Make up any new words last year? 

My answers to the question above – No and YES!!!

No. I didn’t make any resolutions. Why? Mainly because I get all excited and motivated to set multiple new habits and goals and end up not keeping most of them. Then comes the feeling guilty because I missed a day or two or three… You know the drill. You may be thinking well this is not very motivating. Keep reading!

However, the answer to my second question is YES! – I made up a new word. At least I’ve never heard it before and when I type it, there’s a red line telling me it’s spelled wrong. LOL. My new word - Realutions! 

You may be wondering what in the world is she talking about? The word is a combination of Real and Solution. This year, I’m working hard to set realistic goals, expectations of myself and solutions to challenges I’m facing. It’s a combination of Real Solutions – Realutions. Hey, you have to some fun in life. 

If you joined me in the Leadership Advent Challenge, you know we spent December working on evaluating what went well and things we wanted to achieve and how we wanted to feel in 2026. If you didn’t have a chance to participate or maybe you watched the videos but didn’t have a chance to complete the handout – no problem. It’s attached to this newsletter in case you want to use it this month. There’s plenty of time to plan for 2026. 

So how can setting realutions support you in a successful and less stressful 2026? Set realistic goals and expectations for the year and break them down into quarterly and even monthly goals. Remember it’s not just about what you want to do but of equal importance how do you want to feel this year? Personally, I would like to feel more at peace and less stressed. 

Realutions – here is one way in which you can begin making the “realutions”  you want and to set yourself up for success in 2026.

Remember what is important in life and what you want to accomplish, not what everyone thinks you should be doing but what you want. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Evaluate what went and is going well. 

Attitude is everything. Check your attitude at the door. Is your glass half full? Of course, my son will tell you if it’s half full, it’s half empty. I love that kid. I still look at it as half full – The half empty is what I have chosen to eliminate. 

Listen to your heart and intuition. They will serve you well if you let them when determining what you want to start, stop, and continue. Ultimately you can choose how you spend your time. I know, many have to work, I get that. Find joy in your job. Then determine what you want to spend time on outside of work.

Unclutter your physical and emotional space. Remove unnecessary items or mess from a space, creating a more organized and peaceful environment in your house and head. I spent some time during the first weekend in January uncluttering. What a great feeling. I still have much to do but you have to start to finish!

Take time to figure out what you want to be celebrating at the end of the year. Make a plan. You can always change direction. However, if you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t matter which path you take. 

Initiate action. What is your first step towards one of your goals? One of my goals is to become more physically active. We bought a rowing machine with access to live and on demand classes. I’ve used it a couple times. The first time I used it was the hardest because I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. By the third class I was at least confident I could do this. 

One goal and one step at a time. You can still work on more than one goal however what are the steps, one at a time, you are going to take to achieve each goal. You can have it all, just not at the same time. For example, I’m going to publish at least one book this year (hopefully two) and am interested in launching two products. My first step toward each goal – my mind map for book two and list of product ideas are nearly complete. I met with someone who has launched a product line. She and her husband are successful, and she was kind enough to share many tips on where to begin. Thank You Lindsey! Next steps – outline each chapter and meet with a couple of people about product production.

Never give up. Quitting is not an option. However, changing directions is! You can always decide you want to take a different path. 

Start, Smell, and Stop. You have to start to finish so get working on those hopes and dreams. Take the first step. Stop what isn’t working. Smell the roses along the way. It’s cliché and it’s important. Life is short. Enjoy the little things because in the end you’ll realize they were the big things. 

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” - William James

Not only does what you do make a difference to others, it makes a difference in your life too. 

My wish for you is to live your best life and you are the author of your own life. What can and will you do to live your best life in 2026? 

You got this! And I have you back!

- Ann Wright