Recent News & Blog / 26 Tips for a Successful Year in 2026
January 9, 2026
At the start of a new year, many of us are reflecting on the previous 12 months. Perhaps you look back on 2025 with fondness, grateful for positive experiences and accomplishments, or maybe you feel as though the previous year did not meet your expectations or brought challenges you'd rather leave behind. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum during your reflection, the arrival of a new year offers everyone the unique opportunity to experience renewed energy and clarity.
Rather than setting resolutions this year, which can be difficult to sustain, consider adopting a few practical, actionable strategies to work toward. The following 26 tips can help you find success in 2026. Choose the ones that resonate with you to create a more balanced and fulfilling year ahead.
1. Close your mental tabs from 2025
Now is the time to clear your mind and create space for the new projects and opportunities coming in the year ahead. Take some time to wrap up the house project you’ve had in progress for way too long or muscle through clearing out your inbox, so you can focus on what lies ahead.
2. Start a new hobby
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet or take up woodworking? Or maybe you want to join one of those trendy pickleball clubs or grow your own food? Regardless of what it is, this is the perfect time to make a change and try something new!
3. Prioritize your health and wellbeing
The biggest favor you can do to your friends, family, and colleagues is to be the best and healthiest version of yourself! Make sure you get your steps in, drink enough water, get full nights of sleep, and actually go to the doctor for your annual exams, so you can be at your best.
4. Say “yes” more
Whether it’s saying yes to a last-minute dinner with a friend or even a new professional opportunity, make 2026 the year to say yes to the positive things that come your way.
5. Use your PTO
PTO is a part of your benefits package, just like health insurance or your retirement savings, so whether you use your time off to travel the world, visit loved ones, or you’re more of a stay-cation type, just ensure you take advantage of the time away from work that is provided to you to rest and recharge.
6. Complete an estate planning check-in
The new year is a good time to review your estate plan and update it to reflect any major life changes—such as a child’s birth, marriage, or property purchase. If you don’t already have an estate plan, there’s no time like the present to begin planning for the future.
7. Declutter your life
From disorganized stacks of paperwork on your desk to a closet full of clothes you no longer wear, use your New Year’s energy to clear away the extra clutter for a more focused start to the year.
8. Scratch something off your bucket list
Whether it’s as monumental as backpacking in Europe or as simple as making a dinner reservation somewhere you’ve always wanted to try, ensure this is the year you do something you’ve always wanted to do.
9. Learn a new professional skill
Boost your resume by adding a new skill to your toolbelt. You can accomplish this by taking an online course or completing other training programs to become even better in your role.
10. Create a budget
Consider your current financial status and what your short and long-term financial goals are. Create a budget that can help you achieve those goals quicker—and stick to it!
11. Save for retirement
Speaking of financial goals, take advantage of any retirement plans offered to you through your employer. Even if you don’t have an employer match or you’re self-employed, any bit saved and invested will benefit you down the line.
12. Volunteer or support a nonprofit
Whether you give your time, finances, or both, finding ways that you can support your local community or a cause near to you by partnering with a nonprofit can be incredibly rewarding.
13. Seek support from a therapist or life coach
Do you feel like there’s something holding you back, or do you want to be able to show up as the best version of yourself for those around you? Make this the year that you seek professional support to help you accomplish these goals, and more.
14. Become a mentor or mentee
Whether you’re seeking out knowledge from someone else, or finding someone you can impart your experiences to, everything works better when knowledge and expertise is shared.
15. Create connections and community
Break free from the loneliness epidemic impacting so many by inviting others into your daily life to build meaningful connections. Simple efforts, like inviting a friend over for dinner or taking a walk with a loved one, can foster a sense of community and strengthen your support network.
16. Dedicate time to your creative interests
Between work and family, it can be easy to forget to make time for creativity. This year, intentionally carve time out to be creative. Instead of scrolling on your phone before bed, you could add some rows to a blanket you’re crocheting or finally sign up for the cooking classes you’ve been eyeing up.
17. Commit yourself to learning
Learning is something that shouldn’t end at graduation, and fortunately, it’s never been easier to learn new things outside of a classroom. This year, make time to watch documentaries, visit museums, enroll in online courses, or listen to educational podcasts on topics that interest you (bonus points if it doesn’t relate to your work).
18. Start a 30-day challenge
Whether you choose to take a break from something, like social media, or choose to try something new, like journaling daily, a new year is the perfect time to challenge yourself. It doesn’t have to be permanent; even committing for just one month can make a real difference.
19. Read more books
The start of the new year is the perfect time to pick up reading for fun. Whether you choose to buy books from a local bookstore, borrow from the library, listen to audiobooks, or use an e-reader, reading is a great way to simultaneously be productive with your downtime and broaden your horizons.
20. Prioritize balancing personal and work responsibilities
Find yourself answering your work phone at 9:00 pm or immediately replying to work emails—even on your days off? This year, put the healthy boundaries in place to ensure that you are present with those around you and they aren’t unfairly competing for your attention.
21. Expand your professional network
Attending industry conferences or networking events with other professionals in your field are excellent ways to expand your expertise, professional network, and create new opportunities.
22. Sharpen your communication skills
Being a strong and effective communicator helps improve your interpersonal relationships and executive presence in the workplace. This article from Harvard is a great starting point for those looking to improve this area of their lives.
23. Practice living generously
This year, be generous with what you have—and that doesn’t always mean giving money. Maybe generosity looks like babysitting for an evening, so a young couple can have a chance to reconnect, or volunteering whenever your local food bank needs manhours. Be aware of the needs around you and look for ways to fulfill them.
24. Spend more time outdoors
Especially if you work indoors or at a computer all day, getting outside and moving your body is highly beneficial for both your physical and mental wellbeing.
25. Be intentional with your time
Over the last several years, there’s been a huge push to be able to “do it all” at the same time. If this feels impossible to you, it’s because it is. This year, stop over-committing yourself, honor your time, and limit multitasking to ensure that your time is well-spent and intentional.
26. Set specific and intentional goals
The most important tip on this list is setting specific and intentional goals for yourself. Whatever goals you choose to focus on this year, just ensure that they’re aligned with becoming a better version of yourself in 2026—at home, work, and in your community alike.
Final thoughts
We hope you leave inspired to implement a few of these 26 tips to kickstart your year. Here’s to a 2026 filled with prosperity as you continue learning, seeking new opportunities, and supporting those around you. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!