An Intentional 2026
Happy New Year readers!! We are starting this new year off intentionally. No matter what 2025 looked like for you this is our year to pour into ourselves and grow. This is the year of growth, change, and finding ourselves again. Here we are going to go over ways that we can start this year off intentionally! While many start the New Year off with goals this year is the year to continue to follow through with these goals and continue to grow into your best self!
Review Your Past Year
While you may want to let go of the past year, it is important to acknowledge what had happened. Between wins losses and lessons learned. Jot down the importance fo everything that happened. Especially significant changes that abruptly affected you. that will help you evolve and change in 2026. It’s important to remember that, even if these losses were major, it is something that you still carry with you and it will help you begin your new year intentionally.
Changing Your Environment
Changing your environment in the new year is very important. It is important to declutter your space and for some it may mean removing people from your lives, moving to a different state, maybe even a different country. While sudden changes may seem silly (like moving to another country) or scary it is important to make changes if your environment is deeply impacting your growth. Some environmental changes can be large or small, but it is important to find what environment fits you better. It can be small, environmental changes or large ones. Creating a new environment for yourself can be a bit challenging however, if you take small steps, it can make a major difference.
Self-Care
Intentionally blocking time to rest finding new hobbies and spending time with loved ones is important within the new year when you take the time to schedule self-care for yourself you lower your cortisol levels (Stress hormone), it will help you manage your physical health, mental health and increase your resilience and build your capacity to handle all of life’s challenges. Self-care is a priority, not a luxury. When it comes to self-care, make sure that it includes your physical health, emotional health, social health and spiritual/mental health. Remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup your self-care recharges you so you can be present for yourself and others it’s essential maintenance and it is not indulgence. In a later blog post, we will discuss many ways to look after all aspects of your self-care, including physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental health.
Finding Yourself
Finding yourself is intentional and crucial for the new year. It is the way that we build self-awareness and promote authenticity. When you understand yourself, it will allow you to align your values and passions to lead to a more fulfilling life in the new year, which is what we all look forward to every year. This will also improve your mental well-being and prevent burnout when you can find what works for you and what does not work for you. You can approach this by practicing mindfulness, finding journal prompts and explore your feelings your desires for the new year ahead and what motivates you. It is important that you focus on the growth and not the perfection embrace the small wins, set realistic goals for a sustainable change within yourself. Another thing that is a very important reminder is to not be hard on yourself when you are trying to find you again it takes time.
Changing Habits
When you start the new year changing habits it leverages the fresh start that you are giving yourself and promotes stability and gives you a higher chance at achieving your goals set for the new year. Important tips to remind yourself while you are changing your habits: start small and be specific. Not just saying let’s start exercising more, instead, say go for a brisk run daily. Instead of saying I want to read more, make a list of a few books you want to read over the next month or two. Do not be afraid to adjust your plan as needed when there is obstacles in your way.
Becoming Closer to God
As someone who struggle spiritually, this is a big one for me this year becoming closer to God again in the new year offers you a fresh start spiritually helping you find inner peace and purpose, and anchoring yourself in God‘s word and this year, we are focusing on becoming intentional and yielding our whole heart to him for guidance and a more fulfilling existence. You can always start with prayer, reading scripture, finding a church again, maybe a new one or going back to one that you have been to before. It is important to remember to commit and make it a full commitment to give your whole heart and life to God, trusting him with every aspect of your future in the new year and for the rest of your life.
Practicing Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness helps you reduce stress, reduces anxiety, helps achieve emotional regulation, and boosts your focus and productivity. There are many ways that you can practice mindfulness and many start with meditation. If you have never tried meditation before you can find ways to start on YouTube! Besides meditation you can also practice being present in the moment and observe yourself. If you like me struggle with mindfulness you can also take online courses that are free to help you. I will share links below!
https://www.simplepractice.com/resource/mindfulness-worksheets/
Be Flexible with Yourself
If you are coming into the new year, looking to make major changes, it is important for you to be flexible with yourself. It is crucial for achieving your goals and creating sustainable growth within yourself. It shifts your focus from rigid perfection to compassionate adaptation. You can start checking in with yourself and adjusting as needed. Focus on the support that you need ad while it is important to push yourself it is important to understand your limits as well. It is also important to not overdo it. This is where many fail when starting new year goals.Do not fear failure, see it as your chance to learn. When you become more flexible with yourself, you will see that it increases your success and your happiness in the new year. It also supports your mental health if you are encouraging yourself to be compassionate and thriving while making your changes in the new year, it will help you stay connected to your core values and promote peace and joy within yourself.
Make A Vision Board
Making a vision board will transform your goals into clear, visual targets, and this will be your daily reminder to strive for what you want in the new year it boosts your motivation, enhances your focus and build accountability instead of being a passive observer you’ll be an active creator of your year and help yourself move beyond your limits to achieve your goals. One of my favorite benefits of using vision boards is the roadmap that it provides to the end goal. If you are feeling unmotivated or at any time you feel like you can’t move forward with your goals it is nice to take the time to look back and use your vision board as the motivation to push you forward. You will be setting a positive tone and empower yourself to take an active role in shaping a purposeful and fulfilling year ahead.
Set Boundaries
This is a wonderful New Year’s goal to have for many setting boundaries whether it be with yourself or others is important and it is a part of self-care and always remember that it is not selfish to have boundaries. They are about teaching people how to treat and respect you and others. Now it is important to set boundaries to protect yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. It improves relationships and increases personal growth. It prevents resentment from over extending ourselves and for taking advantage of time and energy this again circulates to breaking old patterns as well and habits setting boundaries will support your new goals and create an intentional living for the new year ahead.
Live Unapologetically
When you decide to start the new year living unapologetically, it means simply that you are embracing yourself. You are honoring your self whether that be through setting boundaries and focusing on your well-being rather than the societal pressures of putting others before yourself it helps you build resilience as you pursue your goals with self compassion and courage and helps you choose your path. Whether it is through solitude, personal growth, your passions, or even your family. Living unapologetically without shame will build your confidence and then will help you find the real progress of being your true self and not just a new idealized version.
The Brooke’s Space team wishes everyone a wonderful and productive New Year!
