Every year brings a new set of trends, but not all of them show up in the way we dress or what we buy. Some shifts are quieter. They show up in how we work, how we rest, and how we decide what actually matters.

As we move out of 2025 and into 2026, I took time to think about what I wanted to leave behind in 2025 and claim, develop, or continue in 2026. This was my first time doing this exercise and I found it valuable to do a larger-scale assessment of where I am and where I am going.

For me, there’s a clear focus on balance, health, and longevity—ways of living and working that can actually last going forward. This isn’t about drastic reinvention. It’s about letting go of what no longer fits and making space for what does. Here’s an overview of what I’m letting go of and bringing in.

What’s Out for 2025

Constant busyness

The constant push to do more, faster, and all at once has proven to be exhausting rather than effective. I pushed myself in every facet of life and it didn’t feel worth it. I focused too much on “perfect” rather than “good enough”.

Hustling without direction (“Should”s)

I’ll never remove doing good, hard work from my life, but working hard without clarity or purpose is definitely out. Effort matters, but only when it’s aligned with something that actually matters to me. And the key there is matters to me, not someone else. Goodbye to thinking “I should do this” because that’s what someone else wants.

Treating rest as unproductive

The idea that rest must be earned—or that it signals laziness—is a silly thing I’ve told myself for far too long. Recovery isn’t a luxury; it’s part of how people function well. Despite understanding the value of rest and recovery in my training, I didn’t rest enough or allow space for true rest.

Being in chronic “problem solving mode” / Overthinking

To me, chronic problem solving and overthinking are siblings. They’re different but very much in the same family. My analytical mind LOVES to problem solve, but sometimes to a fault. I often found myself getting in my own way, spending more time thinking and analyzing before ever taking action and exploring. That meant I spent a lot of brain power to not actually learn new information.

What’s In for 2026

Leaning into what works

Movement and breath work shift energy and allow for a reset. I know this works for me when I feel stressed or overwhelmed or simply have been sitting too long. Other habits or processes I have in my life, if they work then leverage them, instead of spending energy reworking things that don’t need help.

Working with energy, not against it

Paying attention to when my energy is high or low—and planning accordingly—is replacing a rigid, one-size-fits-all schedule. I love a routine for how it reduces my mental load, but alongside that I need to assess my energy levels (throughout the day and on different days) and adjust accordingly. Struggling through simply because it’s on the calendar right now isn’t what I’m after.

Focused effort over constant motion

Depth is replacing speed. Fewer priorities, clearer goals, and more intentional work are what I’m leaning into. Whether it’s work or play, be present and all in for one thing at a time. And get it done; I’m no longer leaving a trail of partially-finishing projects.

Making time for what I enjoy

Hobbies, interests, creativity, and joy are no longer “extra.” They’re recognized as important parts of a balanced, fulfilling life that I can sometimes neglect for being “productive” elsewhere in my life. One thing will be more reading, both for fun and for learning.

My 2026 Theme

At the heart of this shift is a move away from extremes.I’m redefining my definition of success. Productivity is no longer just about volume. Ambition isn’t measured solely by how much I can handle.

This doesn’t mean caring less. It means caring in a way that allows me to show up consistently, without running myself into the ground.

Leaning into fun and being fully into whatever I’m doing. “Be present” but said in a way that resonates with me more deeply.

How This Shows Up Day-to-Day

In everyday life, these shifts often look subtle rather than dramatic.

It might mean pausing instead of pushing through when focus starts to fade. It might mean setting clearer boundaries around work hours, or letting go of the pressure to always be reachable. It can look like building a day around energy—scheduling demanding tasks when focus is highest and allowing slower moments when it’s not.

It also shows up in making space for rest and interests without guilt. Taking a walk, stepping outside, reading, exercising, or spending time on something enjoyable isn’t seen as time wasted. It’s part of staying well.

Most importantly, it means letting go of unnecessary pressure—the idea that every moment must be optimized or productive.

Looking Ahead

The shift from 2025 to 2026 isn’t about strict rules or rigid systems. It’s about awareness. About noticing what drains energy and what restores it. About choosing habits that support the life you want to live—not just the one you’re trying to keep up with.

As we move into 2026, the question for me isn’t how much more can be done, but rather what’s worth carrying forward, and what’s finally okay to leave behind.

I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on what’s “in” and “out” for you, based on where you are in life and where you want to go next.