How I’m Gently Planning for 2026

This past year asked a lot of me.

So as I start thinking about 2026, I’m intentionally choosing a slower, softer approach. That's the tone that I want to set for year ahead in general so it only made sense that my planning should start there too. And if you're feeling that way too… this one's for you 💛 I'm breaking down exactly how I'm doing my new year planning in a calm, thoughtful way. 

It's starting  before I think about plans, launches, or big business goals. It begins with asking one simple question…

What actually happened for me this year?
What felt good?
What felt heavy?
What supported me and what quietly drained me?

The big wins matter, of course. But so do the smaller moments that kept me moving forward when things felt hard.

For me, this year included some meaningful milestones. My business grew, I showed up consistently with my marketing, I expanded my team. Yet there were some areas that felt crunchy still… finding the right balance between ongoing 1:1 support and project-based work, training new team members. 

None of it is right or wrong. I'm truly just using this as data… information to help me make more aligned decisions moving into the new year. I’m letting these reflections lead instead of forcing goals that look good on paper but don’t feel good in real life.

Then I'm breaking out the calendar (one of my favorite parts, if you know me).

This year, I’m starting by scheduling my life first. Time off. Space to rest. Room to be creative. Time with family. Moments that remind me why I built this business in the first place.

Only after that do I layer in launches, milestones, and business goals.

And finally, I’m gently assessing my systems.

This is never an overnight process. It requires thoughtfulness and patience (lots of emphasis on the patience!). I’m asking myself…

Do my systems support where I’m going?
Is there anything I can automate or simplify?
What would make my business feel lighter?

Then I’m creating a realistic plan to update things… over time, without pressure.

And finally, I’m reminding myself of this too (any maybe you need to hear it as well)… 

Not everything needs a dedicated plan.

There has to be room for creativity. For intuition. For magic. For ideas that arrive when there’s space to receive them.

If you’re thinking about new year planning right now, I hope this gives you permission to slow down and to plan in a way that actually supports you.

You don’t have to rush.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You just have to start with what feels true.

If part of your gentle planning for the year ahead includes a launch - a program, offer, or idea you’ve been holding close - you don’t have to figure out the logistics alone.

My Calm Launch Checklist gives you a grounded, step-by-step structure so you can plan in a way that feels supportive, not stressful.