I came across an article on Substack about how to make 2026 the best year of your life, and while it’s easy to scroll past New Year advice this time of year, a few of the suggestions really stood out to me. 

One of the first points that resonated was the idea that we should give the year we’re leaving behind the credit it deserves before rushing into the next one. Instead of immediately flipping the page, the article suggests taking a moment to reflect on both what went well and what taught us lessons worth carrying forward. That kind of reflection doesn’t just close out a year, it prepares you to enter a new one with clarity instead of pressure. 

Another piece of advice that felt especially actionable was the emphasis on cutting out what’s holding you back. Whether that’s apps that drain time without giving much back, habits that numb instead of nurture growth, environments that clutter your mind, or even relationships that pull you down, making room for growth means letting go of what no longer serves you. The simplest shifts, like clearing your workspace or setting healthier boundaries, can have outsized effects on your ability to focus and move forward. 

The article also highlights the importance of choosing one single goal for the year instead of trying to tackle everything at once. By focusing deeply on one meaningful target and breaking it into smaller steps, there’s a much greater chance of seeing true progress by year’s end. That idea reminded me that growth usually comes from consistency and direction rather than sheer volume of effort. 

And finally, I appreciated the balanced reminder to care for our physical health as part of any big ambition. Taking care of movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress isn’t just about wellness in isolation… it’s the foundation that gives us the energy and resilience to pursue our goals and enjoy life along the way. 

If you’re thinking about how to approach 2026, slowing down long enough to reflect, declutter your life, choose your primary focus, and take care of your body might be the most effective way to start. These aren’t dramatic, flashy tips, but they are the kind that make a real difference when you put them into practice.