Why I’m Setting My 2026 Goals Differently (and Why January 2nd Feels Just Right)

By now, your inbox is probably already full.

January 1st emails.
Bold declarations.
Big promises about becoming a brand-new version of yourself.

And yet… here we are on January 2nd.

Honestly? I think this day deserves more credit.

Yesterday, I attended Brendon Burchard’s 2026 Live Recalibration Session (Founder of GrowthDay), and one word stayed with me long after it ended:

Aliveness.

Not productivity.
Not achievement.
Not hustle.

Aliveness.

Plain and simple. 

What Does It Mean to Feel Truly Alive?

As I reflected, I realized something important: many of my past goals were well-intentioned, but they weren’t always rooted in what made me feel alive. They were often shaped by timelines, expectations, or what I thought I should want by a certain age or stage.

This year feels different.

My goals for 2026 aren’t being rushed. They’re being listened into.

I’m planning my year methodically, with space to breathe and room for trust, so that when 12/31/2026 arrives, I can honestly say:

• I trusted myself before the plan was fully clear

• I released urgency and gained direction

• I honored what felt true, not what others thought was right

That, to me, is what sustainable growth looks like.

Why January 2nd Matters More Than We Think

January 2nd is where real intention begins.

The noise has softened.
The pressure has eased.
And there’s finally room to ask better questions.

This is the moment where we stop chasing motivation and start cultivating alignment.

Instead of asking, “What should I accomplish this year?”
I’m asking, “What will help me feel alive while I’m living it?”

A More Grounded Way to Approach Goals

If you’re open to doing things differently this year, i.e., less rushed, more intentional, here are five questions that can help shape goals that actually last:

1. When do I feel most alive right now and what am I doing in those moments?
   Pay attention to patterns. Aliveness leaves clues.

2. What am I holding onto out of obligation that quietly drains my energy?
   Sustainable goals often begin with releasing, not adding.

3. If I trusted myself more, what would I give myself permission to pursue, or pause?
   This is where self-honesty matters more than certainty.

4. What does consistency look like for me? Not in theory, but in real life.
   Not what sounds impressive, what’s actually livable.

5. On December 31, 2026, what would make me feel proud? Not because others approve, but because I know I honored myself.
   Let this answer guide your decisions throughout the year.

A Gentle Reminder as the Year Begins

You don’t need to rush this year into shape.

You don’t need every answer today.

And you certainly don’t need to become someone new overnight.

What you can do is choose to move forward with intention, clarity, and trust allowing your goals to grow from what makes you feel alive, not from what feels expected.

January 2nd isn’t late.

It’s thoughtful.
It’s grounded.
It’s powerful.

And it might just be the perfect place to begin. 

If you'd like to attend Brendon Burchard's 2nd day of recalibration, sign up here for free: https://app.growthday.com/signup/events/new-years-special-2026. Starts at 1 PM EST|10 AM PST.  If you miss it, you can still register and get the free trial to GrowthDay and replays.

Cheers to a new year of feeling alive! 

Kat, Founder, Thrive Vibe Creations