Have you created a word or phrase to use to keep yourself on task for your goals in 2026?

My phrase this year is, how does this make me feel? Or how can I make this feel better?

We all make so many decisions in life and often they are decisions that don’t really add any value to our lives. They can even sometimes lead to us feeling worse about ourselves.

So, I decided that no matter what I am doing, I need to check in with myself and see how I am feeling about it or how I can make things better.

When it comes to decluttering this seems like a refreshing way to see things. I’m not necessarily getting rid of stuff I dont want anymore, I may still want it, but does it make my space feel better or worse having it?

My desk often gets cluttered because I drop stuff and go a lot! To keep it tidy, I can just spend a few minutes making me feel better about the desk. It may mean I put stuff away, it may mean I declutter, it may mean that I simply straighten the piles for the short term. Either way, for now it will feel better. The next time I check in with myself the “better” might look different.

The focus of making the space feel better adds a sliding scale. It’s not just about adding pressure and overwhelm to the task. It’s not that I am a failure if it’s cluttered and a winner if it’s minimal and I have nothing left. It’s just continuously a bit better.

I can use as much or as little time as I can at the moment. No matter how much time, the end result will feel better.

This can also work if you have a food related target for 2026. What foods make you feel better? What foods make you feel worse? Again, it’s a sliding scale that might lead to healthier eating.

This can also work with a fitness goal. Do things that make you feel better. Go for a walk, join a drop in pickle ball time, or do yoga. Find something that makes you feel better.

You can use this method on yourself if you are procrastinating on something. It often makes us feel better if we tackle bits and pieces of whatever it is we are avoiding. It can build confidence and self pride. Focus on those feelings rather than the fear of what could go wrong.

Almost everything becomes more clear if we focus on making things feel better. Even times with kids, family or friends.

Focus on feeling better this year and see where it takes you!

Thanks for coming home.