2026: The Year of Audacity

We countdown…the ball drops…and we yell Happy New Year! It’s time to set high expectations for ourselves under the guise of New Year resolutions. New year, new you. The truth is, it’s a new year with the same you. Before you write down your list of goals, ask yourself: are you being true to yourself?

I’m not anti-resolutions. I love them. I hesitate at the idea of giving yourself unreasonable expectations. Should you really sign up for another gym membership when you don’t feel motivated and barely have time to take care of yourself? Instead, I ask you to start by reflecting on 2025. What areas did you succeed in? Where did you struggle? What contributed to both areas?

Where does audacity come into play? Your successes are due to the audacity you gave. I challenge you to have the audacity to meet yourself where you’re at and really think about your needs. If you’re adamant about going to the gym, okay, I get it—but let’s think realistically. If time is an issue, have the audacity to find a gym close to work. Have the audacity to do home workouts until you figure out your schedule. Have the audacity to choose yourself.

Let’s explore audacity a little further. We’ve been taught to be humble. Don’t celebrate your wins too loudly and upset others. Don’t ask for too much and burden others. These narratives teach us to stay small. I challenge you to do the opposite. Have the audacity to make your presence known. You’re allowed to take up space and lean on your support. It’s okay to be happy with your successes.

When you sit down and write your resolutions, identify if your goal is achievable. Write down the steps needed to succeed. Identify the support you will need, and don’t be afraid to use it. Have the audacity to take up space and dream big.