Like many people, the final days of the year leave me overwhelmed. There’s a strange mix of nonchalance on the surface, but underneath it all is disappointment. Because somehow, every year, we tell ourselves the same thing. Next year will be different. A new bank account. A new look. A new home. A new life. And when it doesn’t happen the way we imagined, it feels like we’re walking straight into another letdown.
As 2026 approaches, one thing is clear for me. I want to allow myself to grieve what I thought this year would be, while still giving myself permission to celebrate it. The question I keep asking myself is this: How do I actually make 2026 the year I’ve always wanted, instead of just hoping it will be?
The first step is grieving the current year. That part is necessary. I’ve learned that you have to write it all down. On one side of the page, write what you expected from 2025. On the other side, write what actually happened. Be honest about where things fell short and where you need growth. From there, create a mantra you will live by in the new year.
If you don’t take life by the horns, it will take you. A mantra is a cheat code for controlling the narrative of your year. When you drift off course, it pulls you back to your intention and reminds you who you decided to be.
One of my favorite pieces of advice is this: when you’re praying and hoping for good news, you have to set the scene now. If you’re waiting for your dream job, go ahead and buy those office outfits. Prepare your life as if the blessing has already arrived. Apply that same mindset to whatever you want in the new year. Whether it’s losing weight, buying a home, finding love, or stepping into a new version of yourself, make room for it before it shows up.
And yes, vision boards really do work. I don’t see enough men talking about them, and I don’t know why, but they matter. You can make one on Canva, pull images from Google, or save inspiration from Pinterest. If you want marriage, put the ring on your board. If you want to travel, put the destination on there. I’ve done this, and it works. Not only do vision boards help anchor your manifestations, but when you look back and see what came to life, you can’t help but say, wow, God did! — in my DJ Khaled voice.
If you truly want a new year that doesn’t look like the last, you have to start thinking of your life in chapters, or better yet, films. 2025 was a movie. It had a plot, a climax, setbacks, lessons, and resolution. Acknowledge it. Close it properly. Say goodbye in a way that feels meaningful to you. That could be through a vision board, a personal ritual, a toast, a recap post, or even sitting alone and reflecting.
Celebration is still required, even if you’re by yourself.
I can’t prove it, but if you believe in numbers and energy, a new year truly does mark a new life. A new film. And you are both the director and the main character. Wrap up your story with intention. Have your own personal ball drop in whatever creative way feels right to you.
Set your intentions for what’s next, but don’t forget gratitude for the year that shaped you. Every cast member. Every commercial break. Every highlight and every disappointment. There is a lesson in all of it. Learn the theme of the film, take the wisdom with you, and step into the new year living, breathing, and walking in the energy of your mantra.
If you want to keep your mindset positive throughout 2026 without a lot of extra effort, I highly recommend this 365 Daily Affirmation Card Set.
It’s a simple, beautiful box of 365 cards—one for every day of the year. They are divided by month, making it easy to stay consistent with your self-care from January through December.
Why I love them:
- Daily Encouragement: A quick dose of inspiration every morning.
- Beautiful Design: They look great on a desk or nightstand.
- Great for Gifting: A perfect New Year’s or birthday gift for any woman in your life.
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