A Fresh Start – how to reset, refresh and refocus for 2026

I’ve just returned from an extended summer break—long enough to recover, reset and remember what it feels like to breathe fully again.

And here’s what I’ve noticed.

The tasks that felt overwhelming in December—replying to emails, packing school lunches, making plans—now feel like just that: tasks. Not pressure points. Not anxiety triggers. Just things to do.

Same load. Different lens.

This is the power of perspective. And the gift of rest.

We talk a lot about starting the year with intention—but rarely about the conditions that enable intention to be sustained. We focus on the plan, the priorities, the performance metrics. But energy? Recovery? Emotional bandwidth? These don’t get much airtime.

But they should. Because they matter—immensely.

When we’re depleted, even small things feel hard. When we’re well, even big things feel possible.

This isn’t just my opinion. It’s backed by decades of research from Gallup, who’ve been tracking both engagement and wellbeing in the workplace. And here’s what they found:

  • Compared to employees who are engaged and thriving, employees who are engaged but not thriving are 61% more likely to experience burnout 48% more likely to report daily stress 66% more likely to worry regularlyAnd they miss more days due to health issues

In short: engagement is good. But engagement and wellbeing? That’s where the real magic happens.

So, I’ve been asking myself this question – now that I’m rested, how do I stay that way?

We start by getting intentional with our own energy. We find our circuit breakers—the activities that reduce stress, restore perspective and help us return to centre. For me, that’s time in nature, with family, away from the urgency of devices and deadlines. For you, it might be movement, stillness, creativity, connection—or something else entirely.

Then, we plan the year accordingly.

Let’s not load the most emotionally demanding work into December. Let’s not schedule strategy sessions when everyone is fried. Let’s recognise that recovery isn’t a luxury—it’s a performance lever. And let’s use our influence—whether as leaders, colleagues or culture custodians—to design smarter rhythms across the year.

💡 Ask yourself:

  • When am I most energised?
  • When are my people most energised?
  • What initiatives truly need high creative effort—and are we timing them wisely?

Because thriving teams aren’t just built on KPIs and OKRs. They’re built on clarity, connection and capacity.

And capacity comes from wellbeing.

Here’s to a 2026 that’s not just productive—but grounded, wise, and well-paced. Same work. Better rhythm. Let’s go.

—Steph

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