Getting clear on the year ahead
This fall, I was lying on a beach in Mazunte, Mexico. Oh, how I miss it. During this time, I mapped four goals. I also planned how I want to achieve them.
In the past, I’ve made the occasional New Year’s resolution or two. For 2026, I wanted something more deliberate. I wanted to spend time thinking about the outcomes I actually care about. I also wanted to consider the actions required to get there.
Between long hours in the surf and soaking up the sun, my 2026 goals took shape around four areas: health, personal connection, lifestyle, and relationships.
Under each goal, I identified three to four priority objectives. These range from career aspirations to how I want to show up with my kids. I committed to reviewing them regularly to stay honest about my progress.
The uncomfortable part
Here’s the honest part: this kind of exercise can feel uncomfortable at first. It asks you to unpack a few truths — who you are right now, how you show up for others, and what you’ve been avoiding.
Even on a beautiful beach, the first pass brought up the usual mix of self-doubt, pessimism, and anxiety. It also brought clarity. I already know, deep down, the actions that will move me closer to the goals I wrote down. The hard work is doing them consistently.
The payoff
By the end, though, I felt lighter — more optimistic and more organised. Not because everything suddenly felt easy, but because I had a clearer direction and a plan to return to.
I’ve already started working on these goals, and I’m looking forward to revisiting them in late 2026 to see what progress I’ve made — and what I’ve learned along the way.
From personal planning to organisational strategy
This is the same process we use in organisations. Progress depends on clarity. A concise set of priorities is also necessary. A straightforward review process is important. Progress is not about more work, more meetings, or more noise.
At Pattern Strategy Group, we’re starting the year with strategic planning — setting our vision, values, value proposition, and priorities for the year ahead.
Stay tuned to hear how it shapes up and shakes out in 2026! In the meantime, Happy New Year!
Resources to help shape 2026
Whether it’s personal or professional, here are a few resources that helped me shape my 2026. These aren’t about quick fixes — they helped me reflect, reset, and commit to doing the work:
Personal reflection & mindset:
1. Book: You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life — Jen Sincero
A funny, no-nonsense read that helps you notice the stories you tell yourself, challenge unhelpful habits, and get clearer about what you actually want — without taking yourself too seriously.
2. Podcast: Science Vs — Manifesting: How Powerful Are Our Thoughts?
A helpful reality check that reinforces what really drives progress: clear goals, consistent effort, and behaviour change — not wishful thinking.
https://podscan.fm/podcasts/science-vs/episodes/manifesting-how-powerful-are-our-thoughts
Business strategy & planning:
3. Book: Doughnut Economics — Kate Raworth
A compelling framework for setting goals and making decisions that respect both social foundations and ecological limits — especially relevant for organisations working on public good.
4. Video: What is a strategic plan? Write a good business strategic plan to grow – Nicolas Leblanc, BDC
A clear, practical walkthrough of what a strategic plan actually is — and how to build one that guides decisions and keeps teams aligned.
A practical tool that actually helps:
5. Template: Pattern Strategy Group’s Annual + 90-Day Planning Framework
Getting clear about what matters — personally or professionally — is harder than it sounds. Most of us carry a long list of goals, good intentions, and competing priorities, but very little time to step back and make deliberate choices.
This simple Annual + 90-Day Planning Template is one way I’ve found to cut through that noise. It’s designed to help clarify priorities, focus on what actually needs to happen next, and create momentum without over-planning.
You can use it on your own, with a partner, or with a team — wherever you need more clarity and a more manageable path forward.
Clarity doesn’t come from thinking harder — it comes from choosing what matters and returning to it.
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