The #1 way to kick off your most productive year at work

You’re most of the way through week one post-holidays. You’ve caught up on PTO updates, skimmed the inbox, and you’re ready to focus…then it hits you:

Wait—what was I actually working on before the holidays?

Sure, there are meetings on the calendar.A few reminders of projects in progress.Notes about things you said you’d tackle “in the new year.”

But somehow, it all feels distant—and a bit irrelevant.

If you’re anything like me, this is your cue for a reset.

Here’s a simple, efficient way to get clarity and hit the ground running 👇

Steps to reset and make impact in the new year

1️⃣ Revisit your roadmap Start with your strategic plan and goals from last year. Ask yourself:

• What’s complete?

• What should continue (with or without modification)?

• What needs to be added?

2️⃣ Pressure-test against new mandates Leaders often return from holidays energized with new ideas and priorities. Now’s the moment to assess what—if anything—needs to shift based on that new direction.

3️⃣ Check for gaps Do you and your team have the tools, information, and support needed to move forward?If not, this is the time to ask. Clarity now saves time later.

4️⃣ Create (or refresh) a high-level plan Especially when working cross-functionally, this ensures alignment and coordinated effort from the start.

Simple. Effective. No overthinking.

This doesn’t take long—but it does create momentum.

👉 Start with step one and assess where you are.

Drop a comment once you’ve done it: Start / Stop / Continue — what did you uncover?

What’s your 2026 trajectory?

Next week, I’ll share how to reconnect with your team and get them fully back on track.Sometimes they just need a little extra help getting started—and doing the above sets everyone up for success.

Checking in on goals for 2026