Before you rush into new goals for 2026, pause.
Because lasting change rarely comes from adding more.
It comes from deciding who you’re becoming—and what no longer comes with you.
As 2025 winds down, there’s one planning move that creates real momentum:
Identify one habit you’re retiring—and one you’re promoting.
This is identity-level planning.
And it’s how change actually sticks.
Why Habits Matter More Than Goals
Goals give you direction.
Habits shape your days.
If your habits stay the same, your year will look familiar—no matter how inspiring your goals sound.
That’s why planning at the identity level works.
You’re not just asking what you want to do.
You’re deciding who you’re willing to be consistent as.
Step One: Choose One Habit to Retire
This isn’t about fixing everything.
It’s about honesty.
Ask yourself:
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What habit kept me stuck this year?
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What do I keep tolerating because it’s familiar?
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What worked once—but doesn’t anymore?
Retiring a habit might look like:
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Overcommitting to prove your worth
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Starting days in reaction mode
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Saying yes before checking your calendar
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Waiting until you’re exhausted to rest
Retirement doesn’t mean failure.
It means the role is no longer needed.
Step Two: Choose One Habit to Promote
Promotion is intentional.
This is the habit you want to step into more consistently—not perfectly, just regularly.
Ask:
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What habit supports the version of me I’m becoming?
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What would make my days feel calmer or clearer?
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What habit would future-me thank me for?
Promotion might look like:
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Weekly planning before the week starts
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Protecting mornings or evenings
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Checking priorities before responding to requests
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Building in recovery—not just productivity
Small habit. Big impact.
Why This Creates Lasting Momentum
When you frame change as retirement and promotion:
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You stop shaming yourself
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You reduce overwhelm
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You focus on progress, not perfection
You’re not trying to become a whole new person.
You’re refining.
And refinement sticks.
Planning Forward With Intention
Your planner isn’t just a place to list tasks.
It’s a tool to reinforce identity.
Let it reflect the habits you’re choosing to keep—and the ones you’re done carrying.
End 2025 with clarity.
Enter 2026 with momentum.
One habit out. One habit in.
That’s planning that lasts.
Until next time—you’ve got this.