Start 2026 With Intention, Not Pressure
“Clarity comes when you give yourself permission to pause.” - Leadership Mastery Network
Happy New Year!
The start of a new year often comes with noise. Goals shouted from every direction. Expectations to move faster, do more, and be more immediate.
At Leadership Mastery Network, we’re choosing a different way to begin 2026.
Not with reaction.
Not with pressure.
But with reflection, intention, and clarity.
Recently, we hosted our Create the Year You Want Vision Board Workshop, guiding leaders through a powerful pause that allowed space to look back honestly before looking forward intentionally.
Because meaningful growth doesn’t start with doing.
It starts with seeing clearly.
Reflect Before You Reset
Before setting goals for the year ahead, we invited leaders to reflect on the year behind them.
Here’s the framework we used and one you can return to anytime:
Honor What Made You Proud
Identify moments, experiences, or decisions from the past year that made you proud. These reveal what’s working and what deserves more space moving forward.Notice What You Want to Expand or Change
Growth isn’t always about adding more. Sometimes it’s about refining, simplifying, or shifting direction.Learn From Challenges and Disappointments
Instead of skipping past difficult moments, we explored them. What did they teach you? How did they stretch you? What strength or clarity came from them?
Only after this reflection did we move into setting goals for the new year rooted in truth, not urgency.
Set the Vision Then Show Up for It
A vision or goal is only the beginning.
Once you’ve named what you want, the real work is in the daily relationship you build with it.
A few reminders as you step into 2026:
Be accountable to yourself and what you truly want, not what’s expected of you.
Work with your goals daily. Check in often, even briefly.
Assess where you are honestly. Notice what’s working, where adjustments are needed, and what no longer fits.
Celebrate wins along the way. Progress deserves recognition.
Pay attention to inspiration. Insight often arrives quietly, and goals sometimes come to life in unexpected ways.
Leadership isn’t linear. Neither is growth.
As you move into 2026, remember: you don’t need to rush. You don’t need to react. You don’t need to have everything figured out.
Start with intention.
Work with your vision.
Trust the process.
We’re excited to walk alongside you this year.
“Your vision may unfold differently than you imagined, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t working.”
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Resources to Dive Deeper
Books
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek: A powerful reminder that leadership is a long-term, values-driven journey rooted in purpose and clarity, not pressure or short-term gains.
Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation by Ayelet Fishbach: Offers science-backed insights on how intention becomes action, helping leaders turn goals into consistent, motivating progress.
Articles
Reflections on Intentions and Goals: Breaks down the distinction between intention and goal-setting, and why reflecting first leads to more meaningful outcomes.
Mindfulness and Reflection Practices for Leaders and Teams: Practical ideas for integrating regular reflection into leadership rhythms for greater focus and resilience.
Reflect Instead of React (Maxwell Leadership Piece): A useful reminder that thoughtful reflection fuels better choices and more sustainable leadership impact.
Podcasts
Self-Reflection in Leadership Development (Episode 211): Explores how reflection strengthens adaptability and self-awareness, key leadership muscles for navigating change with intention.
Featured Product
The Leader Is You: Daily Growth Journal – A structured companion for daily reflection, action planning, and tracking progress toward goals, helping bridge intention with real-world leadership growth.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Small, intentional actions compound into meaningful change over time. Atomic Habits is a practical reminder that sustainable growth isn’t about radical overhauls
Growth comes about through showing up consistently, adjusting thoughtfully, and building systems that support who you’re becoming as a leader.
Consider how many different pieces of content you see in any given week. See something that resonates with you? Share it with us to feature it in our Social Media of the Week section.
“Accountability isn’t pressure, it’s alignment with what matters most.”
-Leadership Mastery Network
