Nobody needs a bigger to-do list going into 2026.
They need less weight.
Most people aren’t overwhelmed because they’re doing too little.
They’re overwhelmed because they’re carrying things that should’ve been dropped months ago.
- Difficult conversations they avoided.
- Cluttered spaces waiting for “spring cleaning”
- Dozens of browser tabs (and mental ones) left open.
That’s why I don’t wait until the new year to take action.
I do it right now while there is some “downtime” before the inevitable sheet storm that is going to hit come the first full week of January.
I didn’t come up with this on my own.
I first heard the idea of going into the New Year “light” from Jesse Itzler and it clicked immediately.
Not more.
Less, but better.
Here’s what “getting light” actually looks like in practice…
Physically:
~ Delete or do the tasks that have been on your whiteboard for 4 months
~ Archive your entire email inbox – You won’t lose those emails you’ve been hanging onto and inbox ZERO is achieved. It’s a win-win!
~ Clean one neglected space – Garage, Office, Closet….or all of them!
~ Audit your calendar and eliminate one call or meeting that is no longer serving you.
Mentally:
~ Reach out to one person you miss – A quick text goes a long way.
~ Forgive someone – Even if you keep it to yourself.
~ Forgive yourself for the thing you F’ed up on but keep replaying in your head
~ Decide what deserves your energy. Saying “No” isn’t a bad thing.
That New Year “momentum” doesn’t come from motivation.
It comes from subtraction.
So, what’s one thing you’ll remove this week to go into the New Year lighter?
Say it out loud.
Commit to it.
And feel lighter heading into 2026!
