Before You Make 2026 Goals, Do This First

 

 

Before you plan your next goals, clear the emotional clutter that’s been holding you back.

December is a powerful month. Not just because it wraps up another year — but because it gives you a rare moment to pause, breathe, and look honestly at what’s been weighing on you. Most people jump straight into goal-setting mode:

“Next year I’ll be healthier.”
“Next year I’ll be more focused.”
“Next year everything will be different.” 

But here’s the truth no one likes to say out loud: 

New goals don’t work when old emotions are still running the show.

You cannot build a new year on top of unresolved frustration, unprocessed stress, ignored burnout, or outdated emotional habits. If you want 2026 to be your breakthrough year, there’s one thing you must do first:

Clear the emotional clutter. 

1. Reflect: What Emotion Followed You All Year?

Every year has a “dominant emotion.” Overwhelm. Pressure. Self-doubt. Frustration.
Or maybe: pride, gratitude, joy, momentum. Before you plan what’s next, ask:

  • What emotion kept showing up for me in 2025?
  • Did I acknowledge it or just push through it?
  • Did it lead me or limit me?

Awareness is step one. Ownership is step two. 

2. Release the Emotions That No Longer Serve You

You can’t enter a new year carrying emotional weights you were never meant to hold.

Release…

  • The irritation that kept you reactive
  • The fear that kept you hesitant
  • The guilt that kept you stuck
  • The resentment that drained your joy
  • The perfectionism that stole your peace

Letting go isn’t weakness. It’s preparation. 

3. Reset Your Emotional Baseline

Before setting goals, reset your emotional operating system. Try this simple Emotional Dexterity exercise:
Name → Claim → Reframe

  • Name the emotion honestly
  • Claim the lesson it taught you
  • Reframe how you want to feel going forward

This shift allows you to create goals from clarity instead of chaos. 

4. Rebuild Your Identity Before You Build Your Goals

Goals are not just tasks — they’re identity statements. But identity can’t shift when your emotional patterns stay the same. Who do you want to be in 2026?

  • More patient?
  • More focused?
  • More courageous?
  • More peaceful?
  • More consistent?

Set your emotions first. Your goals will follow with ease instead of force. 

5. Reimagine What’s Possible When You’re Emotionally Clear

Imagine entering January not exhausted, but energized. Not tense, but grounded. Not overwhelmed, but focused. Not reactive, but emotionally free. This is how people create goals that actually stick — they align their emotional state before they align their strategy. 

Free Gift

Email challenge@getbeyondeq.com to receive your free “10-Day Emotional Reset Challenge,” which helps people clear emotional clutter, create inner calm, and prepare their mindset for their 2026 goals. 

Final Reflection

Before you write a single 2026 goal, give yourself the gift of emotional clarity. Create space.
Release what’s heavy. Step into the new year lighter, stronger, and fully aligned. 

What emotion are you ready to leave behind this year?
Share it — and step into 2026 with purpose. 

About the Author – Dr. Drew Gold

Dr. Drew Gold is a professor, renowned speaker and trainer, and author of Beyond Emotional Intelligence: Never Have Another Bad Day! His work focuses on helping people develop emotional dexterity — the ability to turn stress into strength and challenges into catalysts for growth. Through his research and programs, Dr. Gold empowers individuals and organizations to lead, adapt, and thrive with purpose and emotional clarity. Learn more at GetBeyondEQ.com.

Dr. Gold is married and lives with his wife and two crazy cats in Tampa, Florida. He loves to travel and is a master scuba diver trainer and loves college sports, especially his Ohio State Buckeyes! O-H- 

Visit Our Other Social Media Channels

Instagram, Twitter: @getbeyondeq
YouTube: Beyond Emotional Intelligence – https://www.youtube.com/@getbeyondeq
FaceBook: getbeyondeq – https://www.facebook.com/getbeyondeq
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drew-gold-PhD – Follow me on LinkedIn
TikTok: getbeyondeq
Website: www.getbeyondeq.com 

Hashtags: #trending #lifehacks #emotionalintelligence #emotionaldexterity, #2026Goals

 

 

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Power of Emotional Reset: How to Start Each Day with a Clear Mindset

Image
  Each morning offers a fresh opportunity to set the tone for the day ahead. Yet, how often do we find ourselves waking up already stressed or overwhelmed by a mental to-do list? Starting the day with mental clutter can leave you feeling reactive, scattered, and emotionally drained before you even begin.  The good news is that with a few simple techniques, you can hit the emotional reset button, clear your mind, and start each day with intention and focus. Drawing from Beyond Emotional Intelligence: Never Have Another Bad Day , now available on Amazon.com ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK2H3MK3 ) this blog introduces practical exercises for a morning emotional reset, helping you begin each day with clarity and purpose.  Why Emotional Resets Matter Your emotional state in the morning often sets the tone for the entire day. Starting with stress or negativity can lead to reactive decisions, unproductive habits, and an overall sense of imbalance. On the other hand, startin...
Read more

Like the Phoenix Rising from the Ashes: How Unity Transforms Adversity into Triumph

Image
  Adversity often strikes when we least expect it, testing our resolve, our relationships, and our capacity to overcome. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of sports, where triumph and heartbreak are separated by mere moments. The Ohio State Football team’s unexpected loss to Michigan serves as a powerful reminder of how a team can rise from the depths of despair to achieve greatness. Their journey—from heavy favorites to national champions—provides a blueprint for overcoming adversity that resonates far beyond the football field.  The Turning Point: Facing the Harsh Truths   After losing to their archrival Michigan by three points, the Ohio State Football team found themselves in a storm of criticism. Fans and pundits called for the head coach’s job, and doubt crept into every corner of the program. The loss wasn’t just a blemish on their record; it was a blow to their identity as a powerhouse team.  Rather than let the despair fester, the team con...
Read more

Staying Calm in a Chaotic World: Finding Peace During Political and Economic Uncertainty

Image
We’re living in a time of rapid change and high tension. Political debates flood our feeds, economic shifts shake our financial confidence, and uncertainty has become a constant. It's no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even powerless. But here's the truth: even in the most unpredictable moments, we can learn to stay grounded, centered, and calm. This isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about protecting your peace so you can respond instead of react. Based on the principles I share in my book, here are a few ways to navigate turbulent times with clarity and calm:   1. Control What You Can, Release What You Can’t Uncertainty is hardwired to create stress. But most of that stress comes from trying to control the uncontrollable. We can’t predict elections, markets, or world events—but we can control how we respond.   Focus on your personal rituals. Create daily structure. Choose healthy foods. Move your body. Limit your news intake. These small decisions re...
Read more