Knock, knock… Each year, we pause—if only briefly—to acknowledge what we’ve accomplished.
Some victories were large and life-altering. Others were quiet, personal, and just as meaningful.
And yet—if we’re honest—there’s usually a cringe or two.
Those lingering goals. The projects that didn’t quite make it across the finish line.
You likely thought you had more time. More energy. More space to get to it.
But time ran out.
And still—life moves forward.
2026 Is Knocking—Whether You’re Ready or Not
Like it or not, 2026 is standing at the door.
You can ignore the knock for a while. Cling to the familiar. Stay tucked inside your comfort zone.
But what’s the point of that?
There are twelve fresh months waiting on the other side—months filled with possibility, growth, and second chances.
As I’ve written many times before, reflection matters. You need to take a 
self-assessment of 2025. And gratitude matters even more.
Not—just for what we completed, but also for what we didn’t.
Sometimes the unfinished work teaches us just as much.
Reflect Before You Reach for the Doorknob
Take time—intentional time—to look back.
Ask yourself:
- What was the one thing you truly wanted to accomplish but didn’t?
- What kept getting postponed?
- What mattered more than you admitted?
Let that one thing become your priority in the new year—not as a burden, but as a compass.
Perspective Changes Everything
We’ve all heard the saying about the glass being half full.
But even when it feels empty—and you’re tired, discouraged, or frustrated—remind yourself:
This season will not last forever.
Eventually, the sun breaks through. It always does.
Until then, treat every setback as a classroom.
There is something to learn—about timing, boundaries, courage, or clarity.
Carry that lesson forward with you.
Lessons I’m Carrying with Me
This past year, I surprised myself.
I’m proud of the blogs I completed—and how deeply I enjoyed writing them.
I’m proud that I learned to better leverage social media instead of fearing it.
I’m proud that I invested in mentors—and that I’ll continue to do so.
Why struggle endlessly through trial and error when we can learn from those who’ve already walked the road?
What once felt overwhelming now feels manageable.
Practice really does make things easier.
There are always kinks. Always learning curves.
But there are also guides—and often, the realization that you’re more capable than you thought.
Stepping Beyond the Comfort Zone
I also found joy in following—and learning from—thought leaders, especially on LinkedIn. Critical thinking is still alive. Wisdom is still being shared.
And in a world that sometimes forgets its responsibility to one another, I’ve learned this truth:
You are still in charge of your decisions.
You still get to choose integrity, courage, and compassion.
Stepping outside your comfort zone may feel overdue—but timing matters less than movement.
You did it when you were ready.
And that counts.
For all of this—and more—I am deeply grateful.
Time to Put the House in Order
Now is the moment to prepare.
To vacuum.
To clear clutter.
To make room.
Because 2026 isn’t just knocking—it’s waiting to be welcomed.
Ready?
7 Strategies to Be Ready When 2026 Knocks
- Schedule Reflection—Don’t Leave It to Chance: Block time to review the past year honestly. Reflection creates clarity, not regret.
- Choose One Meaningful Priority: Not ten. Not five. One. Let focus replace overwhelm.
- Declutter Your Physical and Mental Space: Clear your environment—and your commitments—so new energy can enter.
- Invest in Guidance: Mentors, books, and courses can help you leapfrog unnecessary struggle.
- Practice Consistently, Not Perfectly: Small, repeated actions build confidence and competence.
- Stay Curious and Connected: Follow thinkers who challenge you. Growth thrives on perspective.
- Act When the Time Is Right—Not When It’s Perfect: Progress begins the moment you open the door.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you open the door. You just have to be willing to answer it. But here are a few resources you may need: The Mindfulness Journal: Daily Practices, Writing Prompts, and Reflections, which encourages focusing on what awaits you; and once again, the bestselling Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life and its The Designing Your Life Workbook: A Framework for Building a Life You Can Thrive In by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, which is a practical framework for building a meaningful life.
Now—back to 2026 knocking at the door…
Ready or not, it's time to let it in!
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I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur— passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee
