Every January, without fail, I get asked the same question over and over again "Megan, what goals are starting in January?"

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And every year, I give the same answer that makes people look at me like I've lost my mind.

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"I'm not starting anything new in January."

Before you think I'm anti-goal or anti-improvement, hear me out.

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It's not that I don't believe in getting better or making changes. I absolutely do.

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In fact, every year I teach an entire annual planning process where we map out the whole year ahead, including goals.

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BUT here's what I've learned over the years.

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​January 1st is one of the WORST times for me to start something new.

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I'm coming off weeks of disrupted routines, family chaos, travel, late nights, too much sugar, and weird sleep schedules.

• My daughter is getting back into school mode.

• Work is ramping back up for me and my husband.

• I'm trying to remember what "normal life" even looks like. 

• I'm pretty sure someone is going to get sick.

 

Then, I'm supposed to ALSO add a bunch of new habits, goals, and commitments on top of all that?

No thanks.

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So instead, here's what I do:

I treat January like the transition month it actually is.

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1. I give myself permission to ease back into routines before I add anything new.

2. I focus on getting my weekly planning rhythm back in place.

3. I reconnect with the systems that worked before the holidays derailed them.​

4. And THEN, usually sometime late January or early February when life has settled, I start to implement changes... one at a time. 

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I know, I know. It's not sexy. It doesn't make for inspiring Instagram posts on January 1st. But you know what it does do? It actually works.

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Here's the truth: You don't need another fresh start. You don't need to reinvent yourself every January 1st. You don't need to feel guilty that you're not bursting with energy and motivation right now.

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What you need is to give yourself some grace as you transition back to regular life. And then, when you're ready, not when the calendar tells you to be ready, you can intentionally decide what you want to focus on.

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So if you're fired up and ready to tackle 2026 right now? Amazing. Go for it.

But if you're feeling more "meh" than "yeah"? That is totally fine, too.

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Best,
Megan Sumrell, Time Management Expert, Speaker, Planner Creator

The Pink Bee

www.MeganSumrell.com

Time management, organization, & productivity systems built for women's real lives.

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P.S. from Liz: So take a deep breath, take the pressure off, and stop beating yourself up for a rough start to the new year, and let Feb be the new January. :)