At the beginning of a new year, there is a natural pull toward momentum. Fresh calendars, renewed energy, and the promise of progress invite us to jump straight into action. But at Horizon Point Consulting, we believe sustainable success starts with intention—not urgency. Starting the year right means slowing down just enough to be thoughtful, focused, and aligned.
Here is a simple, disciplined approach we often recommend to individuals and organizations alike. And you need to write this all down! Don’t just do it in your head. Reflection becomes far more powerful when it moves from your head to paper.
1. Reflect
Before you plan what’s next, take time to reflect on what has been. Two ways to do this are through documenting:
Highs and Lows
Begin by capturing the highs from the past year. What worked? Where did you feel proud, energized, or successful? These moments often reveal strengths and strategies worth repeating.
Then, honestly document the lows. What felt heavy, frustrating, or misaligned? Where did you lose energy or momentum? Naming these experiences helps you learn from them rather than carry them forward unconsciously.
Start, Stop, Stay
Next, organize your reflection into three simple categories:
- Start: What new habits, behaviors, or practices would serve you better this year?
- Stop: What is no longer working and needs to be released?
- Stay: What is already working well and should be protected or reinforced?
This exercise brings clarity and creates a strong foundation for meaningful change.
Mel Robbin’s Best Year Workbook highlights a reflection on both of these things and may help you get these reflections down on paper.
We also like Emily Freeman’s 10 Questions for Reflection and Discernment
2. Plan — Then Put It on the Calendar
Reflection without planning rarely leads to results. Once you’ve identified what matters most, it’s time to plan.
The key here is specificity. Good intentions become real commitments when they are scheduled. Block time for priorities, not just tasks. And understand your natural rhythms to know when the best time is to do what type of activities. We outline how to do a time audit and other important “when” topics here. Whether it’s strategic thinking, personal development, health, or connection, if it matters—it deserves space on your calendar.
You also may want to check out Cal Newport’s planner and podcast for more insights on purposeful planning for “deep work” and “slow productivity.”
And then, the harder part: stick to it. Treat these commitments with the same respect you give meetings and deadlines. Consistency is where progress compounds.
3. Simplify
Starting the year right doesn’t mean doing more. In fact, it often means doing less—on purpose.
We simplify at HPC by selecting a theme for the year. Here are some of our previous themes:
Ironically enough, our theme for 2026 HPC is “Simplicity.”
Look at your commitments, goals, and routines and ask: What can be simplified? Where can you reduce complexity, eliminate distractions, or streamline processes? We will be working through all of these things this year at HPC.
We are starting off this year simplifying our blog and newsletters. Blogs will be released once a month, not once a week, along with a newsletter. Often, less is more.
Simplicity creates focus and it takes intention. We are focusing on this in 2026.
4. Share
Goals grow stronger when they are shared. Whether it’s with a colleague, a team, a coach, or a trusted friend, articulating your intentions out loud builds accountability and clarity.
Sharing also invites support. You don’t have to carry the year alone—and you shouldn’t.
In fact, with our Doer2Leader (D2L) leadership training, everyone picks an accountability partner so they are sharing their goals and sharing their progress throughout the six month program.
We have three groups starting this month and have a spot or two left for more- email us to set up a call to talk about your need!
5. Calibrate Regularly
Finally, remember that the year is not a straight line. Starting strong matters, but recalibrating regularly matters more. Every year will no doubt require pivots.
Build in moments—monthly or quarterly (we like to do it quarterly)—to revisit your reflections, plans, and priorities. Ask what’s working, what’s shifting, and what needs adjustment. Calibration keeps you aligned as conditions change.
Starting the new year right isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about clarity, intention, and disciplined follow-through. When you reflect honestly, plan deliberately, simplify courageously, share openly, and calibrate regularly, you create a year that is not just busy—but meaningful.
