I know, I know - it's January. First Shabbat of 2026.
But that's the thing about time. It does this trick on us.
There's something about the beginning of a new year that makes time feel... expansive. Like we have SO much of it.
All these months stretched out ahead. So much space to become who we want to become, accomplish what we want to accomplish, change what we want to change, stop what we want to stop.
And that's a beautiful mindset. I love the hope of it. The possibility.
But here's what I've learned: These frames - "new year", "fresh start", "January 1st" - they're just frames.
The progress you make (or don't make) in January is no different than the progress you made (or didn't make) in December, November, October. The calendar doesn't change that.
And before we know it - and I mean this - it'll be December again.
We'll blink, and 2026 will be over.
Now, I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. They've never worked for me in that setting.
I'm more of a "let's start now and see what that brings and how that feels and then pivot from there" kind of person.
Because I found that reality and life give us the best feedback - not theoretical plans we make in our head (or in our heart).
So this week, I did something different. I reverse-engineered from the end of 2026.
Where do I want to be - in life and in business - in December 2026?
What do I want to make progress on?
What matters to me?
Then I mapped it: 1-2 specific action items for each month to get there. Not grand resolutions.
Practical flags in the months ahead.
And most importantly? I started executing NOW.
Not "by the end of January". Not "soon". Now.
We just set a new tradition to celebrate 4th of July with friends from another state. Months ahead, I know. And that's the point.
Now I know it's happening when July comes (because I know it's going to be here sooner than I think).
We're starting to add daily walks - now, this week - not as some big "lose 20 pounds" resolution that feels like where do I even start (especially since kilos are almost half of pounds, which makes those numbers so much more daunting in my brain).
Small. Practical. Now.
That's how I'm starting 2026.
Because before we know it, I'll be writing to you about 2027.
If that is resonating with you, try it. Set the most important things you want to accomplish for the months ahead. Add them to your calendar for each month. Start now. See what it brings. See how it feels. Pivot from there.
That's the real fresh start.
Shabbat Shalom
Inbal Amit
Hebrew b y Inbal