We’ve reached the final chapter of 2025. Usually, this is the time of year when the world starts shouting about “crushing goals” and high-octane resolutions. But I want to be real with you: I’m in a quiet, low-energy season of reflection.
If you’re feeling tired, or if that “New Year Spark” hasn’t hit you yet, I have a secret for you: Being “on fire” is not a requirement for success.
In fact, some of my greatest achievements this year…publishing my book, growing my business, and supporting over 100 clients…happened on days when I was simply focused on staying in the boat while it rocked.
The Journal Entry That Changed My Year
I went back to my journals from January 6th of this year. At 51, with a business I love and a manuscript finished, I wrote these words:
“I can feel myself rocking back and forth from confidence and certainty to doubt and fear. I believe I am being pulled to where I am meant to grow…”
Even after transforming my life at 48 and leaving my safety net, the rocking didn’t stop. I used to think that “arrival” meant the end of fear. But I’ve learned that Confidence isn’t the absence of rocking; it’s the strength to stay in the boat.
The 5 Biggest Obstacles Holding You Back
To step into 2026 with intention, you have to know what is trying to trip you up. Most of these are born from inherited programming…old stories that tell us we aren’t safe unless we are perfect.
- The ‘All or Nothing’ Lens: Believing that if you aren’t 100% perfect by January 5th, you’ve failed. The Truth: Consistency is about being persistent, not perfect.
- The False Finish Line: Thinking “I’ll be happy when…” (I lose the weight, I make the money). The Truth: This keeps you from thriving in the “Gain” of right now. Celebrate who you are becoming.
- Borrowed Intentions: Setting goals because they look good on social media or because you think you “should.” The Truth: If you couldn’t tell anyone about the goal, would you still want it?
- Neglecting the Minimum Baseline: Not having a plan for the days you feel tired. The Truth: You need a “Minimum Baseline” of action—the small promise you keep even when motivation is zero.
- The Unchecked Inner Critic: Letting that inherited voice tell you your past defines your future. The Truth: If you don’t audit the sentences in your head, they will write your 2026 for you.
Intention vs. Confidence: Your 2026 Roadmap
So, how do we actually move forward? It comes down to two things:
Confidence is your Evidence. You don’t “get” confidence; you build it. You build it by keeping those small promises (your Minimum Baseline) on the hard days. That is where foundational strength is born.
Intention is your Compass. It’s looking in the mirror and saying, “Today, I intend to be supportive to myself.” It’s deciding which thoughts you’re going to “order off the menu” today.
My Wish for You
On January 6th, I felt fear and doubt. But because I chose to love myself unconditionally even on the hard days, I was able to publish my book, host signings, and exceed every goal I set.
My wish for you in 2026 is that you stop chasing a finish line and start enjoying the ride. You have the power to create a life of pure joy and peace, but it starts with feeding your brain new information…repetition by repetition.
Want to dive deeper into this topic and hear more of my personal insights? I invite you to watch my latest video.
Would you like to understand and rewrite your ingrained patterns? Check out my book, “Why Am I Like This?”, available on Amazon! You can learn more about my book at LifeCoachingwithCarisa.com/my-book. If you are ready to apply this to your life, schedule a free clarity call on my website.
“Confidence is not the absence of fear, but the evidence of self-trust built one small promise at a time.”
Carisa Peters