Mindset Shifts I am taking into 2026
Ah, the new year.
I love the promise a new year brings. I feel so hopeful on December 31. I can’t help it. I’m standing at the edge of a new year, ready to make changes, build goals, and decide that by this time next year, I will be a completely different person.
If you’re anything like me, you make your list of resolutions, and maybe even recruit your family to get involved. Have I already scheduled a meeting with my husband to talk about our goals? Yes, yes I have. He is thrilled.
But also, if you’re anything like me, you make the resolutions and plan all the things. You’re going to wake up earlier, exercise more, memorize Scripture, save more money, book that vacation, be a nicer person… and by January 23rd, those resolutions have all but dissolved in a cloud of dust. We had great intentions, but those intentions only got us so far.
In 2026, I am going to try something new. Instead of crafting resolutions, I am going to focus on making Mindset Shifts.
Why?
One of the things we know from studying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and brain science is that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected (Mayo Clinic, 2025). So often, our ideas for change fail because we focus on the behaviors but rarely on the mindset driving those behaviors.
For example, if you make it a goal to lose weight by eliminating processed foods from your diet, this is a great goal. You will probably do well for a couple of weeks. However, a morning will come when you feel rushed to work. Maybe you overslept or were up all night with a sick kid. You skipped breakfast, and when you get to work, Behold! There are donuts! Your resolve is weak, and you’re hungry, so you eat a donut.
What often follows after the donut is consumed, or really we fail at any goal, is feelings of guilt, shame, and disappointment in ourselves. We hate that our resolve was weak. Then, we start to think, “What is the point in this? I’m never going to change.” And then we abandon the goal.
However, if we focus on changing our mindset first, then our goals are more likely to last.
My overall goal is still to eliminate processed foods, but I start with my thoughts.
“Eliminating processed food is going to help me feel better and help me become more focused.”
With this mindset change, I have a purpose and meaning behind my goal. I feel confident and more sure of myself. Then, on days when I am tempted to get derailed, I remember my goal is to feel better and increase my focus. I also remember that if I eat a donut, I am not failing. Instead, I am just not going to feel as good, and I may not be as focused. But I will enjoy that donut and keep working towards my goal.
Resolutions are great, but changing your mindset will lead to the results you want for the longterm.
What are some of your mindset shifts you are taking into 2026? Let me know!
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
