I’m Hitting Pause

The start of every year usually comes with a long list of goals, plans, and things people feel pressured to accomplish before the calendar flips again.

But coming out of 2025, I realized something about the pace I was moving at. Last year was full. It stretched me in all the ways growth usually does, but it also brought a lot of presence. I made it a point to show up for the moments that mattered, mentally stay in the present, and I’m glad I protected that.

The funny thing is, I haven’t really sat down to plan 2026 yet. Normally, this is the time when I’d map out the big picture of everything I want to build, improve, or take on. But I haven’t had the space for that yet. And for the first time, I’m not frustrated by it. I’m actually grateful.

I’ve come to realize that slowing down isn’t falling behind. It’s creating space. And I haven’t done enough of that lately.

So instead of rushing into the year with a checklist, I’m giving myself permission to pause, to think, and to move with intention instead of urgency. My focus for 2026 is to slow the pace, simplify everything, make aligned decisions, and be thoughtful about where my energy goes. Not because I want to do less, but because I want to do the right things with more clarity.

Last year was fast. Rewarding, but fast. This year, I want to approach things differently. I want to take the time to understand what deserves my attention and what doesn’t. I want to give myself room to breathe before I commit to anything new. And if the plan for 2026 takes a little longer to form, then that’s exactly how it’s supposed to unfold.

There’s something valuable in not knowing every next step. It forces you to be present. It forces you to notice the terrain before you move. And if the goal is to stay intentional, then pausing isn’t a delay, it’s part of the work.

So here’s where I’m starting this year: not with a roadmap, but with a reset. A clearer mindset. And a slower pace.

We’ll see where that leads.

– G aka the One Taking His Time This Year

P.S. One of my goals this year is to do a quarterly speaking engagement. If you know of an opportunity, an event, or someone who would benefit from a story centered around resilience and transformation, I’d love an intro.

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