For many, the New Year signals a time to reinvent yourself. Gyms fill up, junk food is tossed and more money is spent on wellness trends than at any other time of year.
At Team Element, we prefer a different approach. Instead of pushing you to do more, we want to help you move into the New Year with greater intention. Less pressure. More alignment. A focus on what actually works in real life.
Before looking ahead to 2026, we believe the most important step is to look back.
Reflecting on 2025 With Honesty and Self Compassion
The quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s can offer a rare pause. It can be a chance to reflect on the year that was, starting with what went well, what you are genuinely proud of.
Some questions worth sitting with or journaling on:
What am I proud of this year? What did I start, accomplish or complete?
How did I show up for myself?
In what ways did I grow, learn or improve in 2025?
Reflection also means acknowledging what felt heavy or hard, but through a lens of self-compassion.
What areas felt challenging?
Where did I struggle to stay consistent?
Awareness creates clarity and clarity makes it easier to move forward with intention.
Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You
After reflecting on what went well and what was hard, there is one more important step before moving forward.
Moving forward often begins by releasing what no longer fits. As a new year approaches, notice what from 2025 you don’t need to carry with you.
Maybe it is a habit that drains your energy. A belief that keeps you playing small. A routine that once helped but now feels misaligned.
Allowing Yourself to Dream About 2026
Once you have created that space, then comes the fun part. Dreaming about 2026.
Yes, dreaming.
We talk a lot about SMART goals in the coaching world, and they matter. But before goals, there is vision. What if you allowed yourself, just for a moment, to imagine what could be possible?
Is there a race or event you have been quietly thinking about?
A new distance or discipline that intrigues you?
A skill you would love to learn or refine?
Let yourself believe it could happen. Even briefly. That feeling matters more than you might think.
Why Simple Habits Create Lasting Change
The bridge between dreaming and doing is structure and systems.
As James Clear reminds us,
“You do not rise to the level of your goals.
You fall to the level of your systems.”
One of the most powerful ideas in behavior change research is that habits shape who we become. Small actions, done consistently, create results far beyond what we expect. Success is rarely the result of big dramatic changes. It comes from systems that make the right actions easier to repeat.
This is where many people get stuck. We overcomplicate everything.
We try to change too much at once. We build routines that require perfection. Then when real life inevitably interferes, we feel like we have failed.
Using the Mindset, Nutrition, Training, Recovery - Integrated Training System.
Mindset:
“Choose discomfort over resentment.”
Brené Brown
Choosing small moments of discomfort now often prevents burnout, frustration, and regret later. It allows growth without losing yourself in the process. Choose Growth Without Burnout
Nutrition:
Complex meal plans are not required for progress. A simple framework works well for most people. Aim for a green, a grain, and a lean protein at meals. Include vegetables and/or fruit. Include protein. Limit added sugar and alcohol where you can.
Training:
Many of our athletes are already doing a great job here. Training sessions are happening. Strength and mobility are prioritized.
Is there a new race or distance you want to explore?
Is there a performance goal that excites you?
Is it time to map out the year ahead with your coach?
Recovery:
We know how critical sleep is for women navigating perimenopause and beyond. A consistent bedtime routine matters, but it does not need to be elaborate. Choose two or three habits that have the biggest impact. No screens an hour before bed. No caffeine after early afternoon. A short mobility or wind down routine you can actually stick to.
A Simpler Way Forward Into 2026
As you move into 2026, our reminder to you is simple. Less truly is more. You do not need to fit a perfect mold or chase every new trend. Focus on small habits. Build systems that support your life. Allow consistency to do the heavy lifting.
And when in doubt, reach out. That is what we are here for.
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