Locking In For The New Year
Locking in for the new year is more than just hitting the gym, going sober, or trying to recoup your Christmas funds. As business owners it’s a change to reset yourself both personally and professionally.
Writing this blog in betwixmas (that awkward time before Christmas an new years) I feel a sense of optimism and ambition I personally haven’t felt for most of 2025. While I may still be full of Turkey and cheeseboards, the food related coma that I’ve put myself in has given me time to think, plan, and work out an approach for a better 2026. It’s honestly my favourite part of the year when I use the time right, and I know I’m not alone in that.
There’s individuals working on their 2026 “rebrand”, TikToks talking about successful vision boarding and, a lot of people taking this awkward time to reflect on everything they’ve achieved over the last year - as well as working out how to top it in 2026.
I’ve spoken on this blog about conducting life audits, and setting SMART goals, essentially viewing your personal development the same way you view your professional development. But I can’t recall a moment where I’ve spoken on how you get into this growth and development mindset that we all cherish (secretly or openly).
So how exactly do you lock in for the new year, get yourself out of a fixed mindset and into a growth one?
How To Lock in For The New Year
Step 1: Identify Where You’re Fixed (Without Judging Yourself)
You don’t need to “eliminate” a fixed mindset — everyone has one in certain areas of their life. The goal is awareness, not self-criticism. Start by noticing where you avoid trying because you’re afraid you won’t be good immediately, which criticism you take personally instead of constructively, and what you quietly believe “just isn’t for people like me.” Fixed-mindset thoughts often sound like “I’m just not creative,” “I’ve always been bad with money,” or “If I fail, it’ll prove I was right to doubt myself.” Recognising these patterns isn’t weakness — it’s leverage.
Step 2: Change the Language You Use Mid-Action
Mindset shifts don’t happen during reflection; they happen in the exact moment you want to stop. When your brain tells you “This isn’t working,” respond with “What’s one adjustment I can test?” If it says “I’m bad at this,” try reframing it as “I’m early in learning this.” And when you catch yourself thinking “I should be further by now,” remind yourself that “Progress doesn’t move in straight lines.” You’re not lying to yourself — you’re choosing a more accurate narrative.
Step 3: Redefine Failure as Data
People with a growth mindset don’t fail less — they recover faster. Instead of asking “Why did this go wrong?” shift the focus to what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d do differently next time. This approach applies to career moves, creative projects, relationships, and health goals alike. When you treat every attempt as an experiment, nothing is wasted — even the things that don’t succeed.
Step 4: Build Systems, Not Just Goals
A fixed mindset is obsessed with outcomes, while a growth mindset focuses on process. Rather than saying “I want to be successful this year,” commit to something actionable like “I’ll show up for 30 minutes a day, even when I don’t feel like it.” Instead of “I need to be confident,” try “I’ll practice the things confident people practice.” Locking in means trusting systems to carry you when motivation disappears — because it will.
Step 5: Get Comfortable Being Seen Learning
One of the biggest blockers to growth is embarrassment. Real growth requires asking questions, making visible mistakes, and not always being the best in the room. If you only allow yourself to be seen when you’re polished, you limit your potential to what you already know. The fastest learners are willing to look inexperienced — temporarily.
Step 6: Measure Progress Differently
A fixed mindset asks, “Did I succeed?” A growth mindset asks, “Did I improve?” Measure progress by the skills you’ve gained, the consistency you’ve kept, the feedback you’ve applied, and the resilience you’ve built. Some of the most important progress you’ll make this year won’t be immediately obvious — but it will compound over time.
Locking In for the Year Ahead
The people who truly change their lives aren’t always the most disciplined or talented. They’re the ones who stay in the process when it stops feeling rewarding. This year, lock in by choosing learning over proving, curiosity over criticism, and progress over perfection. You don’t need to become a different person — you just need to believe growth is possible and act like it. Practised daily, that belief changes everything.