Productive But Low Lifts to Ease Into 2026

By Jessica Wise

So, we all agree. We’re coming into 2026 like we’re going to the store with our Black moms in the 2000s. We’re just walking in quietly and not touching anything right away. And given the year we had before, that’s fair. But we also want to keep living our lives and chasing those dreams. Not because we are in denial about the systematic collapse happening around us, but because we refuse to be paralyzed by our oppressors. Continuing to live the best we can is resistance within itself. So, how do we balance? How can we make this our best year yet without overwhelming ourselves in the first quarter?

I can’t believe I’m saying this but, we’re not going to hit the ground running. These are unusual times and we can’t push ourselves in the usual ways. It’s not sustainable right now. I’m not saying we should all become hermits or just simply not try. But our methods have to take a softer pivot in order for us to remain intact.

This year, we’re not running in. We’re easing in, and we’re still going to be successful because we’re keeping self preservation along the way in mind.

Here are some productive, but low-lift ways to ease into 2026 before you take off with your goals:

Employ the Two-Minute Rule

If you can do it in two minutes or less, do it now. Respond to that email. Call to make your appointments. Update your LinkTree. Write down what you spent today in your budget tracker. Keeping those little extra, stupid things under control will help you keep your mind clear and your path clear for your goals.

Make Your Vision Board Quarterly

You never know how your goals are going to evolve over 365 days. Take the pressure down a few notches, and set your goals quarter by quarter. I recommend this no matter what kind of year the world is having, but especially now. Quarterly vision boarding gives you at least four pre-scheduled appointments with yourself to check in and reassess what you want and need to keep building the life of your dreams in spite of it all.

Set an Alarm for Standing

Right now, it’s cold outside, things are getting scarier, and we’ve all been forced back into offices. Don’t let these times make you sedentary. Not only will it negatively impact your physical health, but it will take its toll on your mental health and productivity as well. Set an alarm or reminder on your device to stand and/or walk around every one or two hours per day. It’s a small effort, but it’s a productive way to regain focus and gives you a healthy excuse for a break.

Add Gratitude & Joy to the Beginning & Ending of Your Day

Morning and nighttime routines are important rituals, but they don’t have to be boring or somber. Write down three things you’re thankful for first thing in the morning and right before bed. Add one thing that sparks happiness into your mornings and evenings. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Your shot of joy could be as simple as having tea in your favorite cup or looking out your window to see the sunrise. Whatever it is, embrace it and make it part of your day. It rewires your brain for healthy positivity so you can get better rest and have a better day.

It’s still going to be a great year, but it’s not going to be easy. We can’t control what Trump is saying today, or what corporations are doing tomorrow to get themselves cancelled. We can only look out for each other and ourselves, and now is the time to create our own soft landings.

With these easy tips, you can give yourself the ease you’ll need for the dreams you’re making come true and the fights ahead. Arm yourself with your vision board, prayers, and independent journalists (like us) who you can trust. We got this!

Ready to make your vision clear? Join us for our Q1 Vision Board party. RSVP for free to join us virtually on 1/17.

Want to keep this vibe going? We host quarterly vision board parties for our Audaci-TEAM members. Join our community, and let’s ease on down the road of 2026 together.