On this week’s Dear Katie, I’m doing things a bit differently.
Let’s talk about how to make 2026 your best year yet for your firm’s growth.
Right now, it’s those weird in-between days after Christmas or Hanukkah (if you celebrate one of those holidays) and just before New Year’s. The time often feels strange.
(Hey, you. Don’t celebrate Christmas? That’s fine. We want to include you, too. Think of your favorite holiday or big day that you wait and wait for and then, it’s gone in the blink of an eye.)
Your big day? It’s over. It’s quiet, and the New Year hasn’t started yet.
Do you relax? Do you get back to work?
For many people, this in-between space often leads to two extremes:
But today, I want you to fill some of this time on your calendar with alignment, not extremes.
I’ll explain everything below.
Right now, it’s the time of the year when the world slows down with you.
For once, you can actually hear yourself think.
(As you’re reading this, I bet you hear a voice inside your head. Am I right?)
Now, when you’re alone, if you pay attention to that silence, you can learn a lot about yourself.
Don’t just ask yourself: “What do I need to do next?”
Go deeper. Ask yourself:
When you truly get to the root of these answers, it can be uncomfortable.
Why? Because they force us to look beyond numbers and tasks. They force us to reflect and consider what we really want out of life.
But you know what? These uncomfortable moments give us clarity in a way no 10-step productivity plan could ever match.
So, during this slow week, I really encourage you to spend some intentional time with no phone, work or distractions.
Write. Walk. Just sit with your thoughts in silence. Listen.
I know this can be hard.
But we all have an hour here and there, whether that’s waking up an hour early or staying up an hour later.
I did this exercise last year, and I’m going to do it again this year.
Here were my answers:
I’m proud to say that I did all of these things this year. But it happened only because I set an intention. You can, too.
The clarity that you’ll find from this simple exercise will do more for your professional growth and personal life than any to-do list you create.
I hope that you find these questions useful.
If you’re open to sharing your answers, I’d love to read them! I personally read and reply to all of my emails.
And, that’s a wrap on this Dear Katie question.
Happy holidays!
__
Now I want to hear from you. Do you have a question?
Until next time, cheers to your success!
Katie
Use this time for reflection. Ask yourself what you want to stop carrying, what you want to protect, and who you want to become in the next year.
Take time to write down your thoughts on what truly matters to you. This will help you set goals that reflect your values rather than just professional ambitions.
Consider waking up an hour early or staying up late to sit in silence, write, or take a walk without distractions. This quiet time can lead to valuable insights.
Aim to be ambitious without neglecting your personal life. Set clear boundaries and prioritize time for family and personal moments.
Deeper questions help you gain clarity about your true desires and motivations, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling goals.
Instead of over-planning, focus on being present. Reflect on what you can let go of and what truly matters to you, which can reduce feelings of overwhelm.