How to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with intention

As the year comes to an end, there’s always this mixed feeling of excitement, apprehension, anxiety, and that low-level stress about the things that perhaps didn’t get done in 2025, alongside the building pressure of what 2026 might bring.

It’s easy to overlook the wonderful moments in 365 days. But it’s equally easy to forget that the hard times were normal too, and that the tiny bursts of joy, achievements, and moments of growth are all woven into the year’s journey.

To make the most of a year ending is also to look forward with clarity. I see so many people roll into the end of the year with excitement, but also with a sense of blankness about what’s coming up ahead. And honestly, I feel like a lot of people start January with a dip in happiness – staring at a whole full year ahead, not knowing where they will succeed or where they might fail.

I think one of the best ways to combat this is to plan how you are going to show up in 2026 before it actually begins. Not with a list of resolutions, but with a clearer sense of who you want to be.

For me, this starts with sitting down and reflecting properly on the year you’ve had.

1. Highlight three big achievements

These don’t need to be monumental. They can be simple things like:

• Meeting friends more, which we know increases happiness through human connection
• Professional milestones you reached
• Or even sleeping better, which we know significantly impacts both physical and mental wellbeing

Remember that small wins are valid too.

2. Give thanks (to yourself and others)

This means acknowledging yourself, thanking others, and maybe reaching out with a message to people who shaped your year.

This could include someone who made the year hard, but who ultimately created growth for you. It could be that one special person who stood by your side as you navigated the ups and downs.

Sometimes, gratitude is simply: Thank you for being there.

3. Look ahead, beyond your goals

Instead of starting January with a typical list of resolutions, start by thinking about how you want to show up in 2026.

Ask yourself:

• How do I want to feel this year?
• What energy do I want to bring?
• Am I committed, engaged, enthusiastic, consistent?

I remember one year when my theme was “Consistency” – which meant that no matter what goals I set, I committed to being consistent with the steps leading up to them. And the result? I actually achieved the goals I wanted, because I had a framework to support them.

For me, 2025 was a challenging year professionally. I struggled with letting go of old, limiting beliefs that stopped me from putting myself out there. It was a huge hurdle to overcome.

I’m grateful for my business coach who stood by me for half of this year, who pushed me, challenged me, and made me prouder of who I am and the work that I do.

When I think about the energy I want to bring into 2026, one word feels right: Dedicated.

“Dedicated” feels like a scary word to me because it seems restrictive in certain ways. But, truthfully, I want to be more dedicated to the different areas of my life:

• More dedicated to my work goals
• More dedicated to my family’s needs
• More dedicated to my relationships with friends

I’ve learned that the best way to avoid a resolution-induced identity crisis in January is to decide who you are before the clock strikes midnight.

So use this simple framework to wrap up 2025 with clarity, acknowledgment, and gratitude. And use it to look forward to 2026 with purpose and intention.

Every year ending is another opportunity for a happier and better you in the year ahead.

Shireena Shroff Manchharam is a Her World Tribe member, the founder and principal consultant of Sheens Consulting, and the founder and creator of Getting To Happy, a mental health movement to inspire our community and society to live happier, more mindful lives.