To create a new experience for yourself in 2026 (and beyond), having new or improved habits is only part of your plan. A mindset shift is equally, if not more, important. Many individuals will attempt to change their current behaviors but will struggle with changing their thought process. This lack of focus on thought processes is the reason so many people’s goals begin to decrease in value after February.
An authentic mindset change significantly alters the way an individual views effort, failure, time, and success. It defines all subsequent decisions that are made based on this new perspective. During the early part of the year, the power of this perspective will be more important than any planner, application, or routine available for use.
Below are five examples of mindset shifts that can encourage an individual to develop the highest degree of strength, calmness and a sense of fulfillment throughout 2026 (and beyond).
1. From chasing goals to building identity
While goals can help guide someone, they are often fragile; you achieve a goal and then feel a sense of emptiness, or you fail to achieve one and feel like a failure. Conversely, the idea or thought about identity is far more powerful.
For example, the statement “I want to write a book” conveys an expectation of achieving the desired result. In contrast, the statement “I am a writer” conveys the sense of being a writer and having a defined identity as a writer.
When you look at things from this perspective, there is no need to negotiate with yourself each day about whether or not to do something. Rather than asking the question, “Should I move today?” you will ask, “Is moving today consistent with who I am?”
This way of looking at things allows you to reframe your goals.
- Instead of saying, “I want to work out more”, say “I am someone who moves every day“.
- Instead of saying “I want to save money”, say “I am someone who respects my future self“.
- Instead of saying, “I want to learn”, say “I am a lifelong learner“.
By creating small, consistent actions that support the idea of being the kind of person you state you are, these actions become evidence of who you are rather than something you need to complete to get to where you want to go.
2. From being busy to doing deep work
The feeling of accomplishment that comes from extensive busyness is false.
Most people’s day to day actions are reactive to other people’s messages/meetings/notifications and they have too many tabs open and not doing anything with creative thought, just sensationalised eventful, busy lives.
Deep Work is the opposite. You focus on doing adaptive thinks without interruption and this is where real deep thinking occurs. Adopting this way of thinking is recognising that your brain has value, not just a never-ending supply of processes.
Take a small step to start with.
You will lose the sensation of doing a lot of things (not a lot), in the first day but you will complete more things with your focus and experience over 30 days due to the increased depth of focus.
3. From proving worth to doing meaningful work
Many people attach their self-worth to their work output. They believe the more time spent working will equate to greater productivity and subsequently receive a greater amount of accolades.
This is mentally draining.
A more effective approach to how we see our work is by focusing on why what we do is important versus how much of it we have done. Meaningful Work is simply a question: What is the importance behind this?
Meaning does not have to be something large or elaborate, it can be very straightforward.
- To teach another person something.
- To address a true need someone has.
- To simplify something.
- To create a useful product.
When we view our jobs as having meaning that will not only provide motivation for us, it removes any need to be motivated to show up to work.
Throughout this week, I encourage you to ask yourself:
What are some of the things I do in my job today that helps others? And then do more of this in your job!
4. From motivation to emotional control
You cannot build a lifetime or anything substantial on motivation alone; therefore, what’s left is self-control over your emotions. This mental shift in your thinking will help you take action regardless of how you feel. You will act from an awareness of your emotions instead of from volatility to anger.
When you learn to understand your emotions, you will no longer be led by your emotions.
Start by:
- Recognizing what triggers your feelings.
- Naming the feeling.
- Pausing before taking any action.
- Choosing how to react.
When you learn to do this, it will give you the ability to take charge of how you feel at any given moment. Your mood, stress level, or fear no longer have control over you. Regardless of how someone feels, they always seem to respond to the feelings.
5. From rigid plans to flexible direction
People often fail because they won’t adapt. Many people hold on to a plan that does not work anymore. This shift in mindset is all about choosing to have a direction instead of being perfect.
Rather than asking, “Did I follow the plan?” ask yourself, “Did I learn any useful information?“
Having a direction means that you can continue to move forward. Having a rigid mindset can cause you to feel ashamed of your failure.
A flexible year looks like this:
| Rigid Thinking | Flexible Thinking |
|---|---|
| I must follow this plan | I can adjust as I learn |
| Change means failure | Change means growth |
| I need certainty | I need direction |
| One mistake ruins progress | Mistakes guide progress |
How these mindset shifts work together
Every mindset shift reinforces the others.
- Purpose through Identity
- Focus through Deep Work
- Energy through Meaningful Work
- Stability through Emotional Control
- Freedom through Flexible Direction
Together, these four shifts create “momentum.”
Momentum – not hype – not burn out – Momentum.
A simple 2026 reset plan
No need to rush through everything.
- During the first week, create three personal identity statements that start with “I am someone who…”
- During the second week, schedule one block of focused work time for each day.
- During the third week, take note of those aspects of your profession that truly resonate with who you are.
- During the fourth week, strive to apply thought before you respond.
- During the fifth and final week, assess the progress you made against your initial objectives and if needed, adapt accordingly.
Take it slow and focus on making one change at a time.
Wrapping it up
Achieving your best year will depend on having a better approach to thinking as opposed to having a perfect plan. With mindset shifts, you will receive clarity instead of confusion. Direction instead of stress. Growth instead of burnout. Just like the biggest innovations showcased in the CES 2026 highlights, real progress comes from rethinking how you move forward.
When you apply even one of the mindset shifts, you’ll notice a difference in what 2026 looks like. Instead of chasing after change, become the change! If you need practical ideas to get started, these popular New Year resolution ideas can help you turn intention into action.
A true mindset shift allows you to experience this kind of transformation.
