No re-invention required for 2026
I took a good 90 minutes writing a blog about my lessons from 2025 and what I would be taking into 2026, but when I came to post it this morning, I changed my mind.
I don't want to be looking backwards in 2026, I want to look forward.
And that’s not because 2025 wasn't a good year, it was actually great for The Pocket Strategist and personally. We launched several new services, lots of returning customers, I tested out doing more speaking, I've already passed 2024/2025 financially with a quarter to spare, I started playing pickleball (totally obsessed), which is feeling my need to be healthier, more social and a competitive outlet. Lots of things didn't go to plan, but lots of things also did.
2026 is not about big re-inventions, pivots or shiny new things; it is about consolidating what we are doing well, doing more of it and making sure that I continue to enjoy my work and have the space and finances to live a fun life. So, instead of lessons, here's what I'm focusing on in 2026:
Maintaining momentum - what we are doing works really well. This year, we don't need to try loads of new things, chase shiny objects, or pivot. We will just do more of what works, keep our rhythm and consistency, and do it better.
1% gains in how we deliver - the work we are doing delivers excellent results for our clients. We're going to keep doing the same stuff, but each month, reflect on what we can do 1% better across the board. Whether that is improving onboarding, me learning new skills, or making changes to marketing. I'm not chasing huge changes, just steady improvements.
Use the data - we have a great rhythm across marketing, services and sales. This year, is focusing on keeping that rhythm more consistent whilst looking closer at the data to make better decisions and deliver those 1% gains in how we deliver.
Have fun - in the business, yes, but also in life. Personally, I will continue to build in time to play pickleball every week, focused time with my girls and white space in my calendar to take time off as and when I want and need. My weeks are flexible, and it's important to me I maintain that to keep me interested and feel that I have freedom, not chained to my desk.
And that’s it.
I work with a lot of my small business clients to help them find clarity and greater simplicity in the way they run their businesses. There is a lot of advice out there that can overcomplicate how you run your business, add a million new things, try this, try that. But what gets lost is the focus, control and fun.
My advice to you as you go into 2026, work out what is working well, do more of it. Set clear goals, resist the noise, track the data, and try to simplify the way you run your business... your future self will thank you for it.
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