How to Make 2026 the Best Year: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself

Hey, it’s your friend Mel, and I’m so glad you’re here because this is the perfect moment to do my year‑end ritual together—six simple, research‑backed questions my husband Chris and I have used for more than two decades to create a better year on purpose.

Before we look ahead, we look back, because you can’t chart a path without knowing where you’re starting; don’t trust memory—pull up your calendar and camera roll so the real story guides your plan.

First, name the lows; it’s not wallowing, it’s processing, and studies show unprocessed emotions raise stress and hurt health, while writing about hard moments creates healthy distance and frees you to move forward.

My lows were clear: I ran myself into the ground, got sick, skimped on strength work and protein, barely saw friends, and felt the ache of a quieter home as our son settled into his own life; no drama, just the truth that I need better care and more connection.

Now the highs, which show you what to multiply: deep family time, a first‑ever solo trip with my daughter Kendall, more visits with my parents than I realized, surprising our son at a tournament, and joy‑bomb memories like Coldplay’s confetti that inspired my tour.

Professionally, you were a huge high—this show surged to the top, our most‑shared episode featured Dr. Stacy Sims, and the Let Them Theory book became a true phenomenon; the tour stretched me in the best ways and reminded me to celebrate wins, big or small.

Third, pull the lessons: in‑person connection lights me up, structure makes me better, and simple systems—like meal‑prepping my favorite green chicken‑rice soup—set off a domino of energy, sleep, and movement; the research is clear that relationships are the heart of a good life, so schedule them.

Next come the three power moves leaders use everywhere: stop, continue, start; real productivity is subtraction before addition, because winners quit what no longer aligns so they can pour effort into what matters.

I’m stopping the excuses around strength training; pick one big stop that shifts your momentum, whether it’s doom‑scrolling before bed, being available around the clock, or beating yourself up for where you are.

I’m continuing a simple weekly rhythm—four short strength sessions and three choose‑your‑own movement days—and I’m continuing to lean into AI at home to save time and make better choices, like finding a midpoint dinner spot with a nearby dog walk in seconds.

I’m also continuing to pre‑book time with friends and family and to say yes to live music, because those moments keep me grounded and alive.

For start, remember small beginnings count—therapy, earlier bedtimes, walking groups, speaking up at work, learning a language, dating again, or finally drafting that book; write it down to pull it from idea into reality, and let the tug you’ve felt for years lead you.

You’ve now got clarity, courage, and a plan—work the six questions with the free workbook, share this ritual with your people, and swing for something that stretches you, because that energy will transform your year.

I love you, I believe in you, and I’ll meet you back here next time; and quick note, this show is for education and entertainment, not a substitute for medical or mental health advice from a qualified professional.