Guide to a Healthier 2026: Why You Need to Stop Setting Productivity Goals

🙋‍♀️ The Confession: When Busy Became Burnout

Running a side hustle alongside a full-time job with client meetings, as well as planning a wedding... was, admittedly, a bit of a stretch for my poor little brain earlier last year.

It led to burnout, sleep deprivation, and a whole load of anxiety. I was getting things done - I was technically productive - but I simply wasn't enjoying it. It felt like a relentless tick-list exercise with an ever-looming deadline.

My first attempt to "fix" it? I added more. I tried to combat the stress by adding "fun" things to the list, hoping to balance out the tasks with hobbies. Turns out adding more water to an already full cup just makes it overflow. Go figure.

So, I tried something new: I switched up my mindset. I assessed why I was feeling the need to be so productive all the time, and I realised there was a societal element. I was trying to do more, even subconsciously, in the hope that others would see me, and believe I was excelling. But to what end?

The truth I finally learned: Productivity should be a tool, not a measure of worth.

This new year, I’m not setting traditional goals and adding more items to my checklist. Instead, I’m giving myself permission to stop, slow down, and assess what I already have, so I can start doing the fun things that make life worthwhile. I want to create and maintain healthy habits, like I have done with my yoga practice.

🛑 Why Traditional Resolutions Fail (And What to Do Instead)

Traditional New Year's resolutions fail because more often than not, as busy people managing careers and families, we honestly can’t fit anything new into the schedule. We’ve carefully constructed schedules that work, and undoing or changing those habits takes time, which is why most people don't make it past the first month.

This year, instead of adding something new, let’s try taking something away.

1. The Retro-Assessment: Asking Better Questions

Instead of looking forward, let's look back at the last 12 months. This is a crucial step in giving ourselves the space to think and come up with creative ideas for what we can do with our lives.

Ask yourself these three questions:

*What went well this year? What did you truly enjoy doing? What made you feel alive?

*What drained you? What made you feel anxious, sad, or resentful?

*What didn't you enjoy that you could maybe AVOID doing this year?

For me, the answer to the first question was simple: I loved spending time on honeymoon with my husband, with no stresses, no everyday worries that kept me up at night. That told me my mind craves unburdened, quality connection.

If you want access to my "Enjoyment Audit" to try this out for yourself, visit the page here.

2. Actioning Your Findings: The Small Sustainable Change

Your Retro-Assessment should lead to one or two small, sustainable changes, not massive lifestyle overhauls.

Instead of an overwhelming goal, focus on a shift that aligns with your true desires:

My Change: For my most enjoyable 2026, I am making a small dedication to spending more quality time with the people who mean the most to me: my husband, my mum and dad, my brother and Poppy, and my besties.

It's not an overwhelming change; it's an agreement of time together, doing fun things and making memories.

What small change could you make right now that aligns with your real desires for change?

💖 Mindset First, Productivity Later

Overall, changing our mindset from "How much can I do?" to "How much can I enjoy?" is the ultimate sustainable growth plan, both professionally and personally.

When we give ourselves the space to think, to take breaks, and to retrospectively assess our livelihoods, we are giving ourselves the tools to come up with better, more creative ideas for our future.

We don't need to fill our time with projects to complete; we can sit in our feelings, determine the best course of action, and move forward lighter, not busier.

✨ Let's Keep the Conversation Going

I'm here to be your Big Sister in both business and life. I hope this post gives you permission to make the best, healthiest choice for your 2026.

I’m dedicating myself to bringing you this kind of honest, actionable advice, and relatable ( and sometimes unusual) content every month. The Roamblogger will publish a brand new, in-depth post on The First Tuesday of every month. If you want to get a reminder in your inbox, consider signing up for the email list below.

I share bonus resources, quick tips, and behind-the-scenes thoughts about my own journey (including Micro-Adventure Mapping!) directly in my newsletter.

Until next time.