When the New Year Starts Squishy: A Leadership Reminder That You’re Not Behind

I’m writing this on January 5th. Back-to-work day.

This morning, I cracked open a brand-new 2026 planner. You know the feeling — the clean spine, the empty pages full of promise. And somehow, within minutes, I already felt behind. As if I’d missed some crucial productivity window before I’d even had coffee.

One of the first things I did was map out all the days off for the first half of the year. School breaks. Travel plans. Small pockets of not-working circled like beacons of light. I’m not sure what that says about me — or whether it’s a compelling leadership brand (“Hire me! I prioritize vacations!”) — but here we are.

A New Year That Didn’t Start Clean

January has started out… squishy. Literally squishy.

The rain has been falling and falling and falling, and some of it has made its way under our deck and into the drywall of our downstairs ceiling — rendering it, yes, squishy. The joys of home ownership.

Add in a bonus no-school day (because back-to-work Monday is never really back to work), gymnastics camp logistics, and a fresh jar of birthday-party slime that embedded itself into my son’s carpet within minutes of being home…

Suddenly, this new year feels less like a clean slate and more like who gave me adult responsibilities?

And yet, everywhere you look this time of year, there’s a familiar energy:
New year. New habits. Let’s go.
Get back on track. This year will be different.

There’s a quiet expectation that we’re supposed to start fresh. That good intentions should instantly translate into clarity, focus, and momentum.

Except — in practice?

I’m still flying by the seat of my pants. And somehow already behind. Which, frankly, is kind of bullshit.

The Myth of the January Reset

As if something magical happens at midnight on December 31st and suddenly we’re clear, disciplined, and ready to execute.

In reality, I’m still juggling kids, work, weather, broken things, and stained carpets. Still feeling that low-level hum of overwhelm. Still wondering why it feels harder than it “should.”

I know better. I teach this stuff. And still, I catch myself slipping into the same trap: measuring myself against an imaginary version of who I thought I’d be by now. That’s the thing about leadership — knowing the work doesn’t exempt you from being human.

Tiny Leadership Tip: What Intentional Leadership Really Is

Intentional leadership isn’t a switch you flip on January 1st.

It’s not a set of rules you suddenly follow perfectly.
It’s not a planner you fill out “the right way.”

It’s the slow, daily practice of noticing when you’re overwhelmed, behind, or frustrated — and pausing long enough to ask: How do I want to show up in this moment?

Then adjusting.
Again and again.
Every single day.

Even when the ceiling is leaking. Even when the carpet is stained. Even when the year starts out squishy.

Most leaders I work with don’t need more discipline, hustle, or better systems. They need space. Space to slow their thinking down. Space to untangle decisions. Space to stop carrying everything alone.

If you’re feeling behind already, you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just human.

A Little Nudge for You

This winter, I’m opening a small number of spots for a 4-month 1:1 leadership coaching container, running February through May. This work is for leaders who want a steadier way to think, decide, and show up — without turning their lives into a self-improvement project.

If this resonates, you can reply to this email or book a 30-minute intro call. No pressure. Just a conversation.

I’m planning to work with up to six clients, and I’d love to see who this season brings. And I want you to know this:

You don’t have to “get it together” before you’re allowed support.

- Kate