If the holidays feel like a chaotic mash-up of family gatherings, last-minute tasks, and pressure to magically “figure out next year,” this episode is your breath of fresh air.

Carly and Joe break down why December is actually the perfect time to prep your business, without overhauling your life, and how reconnecting with your why can completely change the way you enter 2026. They’ll walk you through mini-detox habits that clear mental clutter, lifestyle-first planning that puts joy back on the calendar, and small routines you can start now to build real momentum before January even arrives.

FAQs From The Episode

How early should I start planning for the new year?

Earlier than you think, but not in an overwhelming way. December is a great month to ease into planning by reconnecting with your personal and professional “why,” cleaning up digital clutter, and building tiny habits you want to bring into 2026. You don’t need a full-year plan, focus on your first 90 days, because it’s specific enough to take action but flexible enough to pivot as things change.

What should I prioritize during a December “business detox”?

Stick to high-impact clean-ups that reduce mental load: unsubscribe from emails you never read, unfollow accounts that drain your energy, organize your workspace, clear your desktop, and gather scattered to-dos into one place. These small resets set the stage for clearer thinking and a calmer January, without requiring hours of work.

How do I build new habits for 2026 without burning out before the year even starts?

Start practicing them now in micro-form. If you want to wake up earlier, try doing it one or two days a week in December. If you want to spend 10 minutes engaging on LinkedIn every morning, start this week. If you want to guard your deep-work hours, experiment with checking email later in the day. You’re not aiming for perfection, just building familiarity so January doesn’t feel like a hard reset.

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