Life By Design

A Kinder Start to the New Year


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In this final episode of the year, Dr. Robyne invites us to set aside the relentless pressures of “new year, new you,” and instead approach January with greater self-compassion and a gentler pace.

She reflects on the familiar cycle of well-intentioned resolutions that often don’t last and shares practical guidance for building habits that feel sustainable and aligned with our genuine capacity, energy, and the feelings we truly want to cultivate.

Rather than wiping the slate clean or striving for a total reset, she also offers a tender reminder that there is wisdom and hard-earned learning worth carrying forward from both the challenges and the bright moments of the year behind us.

Plus, a fresh perspective on what we’re really searching for in the “scavenger hunt” of life in 2026, and why hope might be the key.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why many resolutions are abandoned by mid-January, and how to approach change with more kindness and realistic expectations

• Why January doesn’t have to represent a dramatic “fresh start” and how to bring last year’s hard-earned wisdom forward

• The concept of “feeling casting” and designing your days with intention

• Practical strategies for holding difficult conversations

• Insights on habit formation: understanding cues, behaviors, and the role of rewards and reinforcements

• The power of self-awareness and positive reinforcement in creating lasting behavioral change

• How to use curiosity instead of judgment when reflecting on your own behaviors and routines

***

Pre-order your copy of I Hope So (releasing February 10, 2026) by visiting https://drrobyne.ca/hope/

***

Next Stress Wisely Lab: January 12, 2026

Join Dr. Robyne for a 90-minute, research-informed experience designed to help you understand your habits, shift what’s no longer serving you, and build routines that better support how you want to feel and show up in your days.

There’s a spot waiting for you.

Bring a friend for free with our 2-for-1 offer: add two tickets to your cart and use coupon code 2for1 at checkout.

Learn more and register today: https://drrobyne.ca/stress-wisely-labs/

Additional Resources:

• Previous episode mentioned: How to Have a Difficult Conversation

Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:

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Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm

Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely

Pre-order Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So

Join Dr. Robyne’s Stress Wisely Labs

Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram

Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn

Visit Drrobyne.ca

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Life By DesignBy Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe

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