A new year brings new hope and also brings many new resolutions. But as time goes on, hopes dissolve and resolutions go away.
If you are new to this page, let me tell you about myself. I am Sahil Kumar Nagpal, Author & Life Coach In India, Mumbai. I am an executive coach to many CEOs, C-Suite Executives, and Business Leaders.
In this article, I am sharing basic principles of change, which are often overlooked and undervalued. But when applied correctly, these small principles can bring bigger changes.
There are 5 steps you can take in 2026 to a different level from 2025.
Step 1: Aim Small, Not Big
There is a very infamous quote, “People overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they could do in a decade.” It is a common tendency among many people they set bigger goals.
Yes, making big goals is essential, but with a practical vision. If you didn’t achieve your goal last year, then your goal needs more time.
I know that mind argues “Only if I did so and so things last year I would have achieved my goal. I will do all those things this year and will achieve my goal”
If you didn’t do what you needed to do, that means only one thing, it is not your top-notch priority yet. We all want so many things but there are only certain things we can do in a short time, and that is generally determined by our priorities.
So, if you didn’t achieve that optimum weight, or didn’t accomplish your passion, relax, give it some time. Make small milestones for next year and aim for that.
Step 2: Learn From Last Year Mistakes
It takes a lot of courage to see and admit one’s own mistakes. It feels depressing. But once you accept your mistakes with an open mind, game changes.
Reflect upon all the mistakes of past year. What you could have done better, what was the outcome and how you can improve in certain areas. This will give you a new direction and a strong vision for 2026.
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Step 3: Create An Investment Plan
The biggest investment of all is yourself. How much do you invest in yourself, in terms of learning and updating your skills?
The common mind is trained to see what is visible and immediate, but not what is far and not visible yet. We all know that if we get further certifications, we may get a good chance of growing in our careers and pay.
But what most people do not realize is, that life is inside out. If you invest in yourself and in learning the skills that can empower you inside out, you can manifest your dream life step by step.
Life Coaching or Executive Coaching is a premium program. If you cannot invest in Life Coaching yet, maybe you can invest in some online courses or even books. But the important thing is you must consciously invest in your time, money and energy in yourself.
Step 4: Keep Check Points
Self-growth is about discipline and system; nothing is supernatural here. People subconsciously expect that something in life will change dramatically. Yes, it happens from time to time, but nothing happens with proper systems and discipline.
When planning for a year, one must always keep checkpoints, monthly, quarterly, ½ yearly, and yearly. Maintain a diary and write down your goals. Every month, jot down your achievements and the milestones you have accomplished. We tend to forget about our goals, but when we keep checking monthly, it trains our mind to bring focus back to our goal, from time to time. In the long run, this habit will help you bring bigger changes in life.
Step 5: Give Deliberately
To breathe in, you need to breathe out. Life is about exchange. One of the most underrated quality is to give.
We think that we will give once we get. But what we do not focus upon is, that we are already getting. We may not be getting what we expect, but still we are getting. But are we giving?
You don’t have to give enormously. Give whatever you can, but consciously. Give away money in donations, food, clothes to the needy, feed animals, birds. But most importantly give what you want. If you want work, give work to people, give references. If you want health, give things related to health. Share with people the knowledge that has helped you get better so far. If you want happiness, become the reason for small happiness in other people’s life. The more you will give the more you will get.
The Conclusion
Life is always in our hands. Whatever we see outside was first in the inside. Whatever you want to create outside, first create it inside.
