All or Something in 2026: Invitation Over Resolution

New year, new you! Have you ever said it, thought it, or secretly hoped it would magically come true? New Year’s resolutions rarely stick, yet every January we return to them with determination—and often disappointment. This year, I’ve been wondering: what if we tried something different? What if, instead of a resolution, we extended ourselves an invitation?

An invitation feels lighter. Kinder. Less intimidating. The word resolution carries authority and finality—it’s even used in the passing of laws. That weight can quietly lead us into a mindset that blocks growth altogether: all or nothing. Either we do it perfectly, or we quit. What if there were another option?

Introducing “All or Something”

As you look back on 2025 and ahead to 2026, I’d like to offer a simple invitation: What if you tried “all or something” instead of “all or nothing”?

The first step towards this mindset shift begins with reflection—but not the critical kind. Approach your year with curiosity rather than judgment.

Ask yourself:

·       What didn’t work well for me this in 2025?

·       What am I proud of?

·       What do I want to continue or build on?

This kind of reflection creates space for honesty without shame—and that’s where real growth begins.

Get Curious About Your Values

Next, take a look at your values. Not just moral values, but the ones quietly guiding your everyday decisions. Ask yourself: What values are actually shaping my life?

For example, choosing a modest home so you can travel more may point to a value of exploration or connection over material assets. Other values might include autonomy, creativity, stability, routine, fitness, or relationships. There’s no right or wrong here—only awareness.

Once you’ve identified your core values, notice where they show up in your life.

Where Things Align—and Where They Don’t

Grab a notebook and create two columns:

1.     Where my values and lifestyle/choices feel aligned

2.     Where they feel misaligned

Writing things down helps your brain process information and gain perspective. In the aligned column, notice where you feel peaceful or energized. In the misaligned column, notice where tension, frustration, or exhaustion live.

Now pause—and celebrate the aligned areas. Seriously. Give yourself credit.

Then, gently turn toward the misaligned ones with curiosity and ask: Why might this be happening?

The Power of Curiosity

Sometimes the answer is obvious. For instance, you may value autonomy but work in a job with micromanagement and long hours. You might immediately think, I need the paycheck.

That’s a valid truth—but it doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation.

Dig a little deeper:

·       What other options have I explored?

·       What fears or limiting beliefs might be keeping me here?

·       What feels risky about change?

This is where the invitation truly arrives. Invite yourself to stay curious. Journal about how this misalignment affects your energy, your relationships, and your sense of self. Then imagine—without pressure—what parts of you might come alive if alignment were possible.

Learn From What’s Possible

You don’t have to do this alone. Seek out people who are living in ways that align with the values you’re drawn to. Invite them for coffee. Ask questions. Learn how they navigated fear and uncertainty.

If you don’t know anyone personally, turn to podcasts, books, or speakers. Let inspiration remind you that change doesn’t have to be instant to be real.

Small Steps, Real Change

Growth rarely happens through dramatic decisions or strict resolutions. It happens through consistent curiosity and small, manageable steps.

If better health is your goal, start with one habit. Just one. Maybe it’s drinking enough water each day—no other changes yet. Once that habit feels natural, add another.

And when you miss a day? You don’t quit. Every day gets to be day one.

An Invitation for 2026

This year, may we choose progress over perfection. Curiosity over judgment. Invitations over resolutions.

May we practice “all or something” in 2026—and discover just how powerful something can be.

Let’s go!

(Originally published in the January 2026 edition of Monroe Matters)

Life By Design Counseling Life By Design Counseling, in Bolingbroke, Georgia, specializes in narcissistic abuse recovery, helping survivors heal from emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and toxic relationship patterns. Led by experienced psychotherapist Lisa Elliott Schumacher, the practice offers compassionate, personalized therapy to support healing, self-trust, and growth. Clients receive specialized support for narcissistic and emotional abuse, relationship trauma, workplace trauma and stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and spiritual struggles. Life By Design Counseling provides a safe, supportive space to break free from harmful cycles, rebuild healthy boundaries, and move forward with confidence.

Please note: the reflections shared here are not therapy and should not replace professional help. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. For medical, safety, or fire emergencies, dial 911 immediately.