How to Plan for a successful 2026

Hi everyone,

December is here, and most people use the end of the year to reflect on 2025 and begin planning for 2026. Today, I want to bring attention to a few important aspects you can reflect on to help you review this year in a way that truly optimizes your planning process for the next one.

I personally start planning for the next year around September. Many people think that’s way too early, but there’s a clear reason behind it. September is a month when most people begin to lose focus and intentionality. When I start planning the following year early, it brings my focus back and forces me to become intentional again. Another reason is simple: I want to finish the year as strong as possible so I can start the next one with real momentum.

I’ll talk more about early planning in September 2026, where I’ll go deeper into how to do this strategically.

For most people, December is the main planning month. With that in mind, here are a few reflections I believe will help you with this process.

When looking back at 2025, make sure you consider the main outcomes that happened as a result of your actions. It’s important to carry the good things you did in 2025 into 2026. That’s why analyzing what went well and why it worked is critical. Those successes should become your new standard of excellence moving forward.

It’s equally important to analyze your mistakes and what didn’t go well, so you don’t repeat them. When doing this, play a simple mental game: ask yourself what you could have done differently, now that you have information you didn’t have at the time. This reflection exercise strengthens your critical thinking skills and improves your decision-making process when facing future challenges. (I’ll talk more about decision-making frameworks in another article.)

Another powerful exercise is identifying one or two key skills you need to develop or improve that will be critical for your success in 2026. This helps you focus on what truly matters and puts you in a stronger position to win.

Along the same lines, ask yourself: what are the main tasks or activities that, if done more often or done better, would significantly increase your chances of success? This question forces you to identify what you’re currently doing that is not a priority or is not helping — and replace it with activities that actually move the needle. That’s how you become more efficient and intentional with your time.

Lastly, reflect on both your professional and personal goals. Don’t forget about your family — and most importantly, don’t forget about yourself.

You create balance in your life. You are the architect responsible for designing a life on your terms.

Just remember: there is always a price to pay.
I hope you’re willing to pay it.

Let’s keep dominating together.