The reason most 2026 goals fail by February, and how to fix it

We all have the list for the year: That promotion. More family time. A first marathon. World domination… All worthy goals.

But there is one thing most people forget to plan for: creating the capacity to get them done.

This is why one of my mantras for the year is: “Create Space”.

Happy New Year!

With tomorrow being Quitters Day – the day on/by which most people have given up on their resolutions, I thought I would share how I am trying to approach the things I want to get done this year.

The reason so many resolutions – or goals – fail is that we add them to our already stacked schedules, with the blind belief that we’ll find the time to get them done.

If you want to freshen up your wardrobe, for instance, the best thing to do is to clear it of all the bits you don’t wear, to make space for the new to inhabit.

Audit your time

Take the time you spend each week. A time audit is quite a revealing exercise for anyone to do. I’ve done it in the past, and you’d be amazed how much time you spend on random things.

Maybe that’s a little elaborate, so look at your calendar from last week.

If you aren't sure what needs to go, do a quick energy audit.

Which appointments lit you up and gave you energy? Which ones left you feeling drained and depleted?

If you are trying to make this your best year yet, you need to switch these drains for radiators.

If you can't delete them entirely, how can you minimize them?

Manage bandwidth

It’s not just about managing your time; it’s about managing your bandwidth.

We often cling to obligations out of habit - like that sweater we were given for Christmas in 2019, and haven’t worn yet! (We’ve all got one).

But if a meeting, a task, or even a client doesn't fit the person you are becoming today, it has to go.

First, make space, and the desired outcome is more likely to fill it.

New beginnings

With this being Casual’s 20th year, I am really excited about the company's evolution to the next level.

I will be working on that this year, but first, I am making the space for that to happen – which is quite an evolution in itself!

So, rather than a to-do list, how is your 2026 to-don’t list looking?

Do you have a trick for making this your best year ever? Or are you keeping it business as usual? If it ain't broke, don't fix it? Let us know...