As we all prepare for the new year, there’s probably a laundry list of things you’re thinking about. New routines, habits, goals, and more prompt us to consider tangible ways to effect change. But trying to figure out where to start and what to prioritize can be tough.
With so many people giving out advice all the preparation can feel daunting, and you might just give up before you start. This year we’ve spoken with a ton of founders, executives, CEOs, all of whom have been in your shoes, maybe not feeling the most confident about their next step.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best advice to help you with your fresh start. So here’s a list of seven things you should be thinking about going into 2026.
Don’t wait, start today
Going into a new year is all about feeling good about what can come. Dana Hork, Founder and CEO of Beers With Friends told Her Agenda that we all have something special that only we can offer, so start today!
“Go for it. Don’t wait for permission. The world is waiting for you to articulate your vision. It’s like the subway rule—if you see something, say something. If you see a better way of doing things, lean into that. Start small if you need to, iterate as you go, but trust your instincts.”
Find your tribe
Having a good support system makes all the difference in all facets of life. By having a solid sounding board, it can keep you celebrated through the good times and carried through the bad.
When Her Agenda chatted with Sally Kim, President and Publisher; Little, Brown and Company, she gave this advice to fellow writers trying to break through the industry. It’s solid advice we can all use.
“Find the people who can support you and lift you up and also give you the tough love you need to make your work better,” she shared.
Be prepared to put in the work
Being an ambitious woman comes with a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Many women are starting their own businesses with the new year, which requires even more work. Julie Cartwright, President of Pvolve, was asked by Her Agenda about going into entrepreneurship, and she said that tenacity is key.
“You need to be able to network, you need to be able to get out into your community…So don’t be afraid of the hard work. Don’t do it if you don’t want to work hard, to be honest. It’s incredibly rewarding, but it certainly takes you really putting yourself out there.”
Stay true to who you are and what you want
Sometimes it can be easy to push aside your individuality to conform to what other people think is best. But your individuality makes you special, so hold onto that. Her Agenda spoke with Nina Magon, Luxury Interior Designer and CEO, about the advice she has for up-and-coming designers who can apply to everyone wanting to be true to themselves in 2026.
“You just have to do whatever style you love, and people will catch on eventually. Don’t change your style for someone else. You have to love what you do, because if you don’t, you’re in big trouble.”
Be kind to yourself
Sometimes it can be so easy to be nice to everyone but ourselves. We let negative self-talk, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence take over, and sometimes it stops us from greatness. Binta Niambi Brown, Sports and Entertainment Lawyer and Founder, chatted with Her Agenda about navigating life after loss and what it looks like to give herself compassion.
“There are going to be moments in our lives where we have to give ourselves grace, and we have to give ourselves time to grieve, and to rebuild, and to reheal, but in healing, and grieving, we have to also have a sense of hope, and a sense of what’s possible.”
Make time for you
Many women find themselves taking care of others, kids, partners, aging relatives, etc. When you add work on top of that, sometimes making sure that we’re taken care of isn’t a priority. Karonda Cook, Head of Global Marketing at KISS Colors & Care, gave us this gem about hair care when she spoke with Her Agenda about how to make sure you put yourself at the top of the to-do list.
“If you have to take that time, make it a moment of self-care and give yourself a deep treatment mask to replenish your hair, give that hair an extra dose of love, an extra boost of moisture.”
Have an open mind
You never know where this new year will take you, so be open to whatever comes your way. You never know where an unexpected opportunity may take you. Mina Haque, Attorney and CEO of Tony Roma’s, spoke with Her Agenda about this key piece of advice she’s held on to through her career.
“Keep an open mind, especially when you’re trying to consider a career path. Don’t think of a job as your goal. Think of skill sets. Don’t pay attention to the dream job. It’s the skill set that’s [prepared] your mind [for] the career that you will have.”
