How to Make 2026 the Best Year: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself

Key Takeaways

A 22-year year-end ritual with six research-backed questions guides clarity and goal-setting for the upcoming year.
Reflecting on past year's highs and lows is crucial for effective future planning, as memory is unreliable.
Research indicates that connecting with one's future self through reflection strengthens intentional behavior.
The 'stop, start, continue' framework is presented as a strategic planning tool to create space for new priorities.
Prioritizing self-care, consistent routines, and intentionally scheduled relationships are emphasized for personal well-being.

The host introduces a 22-year year-end ritual involving six research-backed questions for clarity and goal setting for 2026.
A free 20-page companion workbook is available at melrobbins.com/bestyear to assist listeners with this exercise.
This process is designed to help individuals make the next year their best, especially after a challenging period.

The second question of the ritual focuses on identifying high moments, highlights, and small joys from the past year.
Listeners are encouraged to use camera rolls and calendars to recall positive experiences and assess progress on prior year's goals.
Unachieved goals often stem from a lack of reflection on current circumstances, hindering realistic goal-setting.

The host shared a personal low point from January 26th, involving extreme illness due to overworking and missing a friend's wedding.
Despite a career highlight, self-care, including consistent exercise and proper nutrition, was neglected due to a 'go, go, go' lifestyle.
Reflecting on exhaustion and an empty nest realization led the host to recognize the need for intentionality in maintaining relationships.

The host reflected on the success of her year, citing the podcast's ranking as the number one most followed show on Apple Podcasts.
Her book, 'The Let Them Theory,' reached 8 million readers in 11 months, empowering listeners to share its message.
The 'Let Them Tour' was a rewarding experience, including performing with her daughters and stepping outside her comfort zone by acting and doing comedy at age 56.

The third question for year-end reflection asks, 'What did you learn about yourself this past year?' using highs and lows as data points.
The host noted her enjoyment of in-person interactions and realized that structure, routines, and systems, like meal prepping, lead to feeling energized.
Research from Cornell University and the Harvard Study of Adult Development indicates strong relationships are a key predictor of a good life, with regrets often stemming from insufficient time with loved ones.

The host expressed pride in building positive habits throughout the year, including daily walks, removing plastic from her kitchen, and attending therapy.
She applied the 'Let Them Theory' to become more compassionate and peaceful by reducing control and judgment.
Listeners are reassured they have the capacity to change disliked aspects of their lives.

The 'stop, start, continue' framework is introduced, emphasizing that stopping actions that no longer serve one's values is powerful for moving forward.
Examples of actions to stop include staying in a miserable job, self-limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and dwelling on past regrets.
The host provided personal examples like stopping making excuses for not exercising and the need to stop nagging her husband and micromanaging her kids.

The host announced starting a new company, Pure Genius, driven by personal struggles to maintain healthy eating and adequate protein intake while traveling.
Past podcast guests, including Dr. Amy Shaw, Dr. Gabrielle Lyons, and Dr. Stacey Sims, have discussed the critical role of protein and muscle building.
Dr. Stacey Sims' episode on protein and resistance training was recognized as a top-shared podcast episode globally, highlighting the topic's importance.

Pure Genius offers a unique protein shot containing 23 grams of complete protein in a 3-ounce serving, designed for muscle building and hormone health.
The product was validated with medical expert Dr. Amy Shaw, who reviewed ingredients and product development in the lab.
Listeners are encouraged to write down their goals for the year, from starting a business to improving health, as this clarifies values and possibilities.