2026 Goals: A Different Way to Choose an Extraordinary Year

If we want different results in 2026, we can’t keep approaching our goals the same way we always have.

For years, goal setting has been dominated by performance metrics—revenue, growth, productivity, outcomes, or preparing for the next promotion or role. While those things matter, focusing only on business and performance is no longer enough. In fact, for many leaders, it’s part of the problem.

As John Maxwell famously said, “What got you here won’t get you there.”

And in today’s world—defined by constant change, competing priorities, and relentless pressure—that truth has never been more relevant.

Engagement is at an all-time low. Burnout is widespread. Leaders are stretched thin—whether navigating constant change, uncertainty about what’s next, or simply trying to stay afloat—while still being expected to deliver more with less. Yet many organizations—and individuals—are still trying to solve today’s challenges with yesterday’s playbook.

Continuing to do what we’ve always done will not create meaningful change.

If 2026 is going to be extraordinary, we must make space to rethink how we show up as leaders, not just what we aim to achieve. Being focused on ourselves—our energy, presence, courage, and connection—is not selfish. It’s essential.

So instead of setting another list of goals to chase, I invite you to try a different approach.

Here are six intentional lenses to help you lead, live, and perform differently in 2026—and in doing so, create truly extraordinary results.

1. Choose Courage Over Comfort

Extraordinary growth requires disruption—often of our own patterns.

Choosing courage means challenging the status quo, speaking up when it’s uncomfortable, and making decisions that stretch us beyond what feels safe or familiar. Comfort may feel good in the short term, but courage is what creates long-term impact.



In 2026, courage might look like:

• Taking risks without guaranteed outcomes
• Having honest, necessary conversations
• Saying yes to opportunities that feel slightly out of reach

Progress doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It comes from choosing courage—again and again.

2. Own Your Presence

Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you show up.

Owning your presence means leading with intention, confidence, and authenticity, even in high-pressure environments. It’s the ability to stay grounded, clear, and self-assured without over-explaining or shrinking yourself.

In 2026, owning your presence could mean:

• Showing up with clarity instead of comparison
• Trusting your voice and expertise
• Leading without waiting for permission or validation

Your presence sets the tone—whether you realize it or not.

3. Foster Curiosity

In times of uncertainty, curiosity becomes a leadership superpower.

Curiosity allows us to adapt, learn, and evolve rather than react defensively or cling to outdated ways of thinking. It invites innovation, openness, and better decision-making.

In 2026, fostering curiosity may look like:

• Asking better questions instead of rushing to answers
• Being open to perspectives different from your own
• Exploring new approaches to old challenges

Curiosity keeps us relevant in a rapidly changing world.

4. Cultivate Meaningful Connections

No one leads well in isolation.

Strong, meaningful connections are essential—not just for success, but for resilience. When leaders feel disconnected, engagement suffers. When relationships are intentional and authentic, trust and performance rise.

In 2026, cultivating meaningful connections might mean:

• Prioritizing depth over surface-level networking
• Investing in relationships that energize and challenge you
• Creating space for collaboration, not competition

Connection fuels engagement—for ourselves and those we lead.

5. Honor Your Wellbeing

Sustainable leadership starts with wellbeing.

When leaders operate in constant survival mode, performance eventually suffers. Honoring wellbeing isn’t about doing less—it’s about creating the capacity to do what matters most, consistently.

In 2026, honoring wellbeing could look like:

• Setting boundaries without guilt
• Redefining success beyond constant output
• Protecting your energy as intentionally as your time

Wellbeing isn’t a break from leadership. It’s a foundation for it.

6. Anchor Joy & Gratitude

Joy and gratitude are not distractions from serious work—they are stabilizers in complex times.

Anchoring yourself in joy and gratitude builds resilience, perspective, and emotional stamina. It allows leaders to navigate challenges without losing themselves in the process.

In 2026, this might mean:

• Celebrating progress, not just results
• Finding joy in the journey, not only the destination
• Practicing gratitude even amid uncertainty

Joy sustains us. Gratitude keeps us grounded.

A Different Kind of Goal for 2026

An extraordinary year doesn’t come from chasing more goals—it comes from choosing to lead differently.

As you think about 2026, consider this question:

How do I intend to show up this year—especially when things get hard?

Because when leaders change how they show up, everything else begins to change too.

----------------------

Pausing To Reflect

Choosing how you want to show up in 2026, requires pausing to understand what the last season revealed.

If you haven’t already, you may find it helpful to revisit the 👉End-of-Year Reflection Guide—designed to support that pause and help you intentionally close one chapter before opening the next.

Ready To Set Extraordinary Goals - Differently?

If you’re feeling ready to approach 2026 differently—but want support clarifying what that looks like for you—a Flash Coaching Session can be a powerful place to start.

In 30 focused minutes, we’ll explore what an extraordinary year truly means for you, identify where you may be stuck in old patterns, and clarify how you want to show up as a leader moving forward.

Sometimes, one intentional conversation is all it takes to reset your direction.

👉 Schedule your Flash Coaching Session

Topics: Goals, Presence, Mindset, Courage

Ilhiana Rojas is a Human Potential Expert, Executive & Leadership Coach, and founder of BeLIVE Coaching & Consulting.

A former Fortune 500 executive with more than 20 years of global leadership experience, she empowers professionals and teams to lead with intention, strengthen their presence, and unlock their full potential.  Through her signature frameworks, coaching programs, and workshops, Ilhiana helps leaders elevate communication, deepen trust, and navigate their careers with clarity and purpose.