26 for 2026: Add These To Your 2026 Plan
Creating XX for 20XX has become a trend over the last few years.
I first heard about it on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast. *
The list below includes some ideas you might want to add to your plan for the year.
*If you are interested in a list of my favorite podcasts and YouTube channels, click here.
PROFESSIONAL
Let’s start with some ideas to help you fine-tune your professional skills or advance your business goals.
Create Your Own Personal Curriculum
I’ve seen a lot about this concept on social media and YouTube. There was even a story about it on CNN.
The idea is that to fight “brain rot” some people are assigning themselves homework and selecting reading lists, podcasts and other research-related tasks to help learn about a specific topic. Kind of like taking a college course but without the tests and pressure.
The subject matter is entirely up to you. It could be learning a new language, doing a deep dive into prehistoric pottery or studying color theory. Whatever you choose, the point is that it helps you think differently and feeds your curiosity.
And by flexing your mental muscles you can become a more dynamic and creative small business owners.
Find or Become a Mentor (ideally both)
On the Couples Inc Podcast, Glenn and I have often discussed the importance of connecting with other couplepreneurs. We’ll meet up with our friends Scott and Jane Levine, owners of RiverCity Print and Imaging, to discuss challenges, brainstorm ideas and generally serve as each other’s advisory council.
It’s also nice to talk to a couple who understands the realities of owning a business together. Usually, while enjoying a delicious dinner and some wine.
So this year, challenge yourselves to find another couple and meet up regularly, either in person or virtually, to provide support and share knowledge.
There’s no perfect match-up. You could be in different industries or at different stages of business ownership. The point is to find people who help you feel less alone and more energized.
Read (at least) One Professional Development Book
Lately, I have been reading for about 20 to 30 minutes each morning to clear my head and start the day on a positive note. Basically, replacing the usual urge to check emails or scroll social media first thing in the morning with something much more uplifting.
My most recent read was Atomic Habits by James Clear. The goal is to read something that inspires and helps set a more positive tone for the day.
I recommend you do the same. Pick motivational or educational books, just-for-fun reads or even something that is more relevant to your business specifically. There are countless business books and biographies to help inspire you.
Celebrate Wins
We discussed this in-depth in Episode 9 of Season 6. But the bottom line is this: sometimes, as small business owners, we get so caught up in doing the work that we don’t stop and assess what we’ve done and recognize those successes.
Let’s make it a goal of 2026 to stop ignoring our wins and celebrate them instead. Even the small ones.
Doing this is a great mood and confidence booster!
Attend a Networking Event
People like to do business with people. So get out there!
Honestly, I need this reminder probably more than you do. I really like staying in. But I want to challenge myself to network in person more.
Hone Your Time Management Skills
We covered some great strategies for doing this in Episode 3 of Season 4. Definitely worth a listen.
But my biggest advice is to find a system that works for you based on your priorities, personality and daily energy levels.
PERSONAL
Because life isn’t just about work, let’s add some personal to-dos to this list.
Discover or Cultivate a Hobby
According to an article in Entrepreneur magazine, “hobbies provide a much-needed break from the rigors of entrepreneurship.” The article goes on to offer 15 different hobbies that can benefit entrepreneurs.
Unfortunately, we often dismiss hobbies as a waste of time. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Pastime pursuits are important because they help restore and replenish us.
Pick a hobby for yourself (mine is reading) and/or a hobby to do together (we love to travel). Just set aside time for relaxation.
Take a Class Just For Fun
We don’t always have to be working in or on our businesses. Sure, take that accounting or software or marketing course because it will help you run your business more efficiently. But also pursue educational opportunities that do nothing but bring you joy. Glenn and I took a pasta making class together and I took classes to learn ASL (American Sign Language). Get out there and learn something new just for the fun of it.
Do a Digital Detox Day (at least) Once a Month
As I mentioned above, I’ve replaced morning scrolling with a morning read instead. It has made me feel SO much better each day!
My next challenge is to do a digital detox day. I know. I know. That is SO hard to do. Especially if you own a business and have clients, vendors, employees, etc. needing to reach you all of the time. BUT, it think it is possible.
I’ve started limiting my phone usage to audiobooks only on Saturday and Sunday mornings. No emails. No scrolling.
And if I’m in line at a store, I resist the urge to pull out my phone and just stand there with my thoughts. Baby steps. Baby steps.
Take Time Off
According to a recent survey cited by Psychology Today, workers in the U.S. left nearly ten PTO days unused per year. And over half of U.S. workers responding to emails and messages outside working hours.
WOW! Just WOW! This is wrong on so many levels. We all need time off. Even if you own the business, you need to break away. We discussed the importance of this in more detail in Episode 10 of Season 6.
Taking time off work is a little like a power nap; it resets and rejuvenates mind, body, and spirit plus it helps you avoid burnout.
Besides the refreshing benefits of time off, one hidden bonus is helping build healthy boundaries. A healthy separation between work time and personal time is so important!
Find Ways to Manage Stress
I’d like to say this is a no-brainier. Of course, we should manage our stress. But actually it takes a lot of brain power to decide what strategy works best for you when it comes to how you manage or deal with stress.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
For example, I tried doing breathwork, which according to Cleveland Clinic, uses breathing techniques to help move your body into a more relaxed and stress-free state. I felt like I was hyperventilating and kept stressing about keeping track of my breaths. So, I unwind with adult coloring books and cooking shows.
You’ve got to try a few things and see what works. Just make sure they are healthy coping mechanisms.
Schedule Health Checks
Speaking of health—when did you last have an annual physical? Are you up to date on all of your health screenings and immunizations?
You can’t run a business if you run your body into the ground. Get these appointments on your calendar now so you can have not only a happy new year, but a healthy one as well.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Here are a few ideas to help you level up in the office.
Host a Company Retreat
We talked about this with an event planning expert in Season 6, Episode 21. So feel free to take a listen to learn some important tips on how to do this.
But for now, let’s talk about why we think it’s important.
We work from home, so if we try to sit down and reflect or plan or do deep thinking for our business we are not only distracted by our daily workload but also home things.
Not long ago we rented an AirBNB and had a retreat to discuss the podcast. It was great! We were able to focus on what we need to discuss AND we found ourselves being even more creative.
We didn’t get to do that this past year, but it’s on our list of things to DO in 2026. It should be on yours too!
Revise (or create) Your Company Handbook
If you don’t already have a company handbook, you need one. And if you have one, it likely needs an update. Things change in business very quickly. We discussed this topic in Episode 8 of Season 5. Feel free to take a listen.
Bottom line: it’s a good idea to ask a human resources/legal expert to review your handbook and make sure it’s up to date.
Plan a Small Business Partnership
Small business owners, particularly those in B-to-C industries, are often looking for cost effective ways to expand their customer base and engage with their communities. Teaming up with another small business can be a great way to do that.
Check out this blog post about partnering with other small businesses. It offers some great tips and ideas and inspiration.
It’s important to not let opportunities sneak up on you. Take time NOW, as you’re developing your 2026 plans, to reach out to a business or two to get the ball rolling.
Check Your ADA Compliance
We recently interviewed Deputy Director of the Southwest ADA Center Marisa Demaya to learn more about ADA compliance. They have a Toll-Free Technical Assistance Line - 800-949-4232 - that anyone can call for information about employment, public access, accommodations, parking, service animals and more ADA items.
They also offer FREE webinars (live & on-demand), workshops, and tailored sessions (on-site) on a variety of topics. Check them out.
Audit Your Business Tools
A Business Tool Audit includes any software, hardware, equipment or office supplies you use (or think you use) to help run your business.
In this day and age when you no longer OWN software but rather subscribe to it, the need for an audit is even more obvious. You could be billed for something you actually stopped using months ago or pay for 10 seats or sign-ins but your company now only has 8 employees.
Don’t waste money on things you don’t use. But also use this time to see what tools you need to add to your small-business management arsenal.
Plan Your Charitable Giving
85% of consumers have a more positive image of companies that give to charities
90% of consumers want to know how companies are supporting those nonprofits and those charitable causes
As the stats above show, it makes good business sense to be charitable. So why not plan your charitable giving for the year now?
Find a local cause that means something to you or connects with your business and develop a campaign around that.
WORK BETTER TOGETHER
Now time to talk about couple goals!
Revisit Roles
Not determining the right role for you and your spouse can cause conflict and business failure.
Click here to learn more about our formula – The Three Ts – to find the perfect place for you and your skills in your small business.
If you have already chosen these roles, it’s still worth a moment to revisit every so often to make sure that the role(s) still fit for the season of life you both are in.
Identify Your Business Love Language
You’ve likely heard of the Five Love Languages: Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch.
Just as with love, there are different ways couples express themselves regarding what they prioritize and value at work.
So, Glenn and I developed our own list of Four Work Languages: Time, Money, Ideas and Relationships.
Check out this blog for a deep dive into what we mean.
Schedule (at least) One Date Night a Month
Yes, as a business owning couple you probably spend a lot of hours together. But that isn’t the same as spending TIME together.
Hence, the need for a date night.
It doesn’t have to be lavish or grand. It could be pizza and beer at your favorite local spot. But the point is that the focus is on each other.
You can still talk a little business. We do. But only the positive, energizing, aren’t we awesome kinds of discussions. Not the difficult client, employee problem or billing issue.
Date night is your chance to connect as a couple. Schedule it to ensure that it happens.
Schedule Regular Check-ins
We discuss the whys and hows of a midyear check in in Episode 12 of Season 6. Check it out for more details
But whether you hold a check in monthly, quarterly or twice a year…these are vital to a well-run company. These meetings give you a chance to gauge your progress on meeting goals while you still have time to make changes, fix problems or update strategies.
You can also use them to check in as a couple to make sure you both are getting the most out of your partnership.
Reflect on the “Why” Behind Your Couplepreneurship
And when it comes to your partnership, it’s a good idea to remember WHY you decided to work together in the first place.
Connect with the reason(s) you started this business: freedom, flexibility, control over financial future. You wanted to build something together. Remembering your motivations can help you get through those hard times and celebrate the good ones.
Subscribe to and Follow to the Couples Inc Podcast
Shameless plug: if you haven’t already subscribed here is your chance.
And feel free to leave us a review or share the podcast with a friend.
FUTURE
Here are two longer-term goals to think about.
Perhaps these could be things you discuss at your Company Retreat (see above).
Review Your Five Year Goals
As small business owners, you know how quickly things can change. But you should have long-term goals (3, 5 or 10 years) that you are working towards.
Revisit them. Let them motivate you. Revise them if necessary. Don’t set them and forget them.
Discuss Your Exit Strategy
What are your plans for leaving the business? Close it? Sell it? Haven’t really thought about it?
This is something you that should be on your planning radar. We recommend discussing an exit strategy with an expert to see what legal, financial and administrative tasks you will need to handle to achieve your desired outcome.
Take one or all of these ideas and make them your own.
Happy New Year and Happy Planning!
