What to DO and What to DROP in 2026
As we start the New Year, we thought it would be a good idea to look at the things we should all probably add to our TO DO list, as well as a few things we should DROP in 2026. Then we visit the Couples Inc. Water Cooler to celebrate our 100th episode!
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Below are three things you might want to add to your 2026 planning.
PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Lately, Jodie has been reading for about 20 to 30 minutes each morning to clear her 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.
She has mainly picked self-improvement books like Atomic Habits by James Clear. But she also includes a few just-for-fun books like Having People Over by Chelsea Fagan and The Complete Guide to Self-Care by Kiki Ely. The goal is to read something that inspires and helps set a more positive tone for the day.
We 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.
2. TAKING 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, re-sets and rejuvenates mind, body, spirit. It avoids burnout (trouble concentrating, decreased productivity, exhaustion, headache, gastrointestinal issues are some symptoms of 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.
3. 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.
Jodie and I 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.
A few years 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 I want us to put this on our list for things to DO in 2026 and you should too!
Now, it’s time to think about things to stop doing.
We can add a ton of great habits and systems to our businesses but if we are still holding on to things that drain us, bring negativity or hold us back…we can’t progress.
Comparing Yourselves to Others
We have probably all been reminded of the dangers of comparing ourselves to others based on social media posts. People project their best selves. We see the amazing outfit but not the floor behind the camera strewn with rejected outfits. And don’t get me started on filters.
BUT the same is true when it comes to your business.
Sure, you need to know what the competition is doing and keeping up with what’s happening in the market but don’t let it discourage you or make you feel like you’re not doing enough.
Are you focusing on your goals?
Are you making sure your strategy aligns with those goals?
Are you managing your time well?
If yes. Then you are doing great!
So take what you can from watching others but don’t focus on it so much it distracts you from the work you need to do.
2. Taking Criticism Personally
This can be from each other or from customer reviews.
I’ve found that just about the time I get used to criticism –BAM—somebody says something that I take personally.
And I think part of that is because I’ve worked so long in this industry that it sometimes feels like I have nothing more to learn.
That’s when it usually happens.
3. Seeing Things Today Through a Past Lens
In other words stop interpreting situation, comments or actions of today through a filter based on your own personal history or memories.
Some bad experiences or toxic work environments can cause us to see ulterior motives, loaded questions or manipulations where there aren’t any. This bad habit is also when we find ourselves saying “always” or “never” for what would normally be a one-off situation.
It can be a hard habit to break but it’s worth it.
We’ve got lots more insight about all kinds of couplepreneur stuff on our blog, so check it out!
