Start Fresh: Your 2026 Clean Slate

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We've turned the page to 2026—a brand-new year and a chance to start fresh. The calendar gives us a symbolic reset, but what will you do with yours?

Research shows that nearly half of Americans set New Year’s resolutions, yet most don’t stick. Why? Because big goals can feel overwhelming. Instead, try this: focus on building small habits that lead to big change.

Here are a few examples to inspire you:

• Resolution: Quit smoking → Habit: Skip that one cigarette after breakfast.
• Resolution: Eat healthier → Habit: Swap your morning pastry for a banana.
• Resolution: Lose weight → Habit: Take a 3-minute walk after work.
• Resolution: Manage stress → Habit: Meditate for 2 minutes each morning.

Small steps make progress feel achievable—and progress beats perfection every time.

Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re proof you’re trying something new. As Neil Gaiman wisely said:

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work, family, or life.

 

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, do it.

 

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.

 

So, here’s to 2026: a year of bold moves, new habits, and fearless mistakes. We’re excited to kick things off with the expansion of the CPIA professional development program. Big things are coming—stay tuned!

 

Happy New Year! Let’s make it count.