In this episode, I’m sharing why entrepreneurs don’t need a rigid New Year plan for growth—and how a more sustainable approach to planning can create clarity, momentum, and focus without burnout.

We’ll talk about why January doesn’t need to be rushed, how stepping away from internet-driven pressure leads to better decision-making, and what it looks like to set a few clear, grounded non-negotiables instead of an overpacked plan.

If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to plan the new year with intention, protect your energy, and build long-term growth without forcing productivity, this episode will help you slow down, recalibrate, and lead your business in a way that actually works.

In today’s episode, I share:

03:48 – Why 2026 feels like a “becoming year” and what the Year of the Horse symbolizes for leadership, clarity, and movement
07:18 – How treating January as a recalibration month (not a sprint) changed everything
08:48 – Why focusing on non-negotiables matters more than setting big goals or resolutions
09:28 – Why the podcast remains the portal and the most aligned anchor in the business
10:38 – The power of one simple weekly email and how the Better Together newsletter fits into a sustainable rhythm
11:48 – Why committing to one in-person networking event a month creates real momentum and connection
12:48 – How the CEO Week schedule provides structure without rigidity (and why No-Meeting Fridays are sacred)
14:08 – A simple framework to define your own theme, non-negotiables, and quarterly rhythm
16:18 – Permission to stop forcing clarity, trust your boundaries, and let your habits reveal what’s next

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Take the FREE CEO Week Challenge → www.hollymariehaynes.com/ceoweek

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme

601 - New Year Planning for Entrepreneurs: Why January Isn’t the Time to Rush Growth