2026 - a revolution of change...
Happy New Year! Welcome 2026…As the year rolls in I hear strong whispers of significant change in the wind for many of us, almost a revolution! So as we are drawn back to our everyday lives, back to our routines, our commitments and our purpose(s) - we can feel compelled to set goals, look at what we can achieve, plan and just get back on that busy treadmill. Let’s STOP right there. I remind myself of the importance of getting in touch with the silence that is ever present inside us all. I think of it as my cathedral – a place for deep contemplation and peace. For without some reflection we easily lose ourselves in all this outward distraction and noise. Consider your commitment to the quiet that holds all the answers of who you are, where you are going, what you need to take with you and what you need to leave behind – behavioural and thought patterns included.
If there is one thing certain about life it’s that change comes with the territory. It’s happening all the time. By stopping occasionally, we can navigate change with a little more ease. Change is around us and within us. We all age and that in itself is one of the most significant personal changes most of us have to confront. Then there is spiritual evolution that some of us journey through. Both are tough gigs and some might argue, compulsory if we are to grow, learn and engage in a meaningful life. A life in which we can lead by example, heal and feel empowered so we can allow those around us to do the same and be the best version of themselves….especially important if you are in a leadership role.
The changes external to us are a whole other ball-game. At times we drive them, plan for them and are totally on board no matter how hard. But most of the time change is out of our control. How are you with that?
Living takes courage – I mean ‘real’ deliberate and conscious living. Life demands highly of us every single moment and it comes with celebration and joy as well as tragedy and trauma. If we can ‘go with’ the changes rather than resist them, especially those beyond our control or influence, the struggle and suffering can sometimes be endured with more ease – a softening. This is where hope is really important – much has been written on the subject of hope (perhaps a subject for my next blog) and there is even ‘hope theory’ in recognition of the fact that life is not always smooth sailing or predictable, no matter how much we plan for it.
So – how do you navigate change?
Many of us - me included, get very comfortable with things as they are. I was only speaking to a client last week who was contemplating applying for a new role at a different company as they felt they were getting too comfortable in their current role – wanting to shake things up! One might ask why especially if there is no financial gain, no increase in status or power? We get comfortable with how we live, how we work, how we think, how we behave, how we interact, what we do … We get very set in our ways and that can lead to a narrowing or even a fixing of our mindset.
Change can be the impetus for us to grow as human beings - facing those behavioural, relational and mental patterns that don't serve us.
Yes – it’s hard. But if we don't change or we don't get onboard with what's going on around us, we can lose out on meaningful relationships, opportunities and even get left behind… it’s like stagnant water – putrid, airless, smelly. Or a more romantic notion might be the hummingbird - it flaps its wings very, very fast. The naked eye can't make the moving wings out. Yet it stays in one spot. It doesn’t move. Many of us are like that. We go to great lengths and keep really busy to keep things the same no matter how detrimental or painful. I’m reminded of this when I coach people who are in a great deal of pain in their current job (due to any number of factors including doing a job they hate or are bored by; being bullied, undervalued or maltreated by a manager and or team-member; doing a job that does not align with their values; having a job that is ‘inconvenient’ or incongruous to their lifestyle like in the case where travel time to and from is extreme or flexibility is not an option). We have all worked hard to avoid change or transition at least once in our lives! Many live with a ‘head in the sand’ mentality.
I know my year ahead will be full of transition and change. I’m planning for some of it. I will need to stay present and trust in the process, have a little faith in myself. Face the fear that comes with the uprooting of some things that have become very familiar, comfortable and often entrenched.
I heard Ed Le Brocq on ABC Classics the other morning quote this line and I just know it was meant for me!! …and perhaps for you -
“You have to be a little panicked to make it across the ocean in a rowing boat.”
Fear is perhaps the biggest motivator -when it doesn’t paralyse us! It’s the ultimate stimulant.
So may 2026 be the year where you embrace the changes within you and around you no matter whether you have planned for them or have control over them. In the words of Elisabeth Kubler Ross, "Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from."
Observe. Reflect. Contemplate. Act – Be free by being courageous and curious. ‘BE the change you want to see in your world’ as Ghandi reminds us.
Some questions to consider-
How do I want to spend my time this year? What will I commit to?
When I look back at 2026 – this time next year, what experience or endeavour would make me most proud?
Who can support me to reach my objectives?
What’s holding me back?
What do I need to let go of in order to flourish this year?
With this I wish you a 2026 filled with wonder and awe.
I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming weeks and I look forward to continuing to work with you, support you and to enriching our friendship along the way.
As ever, the challenge - To truly understand that what we give out eventually comes back to us.
Until next time….Keep Shining,
With love and best wishes
Trish x
Coaching can help you become a better leader and the best version of yourself – it creates space for you to reflect and consider your behaviours, your mindset, your environment, your values and your objectives. It can help to ground you and live and work more competently and with more intention, kindness and compassion. I help leverage your skills, life experience, wisdom and attributes and challenge your mindset - enabling you to become the very best version of you!
WORK WITH ME – Executive and Career Coach-Mentoring (or perhaps engage me to run a Yoga Class for you/your friends/colleagues).
Contact me today - trish@wisdominone.com.au or call (61) 411 626 549
I am the Principal of Wisdom in One. I have been working with and Coach-Mentoring Leaders for over 25 years. At Wisdom in One, our commitment is to a practical and holistic approach to achieving life balance for the mind, body, heart and soul; ensuring we take care of ourselves, each other and the world in order to create a better future for our children.
I not only believe but know that LEADERSHIP IS A RESPONSIBILITY AND IT IS SACRED.
By looking at and developing awareness about how we live, lead and work, we can create a powerful sense of 'knowing' and consciousness about what impact we have on our own lives, our health, others around us and our environment. By tapping into this wisdom, we can grow, change and live a fuller, richer life and make positive and enlightened contributions. Leaders have real-time impact on a community’s stability, sustainability and collective wellbeing. Therefore Leaders have a responsibility to their own wellbeing.
The challenge - To truly understand that what we give out eventually comes back to us.
visit my website: www.wisdominone.com.au
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https://www.wisdominone.com.au/blogs
Jan 2026