Hello 2026: What I’m Carrying Forward and What I’m Leaving Behind

The start of a new year always brings a lot of noise. Goals. Resolutions. Pressure to reinvent ourselves overnight.

But as 2026 begins, I find myself thinking less about what I want to add and more about what I want to carry with me and what I’m finally ready to leave behind.

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about moving forward with intention.

What I’m Carrying Forward

Confidence earned through experience.

Not the loud kind, but the quiet confidence that comes from showing up, learning, failing, adjusting, and doing the work again. The kind that doesn’t need constant validation.

Trusting my instincts.

I’ve learned that my intuition is shaped by years of lived experience and a deep understanding of myself. When something feels off or deeply right, I’m choosing to listen.

Community over comparison.

Relationships that feel reciprocal, supportive, and grounding. Spaces where growth is encouraged, not competed for.

Lifelong learning, with humility.

Staying curious. Staying open. Knowing that growth doesn’t come from having all the answers, but from being willing to learn, unlearn, and listen.

Family, friendships, and the connections I’ve built.

The people who ground me, challenge me, and remind me of who I am beyond titles or timelines. The relationships that have grown with me and continue to shape who I’m becoming.

Clarity around what matters.

Time, energy, and focus are finite. I’m carrying forward a deeper awareness of where mine belongs.

Building with intention.

Tech She Secures continues to grow not through pressure or perfection, but through purpose, storytelling, and meaningful connection. That foundation matters.

Small, consistent steps toward better health.

Not resolutions. Not extreme goals. Just steady habits.

Taking care of my skin. Moving my body with intention. Building strength, stamina, and flexibility. Eating cleaner, more nourishing meals. Being more mindful about what fuels me, even something as simple as adding more protein. Continuing to meditate as part of my early mornings, creating space to stay grounded, present, and clear before the day begins.

These aren’t dramatic changes, and that’s the point. Sustainable growth, in life and in health, comes from consistency, not urgency.

What I’m Leaving Behind

Overexplaining myself.

My work, my values, and my presence don’t require justification.

Shrinking to make others comfortable.

I’ve learned that taking up space doesn’t take anything away from anyone else.

Hustle without alignment.

Being busy is not the same as being fulfilled. I’m leaving behind work that drains more than it gives.

Waiting to feel “ready.”

Growth rarely comes with certainty. I’m choosing movement over hesitation.

All-or-nothing thinking.

If it can’t be done perfectly, it’s still worth doing consistently.

Carrying what was never mine to hold.

Other people’s expectations, timelines, and perceptions don’t get to define my path.

Moving Forward

I’m stepping into 2026 with intention, curiosity, and a steadier sense of self. Still learning. Still becoming. But no longer questioning whether I belong in the rooms I walk into or the life I’m building.

I know I’ll still feel nervous at times, and I’ve come to see that as a good thing. It means I care. It means I’m still grounded and humble enough to know I don’t have it all figured out. It’s something I often tell my mentees too: if you’re nervous, if you’re worried, it usually means you care, and that’s not a weakness. What’s different now is that the nervousness doesn’t stop me. It doesn’t keep me from trying, growing, or defining success on my own terms. And at the same time, I’m learning to be content and confident in who I already am.

This year is about alignment. It’s about honoring progress that may look small day to day but compounds over time.

If this new year has you reflecting too, I hope you take a moment to ask yourself: What are you carrying forward, and what are you finally ready to leave behind?

Here’s to moving into 2026 grounded, aligned, and open to what’s next.

Maliha

Disclaimer: The content on this blog and website reflects a combination of my personal experiences, perspectives, and insights, as well as interviews and contributions from other individuals. It does not represent the opinions, policies, or strategies of any organization I am currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past. This platform serves as a personal space for sharing ideas, lessons learned, and meaningful reflections.