26 Questions to Reset Your Work Year in 2026

EvolveMe
5 days ago
5 min read

The first days of a new year always feel like a transition. You’re easing back into routines, catching your breath, and figuring out your rhythm again.

It can feel a little disorienting, but it’s also a powerful moment to pause before the year fully takes off.

Think of early January as an on-ramp.

A chance to reset, recalibrate, and get intentional about what comes next.

At EvolveMe, we know this moment well. It’s the same space we invite people into when they’re navigating a career transition, before jumping to titles, résumés, or goals.

We slow things down to help them get clear on what they want more of in their work, what’s no longer serving them, and what they’re ready to let go of.

We’re using that same approach here to start the year intentionally.

This is the perfect time to get clear on what you want your work year to feel like. And it doesn’t require big resolutions that fade by February or a full reinvention that adds pressure instead of clarity.

What works are thoughtful questions that help you notice what’s energizing you, and what isn’t.

Clarity comes from paying attention to what energizes you.

We see it every day in our work. Meaningful change in careers and lives is an evolution. It happens step by step, as people get clearer and start choosing differently over time.

So here’s our New Year’s gift to you! 26 questions for 2026, designed to help you have more of what you want in your work life, and less of what’s no longer serving you. They’re based on themes we hear from you all the time: wanting more purpose, more meaning, and more joy in your work and life.

They’re organized into two parts:

Part 1: What to Let Go

Part 2: What to Bring In

Because real change isn’t only about adding more. It’s about making space first for what matters most to you this year, and at this stage of your life.

Let’s do this, 2026!

Part 1: What to Let Go

What’s a habit or mindset you’re ready to give up? The pattern you keep defaulting to: “That’s just how it’s always been.”
What are you ready to leave behind? A belief, a role, or a way of working you’ve outgrown.
What has been draining you without giving much back? The responsibilities, meetings, or dynamics that take more than they give.
What’s the story you’ve been telling yourself that no longer fits? A narrative about your capability or potential that once made sense, but no longer does.
What relationship or work dynamic needs less of your energy? Sometimes caring means creating distance or boundaries.
What are you doing out of obligation instead of intention? The “shoulds” guiding your work that aren’t actually aligned with your goals.
What permission do you need to stop asking for? From others, such as a manager or team, or from yourself.
What standard are you holding yourself to that no one else cares about? You know the one - the bar you set that only exhausts you.
What did you learn this year that you don’t need to keep proving? The lessons are learned. You can move on now, really!
What comparison are you ready to release? With a peer, a former version of you, or with an imagined career path.
What does “busy” give you, and is it worth it? Sometimes busyness masks misalignment with who you are and your goals.
What fear has been influencing your professional decisions? The one that’s been operating in the background without your consent.
If this year taught you what not to repeat in your career, what would that be? The experience you’d gently steer away from next time.

Part 2: What to Bring In

What’s your one word for the year ahead? A filter for decisions, opportunities, and commitments that helps you say yes or no.
What do you want to get better at professionally? Personally? Not because you “should,” but because you’re curious.
What relationship deserves more of your energy? A mentor, a collaboration, or a manager – or your relationship with yourself.
What part of your work do you want to enjoy more? The kind of engagement that makes time move faster.
Who do you want to do your best work with? The people who energize, challenge, and support you.
What would make you look back and say, “That was a good year professionally”? What would need to be true for that to land?
What’s one thing you want to try in your career? If it feels exciting and a little uncomfortable, pay attention.
What do you need more of at work this year? Clarity? Stretch? Autonomy? Boundaries? Support?
What bold idea or direction keeps resurfacing? The one you keep talking yourself out of.
Who do you want to feel more connected to professionally? Someone new or someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to.
What small moment at work do you want to experience more often? The ones that make your days feel more meaningful.
What quality do you want to practice as a professional? Confidence, courage, patience, visibility, honesty.
How can someone support you in your work this year? Ask clearly, and listen carefully to the response.

Turning Insight into Momentum

You don’t need to answer all 26 questions at once. Use them as guideposts for how you make decisions at work, where you invest your energy, and what you say yes or no to.

A few ways to work with them:

Spend one question a week reflecting and noticing patterns
Revisit them throughout the year as roles, responsibilities, and priorities evolve
Pay attention to the questions you resist. They often point to the biggest opportunities for growth

Once you’ve reflected, identify your top three priorities for what you want to bring into your work this year: experiences, relationships, or ways of showing up.

Then put them on your calendar. What gets scheduled gets done, and your calendar is often the clearest reflection of what truly matters.

These questions aren’t about perfect answers or instant clarity. They’re about building momentum, one intentional choice, one aligned decision, one meaningful shift at a time.

Next Steps!

If your reflections spark a desire for deeper clarity or support as you navigate your career this year, we’re here for you!

Our 1:1 coaching is designed to meet you where you are and help you slow down, get clear, and move forward with intention, confidence, and direction.

Learn more about EvolveMe’s 1-1 Coaching Services here.

We wish you a year full of growth and purpose!