2026: A Year of Curiosity

It is hard to believe that 2026 is already here. It feels as though each year the first 5 months of the year go slow. Then, we blink, and winter has arrived. Now, winter can get a bad reputation for being grey and cold and miserable here in the heartland but my favorite thing about it is the opportunity to be slow. With the holidays and the weather, not many teams have space for development so, at Better Humans, we hit pause and reflect on all that we’ve done and all the opportunity that is before us. This also includes tackling that tricky New Year’s Vision. 

With a new year, it is common to set strategic goals. Our business has them too and we are happy to nerd out about our company vision for 2026. It is also common to have those personal New Year’s Resolutions. However, goals/resolutions can be a struggle. You go to the gym for those first two weeks of the year, you feel great, and then something comes along that deters you from continuing. All of the sudden, it is June, you haven’t used that shiny membership in months and you just feel guilty that life is hard and the ‘new year, new me’ didn’t ring true…again. Raise your hand with me if your good intentions have also withered on the vine in years past.

Instead, I was inspired by this TED talk and NPR conversation to say, what if there is a different way? What if we spent the year searching for a question that has been waiting for us to give it space?

Here at Better Humans, my question is this: “What does intentional speed look like?” 

We are getting to roll into a new year after an amazing opportunity to serve over 1700 people last year. However, life is also changing in big ways around us for many of our team members. We want to honor the work we love, provide space to the people we adore to live their lives, AND continue to provide an essential service to the Heartland. A lot to balance.

Thus, our question: “What does intentional speed look like?”. 

In honor of 2026, here are 26+ examples of questions that might guide your focus for the new year. Be sure to join us on social media to share your question, inspiration or vision for the new year as well. If you need some help reflecting on 2025 you, we’ve also put together a personal reflection guide. Check it out here! We can’t wait to see where 2026 takes us and wish you the very best on your journey.

Clarity & Direction

1. What would make my life feel more aligned?
2. What am I curious about exploring more deeply?
3. What is one truth I’m finally ready to face?
4. What question am I avoiding — and why?
5. What does “enough” look like for me right now?
6. What would make this year feel meaningful?

Energy & Wellbeing

1. What gives me energy that I want to invite more of?
2. What drains me that I’m ready to release?
3. How do I want to feel at the end of today?
4. What would it look like to take better care of myself?
5. What boundaries would protect my peace?
6. What habits support the version of me I’m becoming?

Relationships & Connection

1. How can I show up more fully for the people I love?
2. What relationships need more attention?
3. What kind of friend/partner/colleague do I want to be?
4. What connection am I longing for?

Work & Purpose

1. What kind of work feels meaningful to me now?
2. What skill am I excited to develop?
3. What opportunities am I ready to say yes to?
4. What opportunities am I ready to say no to?

Creativity & Curiosity

1. What sparks my sense of wonder?
2. What do I want to learn just for the joy of it?

Courage & Change

1. What fear am I ready to stop letting lead me?
2. What small risk could open something big?
3. What am I willing to do differently?
4. What am I ready to forgive — in myself or others?

Gratitude & Presence

1. What am I grateful for today that I often overlook?
2. What moments do I want to savor more?
3. How can I be more present with the life I already have?
4. What beauty do I want to pay attention to?
5. What rituals help me feel grounded?

Vision & Becoming

1. Who am I becoming — and what supports that evolution?
2. What values do I want to embody more fully?
3. What does a good year look like for me?
4. What would future‑me thank me for starting now?