As we tiptoe (or maybe stub our toe) into a new year, I always notice the same tension.
Part of me genuinely loves goals, lists, and clean slates.
And another part of me knows that most of life isn’t about executing a perfect plan… it’s about trying things, learning quickly, and adjusting along the way.
So instead of New Year’s resolutions, I think of January as the moment I step back into the science lab (goggles and all).
I create a list of goals (aka experiments) and ideas for the year ahead.
This isn’t a locked, laminated list. It’s more of a draft whiteboard (imagine me with whiteboard marker smeared on my cheek). A few hypotheses. Some curiosity. And a willingness to test, learn, and tweak as the year unfolds.
Here’s what’s currently on my experiment list for 2026, spanning leadership and life. And if you’re creating your own list of resolutions, goals, or experiments, send them my way. I’d love to stay updated, laugh together about how hard and complex they can be, and cheer you on along the way. And if you are not into that sort of thing…GREAT! No pressure here.
LEADERSHIP
- More conversations about life and leadership
I want to keep leaning into podcast episodes that explore both sides of the equation. How leadership shows up at work, yes… but also how it shows up at home, during change, and in the day-to-day moments. How do we create ripple effects that drive impact, build connection, and create joy?
- New cities, new industries, new rooms
I’m excited to speak in places I haven’t been yet and partner with organizations navigating change, complexity, and growth. My work centers on intentional leadership… because culture and performance aren’t built in meetings, they’re built in the moments in between.
- More video storytelling (deep breath)
This one stretches me. I love a room full of humans, but that darn camera-to-the-face thing for social media? Still a work in progress. Which makes it exactly the kind of experiment worth running.
- Big creative milestones
I’m looking ahead to the release of my new book on team culture this spring, along with a Joy Workbook that’s been quietly taking shape behind the scenes. I’m also dreaming about partnerships and product lines… big, audacious ideas that may take longer than a single year.
- A mini course for the everyday leadership stuff
I’m toying with the idea of a short, practical course focused on daily leadership challenges: tricky employees, feedback conversations, morale dips, engagement, one-on-ones, meetings, and all those operational nuggets leaders wrestle with between meetings. Just usable tools.
LIFE
- Time with family
Themed meals. Real conversations. Board games. Adventures. Bite sized moments.
- Creating more moments to laugh and learn
Less scheduled joy. More spontaneous joy. The kind that sneaks up on you mid-week.
- Contemplating a PhD… in my spare time
Yes, I hear how that sounds. Consider this a dotted-line idea, not a signed contract.
- Travel, always
New places, familiar favorites, and the perspective that only comes from stepping out of routine.
- Eating delicious food without overthinking it
- Giving myself permission to do nothing sometimes
Actual nothing. No optimization required.
- A thousand-piece puzzle (or two) during the cold months
Because thinking with your hands is underrated.
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: scientists don’t run experiments expecting perfection. They expect failure. Missteps. Skinned knees. Head-shaking moments. The occasional small explosion.
I’m sure 2026 will bring all of that.
But if I can stay healthy, curious, and brave enough to keep showing up to the lab, I’m excited to see what we discover next.
So, what’s on your list for 2026? And if you don’t have a list… don’t want a list… or are somewhere in between—perfect. No pressure from me.
Here’s to running the experiments together.
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Have Good Ripple Effect,
Lisa