January Pressure Is A Lie
January has a funny way of making us feel like we need to overhaul everything. Set bigger goals. Commit to five new habits. Become a whole new person by February. But what if that’s not the point?
What if the goal isn’t doing more, but building a life and business that actually feels aligned?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this as I step into a new year with Hyline. Not from a “fresh start” mindset, but from a sustainability one. What actually works? What holds up when life gets busy, when energy dips, when things don’t go according to plan?
Here’s what I keep coming back to: alignment without boundaries doesn’t last. You can have the clearest vision in the world. The right clients. Meaningful work. A business you’re proud of. And still feel exhausted, resentful, or stretched thin if there aren’t clear boundaries holding it all together.
This is something I’m actively working through myself right now. Refining how Hyline operates. How accessible I am. What gets protected on my calendar. What I’m no longer available for, even if it’s “a good opportunity.”
So I wanted to share a page straight out of my own notebook. If you want to borrow it, here’s a simple place to start.
For 2026, ask yourself:
What hours am I actually available to work, not aspirationally, but realistically?
How do I want clients or collaborators to communicate with me?
What am I no longer available for this year?
What needs to be protected on my calendar no matter what?
There are no right answers here. Just honest ones. Aligned businesses require aligned boundaries. Not to box you in, but to support the life you’re trying to build around the work.
If this stirred something for you, this kind of reflection is exactly what The Annual Reset was designed for. It’s not about fixing yourself or chasing a new version of you. It’s about creating structure that actually supports how you want to live and work. You can find it at the link below, available as an immediate digital download if you want to start now.
Here’s to a quieter, more intentional start to the year.
Less pressure. More alignment.
