Taking what you’ve learned in 2025 and making it work in 2026

It’s that time again when many of us are thinking about our goals and aspirations for the next year.

Here is one approach that might be helpful: Ask the question, “What have you learned in 2025 and how will you carry that forward as an intention for 2026?” That was the focus of a recent discussion with 16 women who were asked that question.  

The women are part of Renewment (retirement + renewal), an organization for mid-to-later life career women moving on to their next chapter. Renewment inspires and supports them through transition and change, from work to retirement and beyond (Renewment.org). Their responses might trigger some reflections and intentions for your 2026.  

Here are the categories, the responses, and the women’s plans for the future.

Mission-driven intentions. A retired professor will engage in activities that increase voter registration, particularly among younger folks. A nationally recognized anti-aging advocate who has referred to herself as a “recovering attorney” will increase her reach to eradicate ageism by converting her successful workshops to an online “Ageism Academy.” A former financial specialist is launching a business with a mission in 2026 to offer broad resources to women who face challenges with their older parents.  Understanding children’s behavior based on neuroscience is an ongoing mission of a retired elementary school teacher. She launched a nonprofit organization for that purpose and in 2026 will perfect her public speaking for fundraising and more. 

Adapting to limitations. Several women saw physical limitations as a wake-up call. An architect recovering from two herniated discs realized that she is a “project going forward,” continuing with her eight-mile hikes in 2026. A therapist who uses a walker as a result of a hip replacement is struggling not to be perceived as an “old lady.” She is continuing to work on her self-image this coming year. Another woman, also using a walker, has learned to accept herself as is. Yet another who chose to use a wheelchair at the airport because of a hip replacement has no problem with self-image. She says, “I’m comfortable in my own skin.”

Enhancing communication. Here is one example of a lesson learned. A retired entrepreneur was annoyed at her husband because he got angry with her. She remarked, “I was pissed off. Instead of saying, ‘You owe me an apology,’ I said, ‘You normally are so kind; what you said was not like you.’” She added, “I learned starting with a compliment rather than a demand is more effective in resolving conflict.” Three women with grown sons who have disabilities are reminded to speak with them by doing the following: Take a breath before speaking, avoid using buzz words that could be upsetting, be patient and understanding and let go of control.

Time management. Several women concluded they needed to be more realistic about the time it takes to be ready to go out for a movie, party or dinner with friends. One woman with mobility limitations indicated she needed to set priorities, realizing that checking emails and doing other tasks before getting ready makes her feel rushed to be on time. She is setting a timer to keep her on schedule. Another woman who is acknowledging her age will allocate one hour to get ready. Then there was the woman who took pride in allowing a half hour to select her outfit, shower, wash and dry her hair, get dressed and apply makeup.  She is realizing that’s not enough time.  All concluded they need to plan accordingly, since feeling rushed is a known risk factor for falling. 

Out of our control.  A woman who has done everything right to experience healthy aging came down with West Nile Virus and suffered serious symptoms. She learned, “There are things that are beyond our control. In many cases, it may just be getting older.”    

The unknown space. Not everyone has a clear sense of where they are going. For some ,what was most important was just being still, thoughtful and taking some time. A former athlete and current author and college professor noted it can be easy to describe what you no longer want to do, such as having deadlines, attending meetings and more. “What is more difficult is defining what you want to do,” she said.   

So, what is the message? To be the best we can be, we have the opportunity to reflect on this past year to consider what has worked well and what has not, and then take what we have learned and move that forward. The examples described may just trigger some of your thinking.  

Happy holidays, and know that kindness is a gift for all seasons.  

Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com.  Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity