Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.
ANNE LAMOTT
As the calendar turns and we step into the first chapter of 2026, I want to begin by saying Thank You. To my loyal community, subscribers, and clients: thank you for the trust you continue to place in me and for your unwavering commitment to growing yourselves, your teams, and your organizations.
In a world that seems to accelerate with every passing year, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) isn’t just a soft skill – it is a lifeline.
The reality of the ‘new year rush’
While the start of a year is often painted with the brush of ‘new beginnings’ and high-energy resolutions, the reality of January can be quite different. For many, the transition back to work is a period of high pressure. Whether you are in Retail, Healthcare, or Corporate leadership, the demands of a fresh Q1 can feel overwhelming before the first week is even over.
To not only survive but truly thrive in the year ahead, we need to be intentional about how we start. We need a strategy to protect our emotional energy, stay connected to what matters, and lead with clarity.
Your 5-point EQ Foundation for 2026
To help you navigate the months ahead, I encourage you to anchor your start in these five core EQ principles:
1. Presence (Self-Awareness)
The beginning of the year is often a race to ‘hit the ground running.’ To counter the inevitable stress, make a deliberate choice to slow down and create space to breathe. This is the essence of Self-Awareness.
Take five minutes each day to sit with your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By practicing ‘holding your gap’ – that space between a stimulus and your reaction – you prevent yourself from slipping into a reactive survival mode as the pace of work picks up.
2. Connection (Social Awareness & Relationship Management)
EQ is fundamentally about the quality of our connections. As you start new projects, take time to nurture the relationships that sustain you. Collaboration is the ultimate antidote to burnout. Don’t just focus on the tasks; focus on the people. Reach out, listen deeply, and invest in the team dynamics that will carry you through the busier seasons of the year.
3. Compassion (Self-Management)
Extend Compassion – to others and to yourself. There is often an internal critic that demands “perfection” in January. Remember: your EQ is a journey, not a destination. If you find yourself flagging or feeling the weight of expectations, be kind to yourself. When you practice self-compassion, you build the resilience necessary to show up for others with genuine empathy.
4. Purpose (Self-Awareness & Motivation)
Now is the perfect time to clarify your ‘Why’. Your purpose is your internal compass for 2026. When the year inevitably becomes chaotic, anchoring yourself in your reason for being provides a sense of direction. When you know why you are doing what you do, the “how” becomes clearer, and obstacles become manageable stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
5. Clarity (Self-Management)
Use your purpose to lead with intent rather than reacting to the noise. Clarity is the ultimate goal of your EQ practice. Instead of letting 2026 happen to you, use your clarity to set boundaries, choose the right priorities, and manage your time with intention. This shifts your mindset from merely “getting through the day” to actively designing a year where you and your team can truly flourish.
Building an Emotionally Intelligent 2026
I am incredibly excited to continue the work of growing EQ in Africa throughout 2026. My goal remains the same: to help build purpose-driven, emotionally intelligent workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to do their best work.
Remember the story of the starfish: even when the task seems vast, making a difference to just ‘this one’ matters. We grow EQ one person, one conversation, and one moment at a time.
Wishing you a year of renewed energy, deep connection, and, above all, emotional clarity. Let’s make 2026 a year to remember.
Follow me on Instagram @AvrilKidd for regular tips and updates.