TL;DR: How to Make a Fresh Start in 2026 by Letting Go of Obstacles
True transformation in 2026 starts by letting go of distractions, toxic habits, and limiting beliefs. Instead of overloading yourself with new goals, focus on clearing mental and emotional clutter to create space for growth.
• Ditch perfectionism, embrace small, realistic steps toward improvement.
• Stop glorifying busyness; prioritize quality, strategic time for reflection.
• Cut ties with toxic relationships that drain energy and offer minimal ROI.
By removing these obstacles, you can make room for meaningful action and sustainable success. What will you let go of first? Start today to simplify and thrive.
Making a genuine fresh start in 2026 requires more than setting new goals or adopting the latest productivity hacks. As someone who has built and exited multiple businesses across Europe, I’ve learned that the most impactful changes often come from letting go of the things holding you back. By identifying and removing key mental and emotional obstacles, you create space for sustainable growth and real transformation. Here are eight things that need to go immediately if you’re serious about turning things around this year.
What should you remove to achieve a true fresh start in 2026?
Starting fresh doesn’t mean packing your schedule with more tasks or buying into every self-improvement craze. It’s about subtraction, letting go of toxic habits, mindsets, and distractions that drain your potential. Each of the following points isn’t just about personal development but also touches on running a business effectively. If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or leader in any capacity, these are non-negotiables.
1. The Fantasy Version of Yourself
One of the biggest blockers to success is trying to live up to an unattainable, fantasy version of yourself. You imagine being the founder who wakes at 4:00 AM, meditates, eats a flawless diet, and handles business crises effortlessly. But this perfectionism sets you up to fail. Instead, start from where you are and focus on becoming incrementally better. “Done is better than perfect” applies to your personal growth, too.
- Action Plan: Set realistic and specific goals. Replace “I’ll work out daily” with “I’ll take a 15-minute walk thrice a week” to build momentum.
- Mindset Shift: Accept that imperfection is part of the process and celebrate small wins.
2. Addiction to Being Busy
Society glorifies busyness, but being constantly overwhelmed drains your energy and creativity. More often than not, busyness is procrastination disguised as productivity. Founders are particularly prone to this as they find refuge in “doing” rather than making tough decisions. You cannot innovate or lead effectively without carving out time for reflection and strategy.
- Action Plan: Schedule “think time” into your calendar each week where you let yourself brainstorm without interruptions.
- Example: Bill Gates calls this his “Think Weeks,” where he isolates himself twice yearly to focus strictly on strategy.
3. Energy-Draining Relationships
Whether it’s a friend, client, or team member, certain people sap your energy and undermine your focus. Tolerating toxic relationships isn’t just emotionally exhausting, it’s bad for business. The time and energy you lose here could be spent driving growth or nurturing healthier connections.
- Tip: Cut ties with high-maintenance clients who bring minimal ROI and constant problems. Focus on partnerships that align with your vision.
- Tool: Use the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to evaluate which relationships or commitments are worth your time.
4. The Need to Have All the Answers
It’s tempting to believe that as a leader you need to know everything. This is both unrealistic and counterproductive. Admitting “I don’t know” fosters collaboration, attracts innovative ideas, and builds trust within your team. Stop wasting energy pretending you’ve got everything under control and lean into the collective intelligence of those around you.
- Real-World Example: Elon Musk openly admits when he doesn’t know something, enabling teams at SpaceX and Tesla to dive deeper into problems.
- Pro Tip: Create a culture where questions are valuable and curiosity is encouraged.
5. Comfort Zone Disguised as “Self-Care”
Don’t confuse avoiding hard tasks with self-care. While breaks and mindfulness are essential, they shouldn’t become excuses for inaction. Checking out of difficult conversations or delaying high-stakes decisions will only amplify stress and stunt growth. Authentic self-care sometimes means choosing purpose over comfort.
- Action: Push through challenging but meaningful work before you “reward yourself.”
- Mindset Example: Think of athletes, practice and discomfort are part of the process that leads to their peak performance.
6. Stories You Tell Yourself About Your Past
Living in a loop of negative self-stories can ruin your future. Common phrases like “I’ve always been bad at delegating” or “I’m not a numbers person” lock you into fixed, limiting beliefs. Instead, rewrite these narratives into empowering growth opportunities.
- Example: Transform “I failed at my first startup” into “I uncovered valuable lessons that will shape my next business.”
- Tool: Use journaling to reflect and reframe recurring negative self-talk.
7. The Belief That You Need Permission
Waiting for permission to act is a guaranteed way to stagnate. Whether it’s approval from mentors, investors, or even internal validation, the longer you hesitate, the further you deviate from your goals. True leaders find empowerment from within. Validation will follow once you prove results.
- Action: Launch your side project or pitch before you feel 100% ready.
- Example: Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, started her billion-dollar company with no investor permission, just determination and $5,000 in savings.
8. Obsession With Potential
Living in a state of “potential” feels safe but prevents action. Obsessed with what could be, you risk avoiding meaningful risks that create actual results. True progress demands you shift from planning to execution, even when it’s messy and incomplete.
- Pro Tip: Allocate more time for testing and less for plan iteration. Even failed experiments teach you more than perfect ideas left untouched.
- Example: Jeff Bezos credits Amazon’s success to constant experimentation rather than prolonged strategizing.
Final Thoughts
Letting go is harder than picking up new habits, but it’s necessary for anyone serious about a fresh start. Clearing mental, emotional, and operational clutter creates space for breakthroughs, both personally and professionally. Don’t wait for January to overhaul your life; start by removing these eight obstacles today. Create the mental real estate you need to make 2026 your year of transformation and action.
What will you let go of first? Share your insights and connect with like-minded leaders who are serious about simplifying and succeeding together.
FAQ on Achieving a Fresh Start in 2026
What does “letting go” mean in the context of a fresh start?
Letting go involves actively removing mental, emotional, and behavioral barriers that prevent progress and personal growth. It’s not about adopting new productivity hacks or trying to perfect every aspect of life. For 2026, the focus is on subtractive strategies that free up space for creativity and focus. Examples include breaking free from perfectionist ideals, cutting off toxic relationships, and relinquishing the need for external validation. This approach aligns with the principle that sustainable changes occur when we stop holding ourselves back through unnecessary burdens and outdated habits.
How can I stop chasing the fantasy version of myself?
The fantasy version of yourself often leads to perfectionism, which sets unrealistic standards. Instead, focus on incremental improvements starting from where you are. For example, replace a grand vision like “I’ll exercise every day at 6 AM” with manageable, realistic plans like “I’ll walk for 15 minutes three times a week.” As you take small steps, celebrate progress and accept that imperfection is part of the journey. This mindset adjustment will prevent burnout and help you make consistent strides toward a better version of yourself.
Why should I prioritize removing energy-draining relationships?
Energy-draining relationships, whether personal or professional, undermine your focus and drain your productivity. These relationships may come in the form of clients, employees, or friends who consistently create negativity or unnecessary problems. By cutting ties with such individuals, you create mental and emotional bandwidth to connect with healthier influences aligned with your values and goals. Use tools like the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to evaluate the importance of relationships and how much energy each one demands. Choose to spend your time nurturing positive and mutually beneficial connections.
How can I overcome the pressure to always have all the answers?
The belief that a leader or individual needs to know everything can hinder collaboration and innovation. Instead, embrace the power of saying, “I don’t know.” This admission allows you to build trust with your team, fostering an environment of curiosity and open dialogue. Leaders like Elon Musk often admit gaps in their knowledge, leveraging their team’s collective intelligence to find creative solutions. By fostering a culture of collaboration, you also promote the idea that asking questions is a sign of strength and a pathway to growth.
Is it okay to leave my comfort zone in the name of self-care?
Leaving your comfort zone can be an authentic form of self-care. While breaks and mindfulness are essential, avoiding difficult tasks under the guise of self-care can lead to stagnation. Real self-care often involves pushing through discomfort for meaningful progress and purpose. For example, instead of postponing challenging work, approach it with the intention of rewarding yourself afterward. Athletes frequently embody this principle, growth happens through deliberate effort, not by avoiding strain.
Why is reframing negative stories about my past important?
Negative self-stories limit your potential and reinforce a fixed mindset. For example, saying, “I’ve always been bad at delegating,” locks you into that ineffective behavior. Instead, reframe these narratives into experiences that offer opportunities for growth. For instance, “I failed at my first startup” can become “I gained valuable insight from my early entrepreneurial mistakes.” Tools like journaling can help you reflect on recurring negative self-talk and systematically rewrite these stories into empowering ones.
Should I stop waiting for permission or validation?
Waiting for permission, whether from mentors, investors, or internal feelings, creates paralysis and delays progress. True change begins by granting yourself permission to act. Consider figures like Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, who launched her billion-dollar company without external approval. She relied on her determination and ability to execute. Similarly, don’t wait until conditions feel perfect; prove your capability by taking action. The confidence to move forward without permission can be transformative and lead to unexpected growth.
How does obsession with “potential” prevent progress?
Living in a state of endless potential can feel safe but keeps you trapped in planning rather than executing. The obsession with “what could be” often leads to procrastination and perfectionism, preventing meaningful risks or results. Effective strategies include reducing time spent iterating plans and allocating more energy toward experimental action, even if the outcomes are imperfect. Leaders like Jeff Bezos credit their success to execution-focused mindsets rather than dwelling on untested ideas. Start small, iterate quickly, and adjust as you learn from real-world experiences.
Can structured “think time” improve productivity and creativity?
Yes, scheduling structured “think time” bolsters productivity and creativity by allowing moments of uninterrupted reflection. This prevents the trap of constant busyness, which often masquerades as productivity. Examples include Bill Gates’ “Think Weeks,” where he isolates himself twice annually to focus deeply on strategy and innovation. By designating time weekly for brainstorming and reflection, you can unlock creativity and gain clarity on long-term goals without distractions.
How can subtraction strategies outperform additive habits?
Subtraction strategies involve letting go of unhelpful habits, mindsets, and distractions to simplify decision-making and free up mental capacity. This contrasts with the approach of constantly adding new routines or tools, which can lead to overwhelm. By identifying obstacles that prevent growth, such as toxic relationships, perfectionism, or the need for validation, you pave the way for breakthroughs and genuine progress. This approach emphasizes clarity, focus, and efficiency, ultimately making personal and professional transformations more sustainable.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.