Enter the new year with clarity, confidence, and positive thinking, and get ready to make 2026 your best year yet, writes Amy Koh.
There’s nothing like the hope and anticipation of a new year – a fresh start and the sense of all the possibilities that come with it. But in the real estate industry, these feelings are often combined with waves of anxiety. Because we are not always as prepared as we would like.
I know that’s not the case. As much as we would love to be the perfect planners on January 1st, reality is always a little different. Every New Year’s Day, my holiday tree is barely standing (it’s dead and hanging forever), boxes are scattered everywhere, and my inbox is full of emails that need to be archived.
But amidst all the chaos, there’s a sense of optimism in knowing we have another chance to hit the reset button.
Three mindset changes for the new year
If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and stress, here are three ways to help you start the new year with clarity, confidence, and a positive mindset.
1. Treat your first week like a warm-up, not a sprint
The pressure to be ready on the first day of the year is real, especially for agents. We convince ourselves that we need a new habit, a new routine, all our systems kicking in and getting our act together right away. Otherwise, we are already late. But that kind of thinking burns us out before we even begin.
Instead, think of the first week of January like a warm-up for the big game. It’s time to shake off your nerves, find your footing, and ease into this year with intention. There’s no rule that says everything has to be resolved on January 1st. Give yourself permission to start at your own pace.
2. Get out of your head and into action
The new year often brings its own version of “Sunday dread,” the anxious thoughts that creep in before you get back into work mode. This is a common pattern, but I’ve learned that there are ways to deal with it. For me, it’s all about movement. Walk the dog, organize a room in the house, do anything that keeps your hands busy.
After listening to a recent podcast by Dr. Martha Beck, a Harvard-educated sociologist, author, and life coach, I began to understand why this is helpful. She explained that anxiety comes from the left hemisphere of the brain and our natural negativity bias. By engaging your creative side, the right side of your brain, you can calm that response.
It’s not about being artistic, it’s about breaking the loop of anxiety with tasks that involve creating something. Sometimes it’s as simple as writing, cooking, or creating a playlist. So when that anxious, nervous energy starts to build up, try redirecting it into a creative outlet. This is an incredibly powerful way to take back control and move forward.
3. Reflect on your victories, not just your regrets.
During this period, your mind will naturally be filled with thoughts. But all too often we end up focusing on what we didn’t achieve: goals that went unchecked, ideas that didn’t take hold. My advice is to take a moment and ask yourself what went well in 2025. What energizes you and drives your business forward?
Keep those in mind and think about how you can work on it in 2026. That clarity will help you develop confidence while setting the tone for a strong and productive year.
After all, you don’t have to have a perfect plan from day one. All you need is a willingness to actively participate. Take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and get ready to make this year your best year yet.
Amy Corr is Chief Brokerage Officer at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate.
