Ever wonder what really goes into setting intentional, aligned goals as a creative entrepreneur? In this episode, I’m giving you a transparent look behind the scenes at how I’m approaching 2026. We’ll take through what worked in 2025 and the challenges I’m not dragging into the new year. Listen in as I share my personal reflection process, emotional and data-based audits, and the tangible plans I’m most excited about for the year ahead.

I also share some vulnerable updates: hiring a new coach, my long-time dream of writing a book, and why I’m staying firm in creating original, human-first content without AI writing tools. Whether you’ve set your goals or not, I hope this gives you permission to move at your own pace!

Why I Don’t Believe in “New Year, New Me”

Let’s get one thing out of the way: January 1 is an arbitrary date. I always say my real new year begins in March, when the energy of spring kicks in and I’ve had space to rest, reflect, and reset. If you haven’t mapped out your goals yet, you are not behind. There’s no magic in the calendar. There is magic in showing up when you’re actually ready.

That’s why I take time to sit with my year before I try to dream up a new one. I flip through my planner, journal (if I’m in the mood), and ask myself how I really felt, not just what I accomplished.

Two Audits That Changed Everything

I’ve developed a two-part audit system that helps me reflect deeply and set aligned goals:

Emotional Audit: I go quarter by quarter and ask, “How did I feel?” Not what I achieved, but how I felt during that process. Was I energized, drained, excited, bored?
Data-Based Audit: Then I layer on the facts. What were my numbers? Where was my time going? What offers worked? What events filled my cup (or emptied it)?

This year, I realized Q1 was incredible, thanks to the Creative Educator Conference. But Q3? It felt off. I was building a course, onboarding new team members, and trying to juggle too much. The feelings matched the data: I needed more support, more rest, and fewer overlapping projects.

What’s Coming in 2026

Once the audits are complete, I start vision casting. This year, I’m moving forward with some big dreams and bold decisions:

The Conference is Back

Yes, the Creative Educator Conference is returning in 2026. It’s a massive commitment financially, emotionally, and logistically. Seeing creative educators come together is worth every bit of it.

A New Speaker-Focused Offer

After piloting a new version of my speaker mastermind last year, I’m crafting a fresh offer just for speakers. It’s built from direct feedback and the very real needs I see in our industry. I can’t wait for you to see what’s included!

Continued Community in the Educators Lounge

The Educators Lounge remains one of my favorite spaces. It’s where creative educators come to drop the weight of their work, share the real struggles, and feel supported. We’re always tweaking and improving it based on member feedback, but its purpose is so aligned in my business.

The Book Dream is Officially On

This is the big one for me. I’ve dreamed of writing a book since I was a teenager, and 2026 is the year I finally make it real. I’ve kept this quiet for so long, mostly out of fear, but not anymore. I’m sharing it with you because I believe in transparency, and because maybe you need to hear that it’s not too late to chase that dream.

I Hired a New Coach

After years of leading masterminds, hosting events, and coaching others, it was time for me to get back into the client seat. Finding the right fit was hard, but I did it. I can’t wait to see how this new coach impacts not just my business, but my life.

Running Ads (Cautiously)

For the first time in five years, we’re experimenting with ads. Not to “scale fast,” but to bring the right people into our community and offers, especially the ones that are self-paced or evergreen. I’m approaching this with curiosity, not pressure.

Still Not Using AI for My Voice

This one’s a little spicy. I don’t use AI for my marketing copy, and I don’t plan to. I believe my voice, my brain, and my lived experiences are what make my content valuable. That’s the whole point of leadership: it needs to come from you. If AI writes my posts, then what’s the difference between me and a prompt?

That said, no shade to anyone who uses it. You do you. But for me? The extra effort is worth it.

Mentioned in this Episode

Creative Educator Conference

The Educator’s Lounge

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The post 232: Behind the Scenes: What I’m Building (and Letting Go of) in 2026 appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.