Welcome back to 2026! 🎉 And welcome to 10 YEARS of Brooke Jean doing this wild, messy, beautiful work in the world.

In this first episode of the year, I'm breaking down exactly why I stopped doing New Year's resolutions years ago and what I do instead that actually creates lasting change (without the shame spiral that has 93% of resolutions dead by January 4th).

Here's what we're covering:

The truth about why resolutions fail from both an energetic AND neuroscience standpoint. You can't shame yourself skinny or successful, period. When you're running on cortisol and adrenaline from negative self-talk, you're biochemically blocking yourself from taking aligned action.

Why your thinking brain (that's writing out those resolution lists) is only 5% of your operating system and how to access the 95% that actually holds the truth of what you want through somatic practices like breathwork, movement, and dance.

My process for setting powerful intentions instead: getting crystal clear on how I want to FEEL (not what I want to have), setting that as my North Star, and reverse engineering the aligned actions that get me there. This year's word? EXCITED.

The difference between rigid rules that trigger nervous system shutdown versus healthy structure that creates space for autonomy, creativity, and actual sustainable change.

Why "what do I need to DO?" is the wrong question. It's about "who am I BEING?" Your energetic frequency when things aren't going well? That's what's creating your reality.

Plus: A behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Brooke Jean Unperfected over the last decade, why I rearranged my podcast studio (again), the wild synchronicity of discovering my business birthday is actually 1/11 (the same day as my Unleashed event), and why two and a half weeks with my kids over winter break is just TOO DAMN LONG (and that's okay to say out loud).

The unsexy truth I'm normalizing today: You can love your children fiercely AND only be able to handle them in small doses. There's no right way to be. Your mess makes me feel less shame about mine. That's the whole point of this show.

CONNECT WITH BROOKE:

Instagram: @brookejeanunperfected
Website: liveunperfected.com
Email: brooke@liveunperfected.com

JOIN ME LIVE: Unleashed: Your 2026 Activation Sunday, January 11th | 4-6pm | Confluence Coworking, Lafayette, CO Breathwork • Dance Alchemy • Energy Work • Manifestation Only a few spots left! DM me to reserve yours. $33

SUPPORT THE SHOW: We're almost at 100 reviews (currently at 13,150+ subscribers)! If this episode resonated, leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It's how we reach more moms who need to hear this message. Share with your sisters, post on social, and let's get this work in front of the women who need permission to shed the shoulds.

***This is not therapy. If you need further mental health support, reach out to a licensed therapist or call/text 988 (Colorado Crisis Services) for free, confidential, 24/7 supporthis is not therapy. If you need further mental health support, reach out to a licensed therapist or call/text 988 (Colorado Crisis Services) for free, confidential, 24/7 support.***

Why New Year's Resolutions Keep You Stuck (And What Actually Works Instead)