We kicked off the year by asking NCP panel members how they’re approaching 2026—from goal-setting to motivation and all the habits in between. Whether you’re diving into routines or easing into the new year with balance and optimism, you’re not alone. Here’s what your fellow panelists shared about their mindsets, plans, and personal vibes for the year ahead!

2026 New Year Vibes

How are panelists feeling as the year begins?
– 50% feel hopeful
– 18% feel motivated
– 18% feel overwhelmed
– 14% feel excited

How optimistic do panel members feel about 2026?
– 42% feel somewhat optimistic
– 23% feel slightly optimistic
– 22% feel very optimistic
– 13% do not feel very optimistic

Goal Setting and Mindset

What goals matter most to panel members this year?
– 42% said health and wellness
– 20% said financial
– 14% said home or organization
– 13% said personal growth
– 7% said fun, travel, or hobbies
– 4% said career or education

How do panel members approach New Year’s goals?
– 34% focus on their mindset more than goals
– 30% do not set goals
– 29% set a few realistic goals
– 7% aim for big goals and fresh starts

We asked panel members what theme they would choose for the year ahead. Here’s what they said:
– 37% said Balance
– 24% chose Organization
– 19% selected Growth
– 10% picked Adventure
– 10% said Rest

Tracking and Sticking to Goals

How confident are panelists about sticking to goals?
– 52% are somewhat confident
– 28% are very confident
– 17% are slightly confident
– 3% are not very confident

How do panel members track goals (or not!)?
– 33% use mental notes
– 28% keep written lists or planners
– 27% don’t track goals
– 12% use apps or other digital tools

Challenges and Motivation

What gets in the way of achieving goals most often?
– 42% said unexpected life events
– 25% said lack of motivation
– 14% said forgetting or losing track
– 13% said lack of time

What keeps panelists motivated?
– 53% said seeing progress over time
– 27% said checking things off a list
– 10% said rewards or treats
– 10% said support or accountability

Organization and Productivity

How organized do panel members feel?
– 53% feel somewhat organized
– 21% are very organized
– 19% answered “organized chaos”
– 7% do not feel organized at all

What are panel members’ favorite organization tools?
– 32% use to-do lists
– 21% use planners or notebooks
– 21% don’t use any tools
– 16% use a digital calendar or app
– 10% use Notes on their phone

What are panel members’ top areas to tackle this year?
– 60% said their home or living space
– 25% said their finances
– 12% said their schedule or time
– 3% said work or school tasks

When do panelists feel most productive?
– 53% said in the morning
– 28% said afternoon
– 13% said evening
– 6% said late at night

Habits and Intentions

And finally, we asked what panelists about the top habits they want to build this year. Here’s what they said:
– 37% healthier routines
– 25% saving money
– 21% staying organized
– 12% making more time for fun

That’s it for this edition of In The Know! What do you think of the survey results from our panel members? I’d love to hear about how you are approaching 2026, let me know in the comments!

Regards,
Taylor

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