On Becoming: A 30-Minute New Year’s Practice for Gratitude and Identity

The threshold of the New Year often brings with it mixed feelings as we reflect on what we may have achieved (or not) in the past year.

Often the focus is on WHAT we want to achieve in the coming year, instead of the far more important consideration of WHO we want to be.  The practice below steps away from goals or achievements. 

This New Year's practice is about becoming. About choosing the qualities, values, and presence you want to carry into 2026 - because WHO you are shapes everything and impacts everyone you touch. 

It’s a gentle ritual that is both inward and outwardly focussed.  To close the year with thanks and begin the next with intention for the person you will be and the effect you will have on others.

1. Ground and Arrive (5 minutes)

Create a quiet space. Make a cup of tea, sit by a window - or do as I do and find a secluded part of the beach to call your own.  Take a journal and pen:

• Close your eyes.

• Take five slow breaths.  My personal favourite breathing exercise is to inhale for four, hold for four and exhale for six.  Repeat five times.

• Consciously lower your shoulders

• Feel your body settle.

• Say “Thank you for the year that was.  It’s challenges, learnings, achievements, blessings, opportunities and new experiences.”

  
  

Let the year fall away from you…

2. Gratitude for Who You’ve Been (7 minutes)

In the notes on my phone, I have a note of things I have achieved in each year that I am proud of. 

In your journal or phone, create a list of the WHO you were in 2025. It’s a great way to reframe the innate negativity bias to focus on your traits that are amazing!

Instead of listing achievements, reflect on identity.

Write openly:

• Who were you this year when things got hard?

• What qualities did you embody that you’re proud of?

• How did you show up for others?

• What parts of yourself grew, softened, or strengthened?

  
  

This is a celebration of character.  Honour the version of you that carried you through 2025.

3. Release What No Longer Serves (5 minutes)

On a journal page or paper, write:

• What aspects of your identity feel outdated or heavy?

• What roles, masks, or expectations are you ready to shed?

• What emotional habits or narratives no longer reflect who you’re becoming?

  
  

If you read my most recent LinkedIn post, I shared a quick New Year’s ritual for letting go of what we don’t want to bring into 2026 - and part of that ritual was to burn the list of what you are leaving behind in 2025.  A physical act to signify the release and death of that we which no longer want associated with us.  You'll feel the difference… I promise.

4. Choose Who You’re Becoming (10 minutes)

This is the heart of the practice.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of person do I want to be in 2026?

• What values do I want to embody more deeply?

• How do I want others to feel in my presence?

• What legacy do I want to shape through my choices?

  
  

Then write a short identity statement. A declaration of being.

For example: “In 2026, I choose to be a calm, clear, courageous leader.” “I embody warmth, wisdom, and integrity in every space I enter.” “I am a grounded, generous and forgiving friend who uplifts others.”

Write a note in your phone with this statement and revisit it each morning upon waking as a reminder of WHO you want to be.

5. Close With Thanks and Integration (3 minutes)

Place your hand on your heart.

Say quietly:

• “Thank you, 2025, for shaping me.”

• “Thank you, self, for showing up.”

• “Thank you, 2026, for the opportunities to become.”

  
  

Sit in silence for a minute. Let the words settle. Let the intention root.

Wishing you a wonderful 2026 as you deliberately choose your WHO and magnify the positive impact you bring to your family, friends, community and colleagues.

Rachel x