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Fortitude Fridays

Vol. 128: Ready for 2026? The 7-Question Year-End Check-In, Google’s Year in Search & More

Welcome to Fortitude Fridays—part mindset training, part field notes from real life. I share what I’m learning, testing, and using to help you strengthen your mindset, take better care of yourself, and keep showing up—week after week.

Here are a few ideas as you head into the weekend.

Read Time: 7 mins

This Week’s Snapshot:

• Quote: Stable Yet Fluid
• Tactic: The Year-End Reflection
• Reflection: Google Year in Search

Hi friend,

If you’re new here, welcome. If you’ve been here a while, thanks for sticking around.

Things have been quieter in your inbox this fall—life got extra full, and instead of forcing half-hearted issues just to be “consistent,” I hit pause.

And yes, if you’ve noticed this is the second quiet stretch recently, you’re not wrong.

I’m still doing the work right alongside you, and I’m also laying groundwork for some big things in 2026 that I’m excited to share soon.

For today, we’re picking back up like any other Friday.

Thanks for being here.
– Erinn

Mantra Worthy: ​ I am rooted, but I flow. -Virginia Woolf (British Writer) ​ Know your values. Stay anchored in who you are. But stay flexible enough to move with life as it changes.

Tactic: The Year-End Reflection

A quick reflection to turn 2025 into information—and step into 2026 with forward direction.

As 2025 winds down, I keep thinking about the year ahead.

I’m not big on January 1st as some magical reset. If you want to start fresh on a random Tuesday in March, I’m a fan. But there is something about a new year that makes us pause, look back, think forward, and ask what we want more of—and less of—in the months ahead.

I didn’t always do this. For a long time, I rushed into January with a pile of resolutions… and by February, I hadn’t really looked at what actually worked (or didn’t) the year before.

Once I started taking time to reflect, the mission got clearer: I didn’t need more resolutions. I needed better information to make my next moves.

So I’m bringing back the same tactic I shared last December. Looking back gives you focus. It helps you spot patterns, pull real lessons out of the year, and decide what you’re taking into 2026—and what you’re done carrying.

Simple practice, big payoff. Let’s go.

How It Works

Reflection isn’t about replaying every moment or obsessing over what you didn’t do. It’s about asking a few key questions that give you insight into your growth, your lessons, and what you’re ready to change.

Here’s how to get started:

• Set aside quiet time for introspection—grab a beverage, find a comfortable spot, start a good playlist, and take a few deep breaths.
• Review each question slowly, giving yourself time to reflect on the past year. Don’t rush to find the “right” answer. Let your thoughts unfold naturally.
• Write down your answers. Even if you only jot a few words or phrases, the act of putting your thoughts on paper (or screen) solidifies your reflections.
• Identify patterns as you look over your responses. What stands out? Where did you grow, and where do you want to push further?

The questions below are ones I return to year after year. They're simple but effective. I hope they spark something meaningful for you, too.

1. What Did I Change My Mind About?

Growth happens when you’re willing to rethink.

I used to believe that success was about having the right answers. Spoiler: it isn't. However, the most successful people understand the power of asking the right questions. They lean into discomfort, update their beliefs, and aren’t afraid to start over when new information arises.

• What beliefs or ideas did I update this year?
• Where did I embrace being a beginner or admit I was wrong?
• How has this made me stronger, smarter, or more adaptable?

2. What Created Energy for Me?

Pay attention to what lights you up—it’s a map to what matters most.

This year, I paid closer attention to how I spent my time. I realized that the things that energize us aren’t always the biggest or flashiest. For me, it was time outdoors, reading fiction, awesome playlists, cozy spaces, being with my people, and small wins in my daily routines.

• What people, activities, or habits filled my cup?
• Where did I feel most alive, motivated, or at ease?
• How can I build more of this into my life next year?

3. What Drained My Energy?

Identifying what weighs us down is just as important.

I’ll admit, I ignored the warning signs from a few “energy drains” for too long this year—too many commitments, an overfull inbox, unrealistic expectations of myself, and not scheduling downtime. All big lessons in boundaries.

• What left me feeling exhausted, resentful, or stuck?
• Are there people, habits, or commitments that felt like a burden?
• What boundaries do I need to set—or adjustments should I make—in 2026?

4. What Were My Sandbags?

We all carry things that hold us back—recognizing them is the first step to letting go.

In the gym, when you “sandbag” a workout, you’re holding back—not pushing to your full potential. In life, sandbags are the unnecessary weights that slow us down. For me, it was self-limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and overthinking. Acknowledging those helped me see the weight I was carrying, release it, and plan how to move forward.

• What beliefs, behaviors, or relationships slowed my progress?
• Were there moments where I got in my own way?
• How can I release or minimize these sandbags in the year ahead?

5. What Did Fear Hold Me Back From?

Fear often hides the things we most need to face.

Fear can be sneaky. Sometimes it shows up as procrastination or perfectionism. Looking back, I see moments I hesitated, and in hindsight, the risks weren’t as big as I imagined.

• What did I avoid because I was scared of failure or judgment?
• Looking back, what was the real risk? What was the missed opportunity?
• How can I challenge myself to take that leap next year?

6. What Were My Greatest Hits and Misses?

Taking stock helps us celebrate our wins and learn from our stumbles.

We all have biases that shape how we view our year. The optimist sees the cup half full; the pessimist sees it half empty. I try to remember that I have a cup, and there’s something in it.

When I think about my greatest hits, they weren’t always the big, shiny accomplishments—they were the moments I showed up, even when it was hard. As for the misses? They’re just as valuable because they point to what I can improve.

• What were my proudest moments or biggest accomplishments?
• What mistakes or setbacks have taught me valuable lessons?
• How did these experiences shape my growth?

7. What Did I Learn?

Every year brings lessons—big and small—that deserve to be honored.

This is my favorite question. It’s where everything comes together—what I’ve changed, what I’ve overcome, and what I’ve discovered about myself. Each lesson becomes a stepping stone for the year ahead.

• What new skills, insights, or perspectives did I gain?
• How have I grown emotionally, mentally, or physically?
• How will I carry this knowledge forward into 2026?

Bringing It Home

Reflection isn’t about dwelling on the past or striving for perfection. It’s about understanding yourself. When I look back on my year, I see the messy, imperfect progress that makes life real. The moments I learned, stretched, and even failed are what make me who I am. The same goes for you.

This process doesn’t require hours of journaling or deep soul-searching. It just requires honesty and a little time. And you might be surprised by what comes up.

The best part? You don’t need to have everything figured out. Reflection is a practice, not a one-time event. Each year, you build on it and get one step closer to where you want to go.

Here’s to stepping into 2026 with clearer priorities and forward momentum.

Youtube Video to Watch: ​ ​Google — Year in Search 2025​ ​ If you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend watching Google’s Year in Search video. I look forward to it every year. ​ It’s a simple snapshot of the year through what people searched for—big world moments, quiet personal ones, and everything in between. ​ It always feels like a gentle pause… a reminder of what we carried, what we learned, and what we kept reaching for. ​ It’s under four minutes, and truly worth your time.

So Cool:

Straight out of Narnia.

Thanks for reading. Hope you get a few minutes to sit with these questions this weekend. Until next week…

You got this,

P.S. If you’re new—welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. You’ve just stepped into a community of people who are showing up, doing the work, and getting after what matters. We’re all about learning, growing, and building real momentum—together. Let’s go!

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