What to Leave Behind in 2025: The 4-Step Reset to Start 2026 Lighter

A practical guide for parents, entrepreneurs, and professionals who feel heavy, tired, and disconnected—without knowing why.

By Jake Talbert, Founder & Author ofThe GIVER Method

Learn how to separate lessons from emotional weight, identify the one thing holding you back, mark your release with a simple ritual, and choose a direction that keeps old patterns from returning—so you start 2026 lighter, clearer, and more aligned.

Before you set goals… clear the weight

If you’re about to set New Year goals, pause for a second.

Because many people aren’t struggling from lack of motivation—they’re struggling from carrying too much: shame, self-judgment, unrealistic expectations, and old identities that don’t fit anymore.

That’s why January feels hopeful… then February feels heavy… and by March the old story is back.

Here’s a grounded process to release what’s been weighing you down so you can start 2026 with real space.

Step 1: Lessons vs. Weight (Keep the wisdom, drop the burden)

Lessons are insights that help you make better decisions without requiring continued pain.
Weight is shame, judgment, resentment, and identity pressure that punishes you without teaching you.

Do this now:

• Write one lesson from 2025 (an insight you’re keeping).

• Write one weight from 2025 (something that punishes you).

• Extract the lesson from the weight.

• Write a “Lesson Keeper” sentence:
  “I’m keeping the lesson that ___. I’m releasing the weight of ___.”

Quick filter:
Is this teaching me—or punishing me?

Step 2: Identify Your One Thing (The single release that matters most)

Trying to release everything at once creates overwhelm.

Instead:

• List everything you want to leave behind.

• Ask: “If I released this completely, how much space would it create?”

• Circle the top 2–3.

• Find the root belief feeding the others.

Write:
“In 2025, I carried ___. In 2026, I’m leaving it behind because ___. The lesson I’m keeping is ___.”

Bonus clarity question:
Did you choose this belief—or inherit it?

Step 3: Mark the Release (Give it a moment, not just a thought)

Your body remembers moments. That’s why rituals work.

Pick one:

• Tear/burn the page

• Put down an object

• Doorway step-through

• Letter to the weight (thank it, release it)

Say it out loud:
“I carried this because I thought it would protect me. It didn’t. I’m releasing it now.”

Then write a Release Record:
“On , I released . I marked it by . I felt .”

Step 4: Aim Somewhere (Direction keeps old patterns from returning)

Release creates space. Space refills.

So pair every release with a direction:
“I’m leaving behind ___. I’m moving toward ___.”

Pick the smallest action that proves movement this week.
Then track one sentence weekly:
“This week, I moved toward ___ when I ___.”

Final reminder: you’re not broken—you’re carrying weight

This isn’t about becoming someone new.

It’s about returning to who you are underneath the layers.

Release doesn’t erase the past. It reveals what’s underneath it.

Want support and next steps?

• Get Your Copy Of The GIVER Method Book Today On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/GIVER-Method-Transform-Through-Generosity-ebook/dp/B0DP3JZJ7B

• Check out what The Ignition Accelerator - One-On-One Coaching with the GIVER Method looks like: https://www.thegivermethod.com/ignite

• Take The Survival Mode Assessment: https://www.thegivermethod.com/survival

• Book Jake for your event, team, or podcast: https://www.thegivermethod.com/speaking-and-podcast

• Download “The GIVER’s Roadmap” Free: https://www.thegivermethod.com/the-givers-roadmap

This article was adapted fromThe GIVER Methodframework, developed to help individuals unlock their potential through the power of purposeful giving. For more insights on personal growth through giving, follow Jake Talbert on LinkedIn or visit TheGIVERMethod.com.

About the Author: Jake Talbert is the founder ofThe GIVER Method, a framework for personal growth and impact that helps individuals discover their unique gifts and superpowers. Through his work, Jake guides others in creating meaningful value and building deeper relationships. His mission is to help people step into who they’re truly meant to be while making a lasting positive impact on the world. To learn more about discovering and leveraging your unique gifts, visit TheGIVERMethod.com.