Set Your Mind for 2026: Three Tiny Shifts that Change Everything

by Kristina Karlsson

As we edge toward 2026, I’m reminded - again - how much our daily mindset shapes our reality.

Over the years, through building and rebuilding, I’ve learned that the life we live a year from now mirrors the thoughts we practice, the stories we tell ourselves, and the beliefs we choose - on repeat.

The best news?

We get to choose them. You and I are in the driver’s seat. Read on, or listen to this recent podcast episode...

Why mindset first?

Mindset is the lens we use to see the world. It affects how we meet challenges, how we show up for our dreams, and how quickly we course-correct when things don’t go to plan.

When I first arrived in Australia from Sweden, homesick with little money and lots of uncertainty, one thing kept me going: the belief that something more was possible.

That belief became my foundation.

Years later, when I lost everything I had built, it was my mindset that helped me begin again. Endings can be beginnings. We can always dream again.

Your 2026 mindset question

Ask yourself: What mindset do I want to bring into 2026?

Will I carry forward old doubts, or will I start fresh - open, courageous and ready for growth? 

A growth mindset says, “I can learn. I can change. I can start again.” A dream-life mindset says, “I’m capable. I’m worthy. I get to design my life with intention.”

No permission slips required.

The 3 shifts I swear by

1) Start with gratitude (takes 2 minutes)

Each morning, write three things you’re grateful for. Gratitude turns what we have into “enough” and opens the door to abundance.

Keep it simple: sunlight on your face, a warm cup of tea, a text from a friend. When we begin in appreciation, we show our brain what to look for for the rest of the day.

Try this: Keep a Dream Life Gratitude Journal on your bedside table and fill it before your phone. (I’ve carried a pen-and-paper practice for decades and it’s magic.) 

For more tools and coaching support, you’re welcome to join us weekly here. https://www.yourdreamlifestartshere.com/course

2) Catch your self-talk (reframe in real time)

Notice those sneaky phrases - “I can’t,” “I’m not ready,” “I always mess this up.”

Pause.

Breathe.

Replace them with “I’m learning,” “I’m trying something new,” “I’m proud I showed up.”

We’re after progress, not perfection.

Over time this rewires what you expect from yourself - and what you create.

Try this: Write a short statement that Future-You (December 2026) believes about herself: “I follow through on what matters,” or “I honour my energy.”

Read it daily.

3) Visualise your best self (borrow her beliefs)

Close your eyes (if it’s safe) and picture December 2026.

You’ve honoured your goals, upgraded unhelpful habits, and surrounded yourself with like-minded people.

Feel the pride, alignment, and quiet joy.

Ask: What does this version of me believe? Start believing those thoughts today.

That’s how we become her.

Five insights you’ll gain from this episode

1. Mindset is a muscle, not a switch. Tiny daily reps beat occasional intensity.
2. Gratitude changes your filter. You’ll notice more good - and act from it.
3. Language leads behaviour. Change the sentence; change the action.
4. Vision precedes change. You have to see it to steer towards it.
5. Community compounds results. We go further together - especially with guided structure. (Join our November Mindset Workshop inside Dream Life Coaching, December for dreaming, January for planning.) https://www.yourdreamlifestartshere.com/course

Where journaling fits (and why pen beats keyboard)

I’m a lifelong fan of putting pen to paper - dreams, goals, and daily gratitude. It slows us down, deepens thinking, and makes ideas tangible.

It’s such a simple, beautiful way to bring your future closer. (My book and tools exist because this practice changes lives.)

Ready for your best year yet?

Take one small step today: write your three gratitudes, reframe one limiting thought, and spend 60 seconds visualising December 2026 You.

Then come get the support you deserve in Dream Life Coaching so we can design your year together. Dream. Plan. Do. https://www.yourdreamlifestartshere.com/course