Habits I’m taking into 2026 (and why they’re changing how I create)
This past year was filled with creative projects, meaningful growth, and lessons I couldn’t have learned any other way. I worked across brands, creators, campaigns, and platforms. I launched my first digital product. I refined my offers. I said yes to things that stretched me… and learned where I needed to say no more often.
I learned more of what works for me — not just on social media, but in building a creative business that feels sustainable, intentional, and aligned.
If you’re reading this, thank you. Whether you’ve followed along quietly, engaged with my content, booked a session, or trusted me with a creative project this year, I appreciate you more than you know 🤍 Getting to do this work, and to do it alongside thoughtful, intentional creatives, is something I don’t take for granted!
As I head into 2026, these are the habits I’m carrying forward, as foundations for how I show up, create, and work.
1. Transparency with My Audience (Over Perfection)
Transparency means sharing where you actually are — not just the highlight reel. Being clear about availability, capacity, timelines, and what’s evolving behind the scenes. I vlogged my bad habits and not-so-perfect time management. Letting people know when I’m booked, when things are full, and when I’m intentionally slowing down.
I’ve learned that trust grows faster when people feel informed, not impressed.
In a space that often rewards over-curation, transparency has become one of my most powerful tools — not because it’s vulnerable for vulnerability’s sake, but because it’s the fastest way to create clear expectations and build real relationships.
this comment STILL makes me giggle when I see it. a good reminder that your messy/unplanned content is a reflection of real life and there can be a place for it.
2. Systems Over Motivation
This year reinforced something I now tell every client: the key to consistency isn’t about being endlessly motivated, it’s about having systems that support you when motivation dips.
Planning ahead. Knowing what you’re posting and why. Having workflows for ideation, creation, approval, and reflection. These systems don’t limit creativity, they protect it.
This shift has made my content more aligned, my work more productive, and my creative energy far less fragile.
3. Creating with Intention, Not Urgency
Not every post needs to go viral.
Not every idea needs to be shared immediately.
Not every moment requires a reaction.
One of the most freeing lessons this year was realizing that intentional content often creates deeper impact. I’m choosing content strategies that support long-term growth, clarity, and connection… even if it’s a little quieter. Content that reflects where I’m going, not just what’s trending. Engagement and outreach that feels aligned with the work I actually want to do.
Urgency creates noise. Intention creates trust.
4. Learning how to Protect my Creative Energy
This year reminded me that creativity is definitely not an infinite resource, it’s an asset that needs protection.
That looks like saying no more often. Being selective about projects. Designing workflows that leave room to think, rest, and create thoughtfully. Limiting meetings. Building boundaries that support better work, not less of it.
When I protect my energy, the work gets better.
When the work gets better, the results follow.
This isn’t about doing less for the sake of it — it’s about doing the right things well.
5. Letting My Work Speak for Itself
Clear messaging, strong positioning, and aligned offers do the heavy lifting.
This year, I stopped trying to convince and started focusing on clarity. When your work is clear, your audience doesn’t need to be persuaded — they self-select. My prospective clients have already fallen in love with my content/work before they choose to book the discovery call.
The right people don’t need to be chased.
Moving Into 2026
These habits aren’t about doing more. They’re about creating better. Showing up intentionally. Building something that lasts — without burning yourself and your creativity out along the way.
Thank you for being here, for your support, and for trusting me in any way this year. I’m so excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to create more together in 2026.
With gratitude,
olivia paige ⭐️
