836. How To Set Direction for 2026 Without Burning Out

In this solo, Lindsey walks you through her process for truthfully reviewing the past year—ditching self-judgment, toxic positivity, and unrealistic resolutions. She drops some powerful journaling prompts to help you process the lessons learned as well as the patterns you’re ready to break. Ahead, Lindsey reveals how she navigated challenging moments + unexpected transitions in 2025. Plus, she unpacks why we forget our wins, how to make your accomplishments visible (both inward + outward), and the science of emotional resilience for women in their 20s + 30s.  Lindsey also shares her favorite exercises for strengthening connections, confronting self-abandonment, and shifting from performance-driven goals to alignment-based living. Leave this episode with a fresh “north star” feeling for your life + a strategic plan rooted in self-worth. We also talk about: How to write your personal “year in review” headline   Using negativity bias + hedonic adaptation to reframe your reflections   Real-life examples of setting boundaries + choosing yourself   Health check-ins: sleep, food, stress + nervous system regulation   Identifying which relationships need attention, repair, or appreciation   Breaking unconscious patterns (+ why it’s NOT a character flaw)   The “Two Truths + One Request” method for honest conversations   Autonomy, integrity + living in full alignment with your values     Using the science-backed WOOP method to overcome obstacles   Therapy, calendar blocking + digital detox tips for overwhelmed women Resources: Instagram: @lindseysimcik Order our book, Almost 30: A Definitive Guide To A Life You Love For The Next Decade and Beyond, here: https://bit.ly/Almost30Book.  Sponsors: Paleovalley | Head to paleovalley.com/almost30 for 15% off your order! Our Place | Visit fromourplace.com/ALMOST30 and use code ALMOST30 for 10% off sitewide.  Fatty15 | Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/ALMOST30 and use code ALMOST30 at checkout.  Ka’Chava | Go to kachava.com and use code ALMOST30 for 15% off your next order. Hero Bread | Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use code ALMOST30 at checkout. Revolve | Shop at REVOLVE.com/ALMOST30 and use code ALMOST30 for 15% off your first order. #REVOLVEpartner BetterHelp | This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/almost30 and get on your way to being your best self with 10% off your first month. Chime | It just takes a few minutes to sign up. Head to Chime.com/ALMOST30. To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Learn More: https://almost30.com/about https://almost30.com/morningmicrodose https://almost30.com/book Join our community: https://facebook.com/Almost30podcast/groups https://instagram.com/almost30podcast https://tiktok.com/@almost30podcast https://youtube.com/Almost30Podcast Podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: almost30.com/disclaimer.  Almost 30 is edited by Garett Symes and Isabella Vaccaro.