Why the best strategy is the one you'll actually execute...
I’ve noticed two very distinct types of posts flooding my LinkedIn feed this week.
There are the people who’ve come back from the holidays absolutely buzzing – rested, energised, ready to hit the ground running and crush 2026. Full of plans and goals and that contagious “let’s DO this” energy.
And then there are the people easing back in gently – being kind to themselves, acknowledging the adjustment period, taking things slow.
Both are showing up. Both are being vocal about it.
And here’s what I’ve realised: the “full pelt” posts make me feel inadequate.
Not because there’s anything wrong with them – I genuinely love that enthusiasm. On days when I’m full of energy, I find it inspiring. But more often than not, it triggers that voice in my head that says I should be posting more, I should be more visible, I should be demonstrating my skills, networking constantly, entering awards, doing all those things that traditional marketers say is marketing.
And you know what? All of those things DO have massive benefits. I’m not saying they don’t. I’m not being negative about people being positive.
But what I’m realising – both in my personal life and in my business – is that we’re all individuals. There’s more than one way to do things. And for me, 2026 is about something different.
Quiet confidence. Calm over chaos. Working with intention. Being gentle with myself.
That feels more aligned with the person I’m becoming and the business I’m trying to run. And I think there’s a lot to be said for quiet presence and support.
To me, life’s too short to be in a constant battle to be “the best.” Obviously, for some people, they thrive on that. That’s brilliant for them. But it’s okay not to feel like that.
Your vibe attracts your tribe. And I’m learning that the people who resonate with gentle, flexible, but intentional – those are my people.
When strategy needs to feel right, not just look right
I had a conversation with a client this week that really drove this home.
We’d created their marketing plan together – solid strategy, clear positioning, ambitious goals. But when we sat down to review it, they paused.
“This feels… too big,” they said. “I don’t want to be the trailblazer. I want to be the person people trust and turn to. More of an insightful, supportive presence.”
And you know what? They were absolutely right.
The marketing strategy I’d mapped out was good – but it wasn’t right for THEM, right NOW. It would have pushed them into a version of themselves they weren’t ready to inhabit yet. Or maybe didn’t want to inhabit ever. And that would have made the whole thing unsustainable.
So we adjusted. We talked through what had worked, what felt comfortable and realistic. We kept it flexible and open-ended – a plan for now that we’ll review and potentially revise as we go.
Because here’s the thing: the best strategy isn’t the most ambitious one. It’s the one you’ll actually execute. The one that feels aligned with who you are and how you want to show up. The one that doesn’t force you into a version of yourself that doesn’t feel authentic or makes you feel uncomfortable.
This is what I mean when I talk about marketing with intention. It’s not about following a formula. It’s about creating something sustainable that works for YOU – your energy, your comfort level, your version of success.
Creating your own reality
The “shoulds” we feel about January – about business, about marketing, about visibility – they’re just that. Shoulds. They’re not rules.
You can choose how you work. Who you work with. The work you do. That’s creating your own reality.
And here’s the thing I’m trying to teach myself: you KNOW when you’re procrastinating. It feels icky. You feel annoyed at yourself. You get that little feeling of avoidance.
But when you’re being intentional – even if you’re moving slowly, even if you’re easing in gently – there’s a calm feeling. It feels right.
The difference between honoring your energy and making excuses? It’s a gut feeling. You know.
So here’s what I’m bringing into January
I understand that the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. This isn’t about not putting in effort. It’s about being really, really intentional about what you do and the work you do.
Working smarter, not just harder. Taking time to pause, reflect, and focus – so you can proceed with intention and clarity rather than just staying busy.
One thing at a time. Not all the things.
Whether you’re in the “I’m going to change the world” camp or the “I’m here, I’m me, and that’s enough” camp – both are valid. Both are okay.
Check in with yourself. Notice what resonates. If you’re feeling discomfort, explore why. And whatever you discover – honour that.
Calm over chaos. That’s what I’m choosing this January.
What about you?