It's officially year-end. January 1 is barrelling toward you. And if you're like most entrepreneurs, you're either planning hard, stalling out completely, or somewhere in between.

After 16 years in business, here's what I know matters most as you head into a new year:

If you're not committing to one bold move each year, one thing you're willing to see through, no matter how uncomfortable it gets, you won't grow.

You'll stay busy. You'll stay safe. You'll stay on the sidelines.

But you won't win. 🫤

Most people don't fail because they're not capable. They fail because they never actually get in the game.

They watch. They plan. They wait for more confidence, more certainty, more proof it'll work.

But the people who actually win (and I mean win BIG) are the ones who step into the arena even when their knees are shaking. 

The queen Brené Brown said it best. It's not the critic who counts – it's the person in the arena. The one who shows up, risks it, gets knocked down, and stands back up anyway.

Being in the arena looks different for everyone.  

📍 Maybe it's finally launching that offer you've been sitting on for six months.
📍 Maybe it's raising your prices and not apologizing for it.
📍 Maybe it's walking away from a client or revenue stream that's draining you.
📍 Maybe it's hitting your first milly. 😎

The specifics don't matter. What matters is that it scares you a little when you say it out loud.

As we head into a new year, here's what I want to know:

What's your boldest move for 2026?

Not the safe goal. Not the logical next step. The move that makes you sweat when you think about it.

The one that stretches you and lights you up at the same time.

Bold moves keep you in the arena. 🙌🏻

So I want you to go first.

Saying it out loud makes it real.

And if you're not sure what your bold move is yet, ask yourself this:

✨ What would I do if I trusted myself more? ✨

Next week, I'm sharing the boldest move I've ever made in my business. 🫣 It might surprise you.

But first, I want you in the arena with me.

Let Yourself Be Misunderstood 😳

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There's a trend on social media right now where women share what they think is “chic.”

Wearing loafers with socks. A signature fragrance. A capsule wardrobe.

It got me thinking: What's the business version of chic? 👩🏻‍💻

Here's my answer: Being audaciously successful.

This year, I studied women who are truly rising. Their audiences are growing. Their businesses are expanding. Their wealth is compounding. And one thing stood out immediately.

They do not explain themselves.

They let themselves be misunderstood. And they do nothing about it.

No explanations. No commentary. No apologies.

Someone calls them out online because they don't agree? They say nothing. 

People unfollow them, tell them they're wrong, criticize their stance? They say nothing.

They share their opinions boldly, knowing those opinions won't land softly for everyone. And they leave it right there.

Because here's the thing: they don't need everyone to ‘get them.’

→ They know they're not for everyone.
→ They're okay if their audience needs to shed before it builds.
→ They stand up for what they believe and let the rest fall away.

That's what makes them dangerous in the best possible way. People can't quite read them. And that's the point.This kind of audacity reminds me of this somewhat controversial clip I saw from Codie Sanchez.

As you move into 2026, consider this: What if you let yourself be misunderstood?

What if you stopped explaining, stopped defending, stopped shrinking to make others comfortable?

That's audaciously successful.

My Weird Obsession Before New Year’s 📦 📦

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Between Christmas and New Year's, I turn into a full-blown decluttering menace.

Hobie hates it.

Here's my rule: Everything comes out.

Kitchen declutter? Everything on the island like we're filming Hoarders. Because if you don't take it all out, you're just pretending.

Then the hard questions: 

Have we used this in the last year? 

Why do we own five spatulas? 

Who bought this? (Spoiler: probably me.) 🙋🏻‍♀️

I order boxes, label them Goodwill, and go all in. A few hours later, the room feels lighter. So do I.

(Here’s proof that the project is in full swing! Hobie is mad that I’m making him throw away BROKEN fishing rods! Geesh! )

Hobie becomes increasingly grumpy.
He's sentimental. I'm ruthless.
We argue at least once.
He thinks we'll need something someday. I think someday has passed.

But every January 1, we wake up in a house that feels calm, clear, and ready.

I know decluttering isn't everyone's love language (weird, but true). But if you want a surprisingly satisfying reset before January hits, try it.

Just warn your spouse first.

And yes, I'll rebuy something unnecessary by February. Growth is a journey.

Nice chat! Let’s do it again next year. (See what I did there?!)

Amy