Step Into Her: The 2026 January Plan to Becoming That Girl

Welcome to a brand new year! If you’re reading this, you’re already on your way to becoming that girl - the one who glows from the inside out, chases her dreams with clarity, and builds a life she’s genuinely proud of. Here at That Girl Journals, we believe January isn’t about becoming a whole new person overnight. It’s about deciding, once and for all, how you want to show up for the rest of the year. This year, instead of chasing perfection, choose to show up with intention, focus, and a plan that actually sticks. And this is your 2026 blueprint to do just that.

Why January Feels So Powerful

There’s something magical about January. It’s the collective fresh start, that rush of motivation, and the feeling that everyone’s working on themselves. But here’s the truth: January’s energy is fleeting. What matters is channelling it the right way so you’re not just riding a new year wave, but you’re building consistency that lasts the whole year. Here’s how you can harness that January energy to set the tone for your entire year.

Mindset Shifts for Your “That Girl” Era

1. Progress Over Perfection
   Let go of all-or-nothing thinking. Small, consistent steps matter more than being perfect every day.

2. Self-Compassion Over Self-Criticism
   Speak to yourself with kindness. Mistakes and setbacks are part of growth, not reasons for self-blame.

3. Growth Mindset
   View challenges as opportunities to learn, not as failures. Believe you can develop new skills and habits over time.

4. Abundance Over Scarcity
   An abundance mindset is the belief that there’s plenty for everyone. Opportunities, love, success, and happiness are not limited. When you have an abundance mindset, you celebrate others’ achievements, trust that more good things are coming your way, and are more open to collaboration and growth.

5. Prioritise Yourself Without Guilt
   Recognise that self-care is not selfish. Prioritising your well-being enables you to show up better for yourself and others.

6. Action Over Overthinking
   Replace procrastination with action, even if it’s a tiny step. Clarity comes from doing, not just thinking.

7. Embrace Discipline as Self-Love
   See routines, healthy habits, and boundaries as acts of self-respect, not as punishment or restriction.

8. Celebrate Small Wins
   Acknowledge and reward your progress, no matter how minor it feels.

9. Curate Your Environment
   Surround yourself with people, content, and spaces that uplift and motivate you.

10. Gratitude as a Daily Practice
    Focus on what’s going well and what you already have. Gratitude shifts your energy and attracts more positivity.

That Girl journal Reset

Journaling is one of the most powerful ways to reset your mindset and gain clarity as you begin the year. These prompts are designed to help you reflect, let go, and intentionally set the tone for the months ahead:

1. Reflect on Last Year

   • What moments from last year made you proud?

   • What challenges did you overcome, and what did you learn from them?

   • Is there anything you want to release before moving forward?

2. Set Your Intentions

   • What is your word or theme for this year/month?

   • How do you want to feel at the end of January? At the end of the year?

   • What priorities or values do you want to focus on?

3. Visualise Your Best Self

   • Describe a day in the life of “that girl” version of you.

   • What habits, routines, or mindsets does she have?

   • What does she let go of?

4. Practice Gratitude & Self-Compassion

   • What are three things you’re grateful for right now?

   • Write a kind message to yourself as you begin this journey.

5. Design Your Action Plan

   • What small actions can you take this month to move closer to your goals?

   • What is one habit you want to start, and one you want to stop?

Action Steps to Get Started

1. Set Clear Intentions & Goals

   Instead of overwhelming yourself with a mile-long to-do list, choose a theme for January and pick one or two goals that truly matter to you. Ask yourself: What do you want to focus on first? Productivity? Fitness? Self-care? Assign one or two goals to this month and make them your priority. Break each goal into small, weekly steps so you can see real progress and build confidence as you go.

2. Break Down Your Goals

   Big goals are inspiring, but micro steps are what get you there. For each goal, list out the smallest possible actions. Want to run a 5K? Start with a 10-minute walk. Want to journal daily? Place your notebook on your pillow every morning. If you have a busy schedule, then stack habits, pair new ones with things you already do, like reading while you have your morning tea.

3. Create a Morning Routine

   • Wake up at a consistent time.

   • Start your day with hydration (a glass of water).

   • Incorporate movement - stretching, yoga, or a short walk.

   • Include a mindfulness practice, such as journaling, meditation, or reading, to set a positive tone for your day.

4. Build a Routine for Your Average Day

   Focus on what a successful average day looks like for you. Build habits that fit your real life, even on low-energy days. Maybe it’s ten minutes of journaling, a walk after lunch, putting your phone away before bed, drinking water, or sticking to your skincare. These small wins keep you grounded and make consistency possible, no matter how you’re feeling.

5. Self-Reflection, Planning & Journaling

   • Start a daily or weekly journal to track your progress, moods, gratitude and daily wins.

   • Reflect on what habits make you feel your best.

   • Schedule a weekly planning session (like a Sunday reset) to stay on track and adjust as needed.

   • By planning your week in advance, you can break big goals into manageable tasks, prioritise what matters most, and ensure you’re making steady progress.

6. Prioritise Rest & Self-Care

   • Schedule time for activities that bring you joy (reading, creative hobbies, baths, etc.).

   • Create an evening routine that helps you wind down, prioritise rest, and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

7. Seek Inspiration & Community

   • Follow accounts, podcasts, or YouTube channels that motivate you.

   • Connect with friends or online groups with similar goals.

You Set the Standard

If you’re ready to stop repeating old patterns and start becoming that girl this year, this is it. The reset you need isn’t about chasing perfection or doing everything all at once. It’s about being intentional, building momentum, and building systems that will carry you through the rest of 2026. You’re not just setting goals - you’re setting the tone for who you’re becoming. You’ve got this, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Let’s make 2026 your most consistent, empowered year yet as you finally become THAT GIRL. ✨