top of page
Expanded Logo - Grey.png

A 10 DAY RESET TO KICKSTART 2026

  • Writer: Lakshmi Ramachandran
    Lakshmi Ramachandran
  • Dec 21, 2025
  • 4 min read

Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Welcome to P.O.W.E.R UP- Brilliance to Influence, edition 14. This special edition is the last one for 2025. Save it and read it with a diary or notebook to benefit most from it. 

ree


This period marks something extraordinary. 


The Winter Solstice.  The shortest day and longest night. For millennia, cultures worldwide have recognized this celestial turning point as a symbol of renewal, release, and rest. The Earth itself invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare for the return of light.


What better time than now to consciously let go of what no longer serves you? People underestimate endings. Yet every great beginning is built on the clarity of what we choose to release.


The truth about what you've accomplished


When I ask people: "What did you accomplish this year?", most immediately think of what they didn't do. The goals they missed and the targets they fell short of. We underestimate what we've achieved. It's human nature.


But that's exactly why reflection matters, not to beat ourselves up, but to see clearly what we've actually built, overcome, and become!


The 10-day reset framework:


Days 1-3: All that you did

Make a comprehensive list of ALL that you did this year. Don't just count professional wins, but capture:


  • Boundaries you protected

  • Decisions you're genuinely proud of

  • Growth moments that shaped who you are

  • Emotional wins that changed your trajectory

  • Difficult conversations you had the courage to start

  • Failures that taught you more than success ever could


My example: I co-authored an article, scaled my public speaking program, led culture-building initiatives with significant impact, and was ranked #1 communication skills influencer in Singapore.


But what I learned most from? Emotional meltdowns. Tough conversations I didn't want to have. Being fully present with my teenager and tween when it was hard. Reflecting deeply, even when it hurt.


That's where real growth lives.


Days 4-5: Who you BECAME


Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved". 


There were times when I felt I was out of my character. Times when I felt I lost myself. Anchoring back to my values and being self-compassionate was the only way I could get back to my core. In the process, I am confident that I became better, not bitter.


I stepped into my power by understanding, owning, and valuing my worth, something that only happened through terribly emotionally draining situations. Even while facing those moments, I remained open and optimistic.


That's the person I'm taking into 2026.


Ask yourself:


  • Did you become more honest? More open? confident? resilient? collaborative? compassionate? courageous?

  • What else did you become?


Days 6-8: KEEP, STOP, START


Now comes the most powerful reflection. This helps you decide what to keep doing, stop doing and start doing as you step into 2026. 


KEEP: What fuelled you? Which habits, relationships, or practices brought you closer to your goals and values?


STOP: What drained you? Overthinking? A relationship dynamic? Unhealthy habits?


Here's the nuance: you don't always need to let go of a relationship entirely, but the patterns, the drama, the energy drains? Those need to go. However, the clear answer for the best action will only come through deep reflections and gut feeling. 


Just as the Earth prepares for the slow return of light during the solstice, we can use this time to reflect on what we need to release. The winter solstice reminds us that endings create space for beginnings.


START: What new habits, approaches, skills, or relationships do you want to cultivate in 2026?


Days 9-10: Yoshuku - Celebrate Your Future Now

Here's the final, most exciting bit. 


Yoshuku is an ancient Japanese practice of celebrating in advance the life events we wish to manifest. Originally rooted in ancient agricultural practices, yoshuku involved celebrating the anticipated success of a future harvest.


How to practice it:

Close your eyes. It's December 2026.


You're celebrating with a friend over coffee. Or writing a LinkedIn post about your incredible year. 


What are you sharing? What accomplishments make you deeply proud? What transformation are you celebrating?


Write it as if it already happened.

Why does this work? Studies have shown that when athletes visualize themselves executing their skills flawlessly, it can significantly improve their physical performance.


The brain responds powerfully to future visualization because it cannot easily distinguish between a vividly imagined experience and a real one. You're literally programming your neural pathways for success. This isn't wishful thinking, it's cognitive rehearsal. Research studies have indicated that visualization can improve performance as much as 45 percent.


An invitation for you:


These 10 days are your canvas. The solstice energy supports endings and new beginnings like no other time of year.


Don't rush into 2026 without this reset.

Reflect deeply. Release consciously. Envision boldly.


What are you most excited about for 2026? Drop it in the comments and I'd love to celebrate with you.


🎯 My 2026 Vision


I'm excited to:

✨ Expand the impact of leadership communication in science and technology

✨ Help brilliant minds speak with clarity, confidence, and influence

✨ Shape stronger, more psychologically safe cultures


If you're a leader in science, technology, or innovation looking to: 

  • Build psychologically safe, high-performing teams 

  • Communicate with clarity and confidence 

  • Create cultures where brilliant minds thrive


Let's connect.



ree



 
 
 
bottom of page