Current Insights

Purpose-Led Planning for 2026: Turning Past Regrets into a Strategic Roadmap

By Abbey Henderson, CFP®, RLP®, CAP®, AEP®

We often rush into a new year setting goals based on what we think we should do rather than looking at what we’re truly capable of creating, which usually leads to a list of ambitious tasks with no real connection to our values. 

At Abaris, we believe one of the most effective ways to start the year is with an intentional pause. Instead of trying to outrun the discomfort of the previous year, we can use it as our most valuable data. To set intentions that resonate, we have to look at our previous regrets and turn them into insights.    

Extracting Wisdom from a Failure Resume 

A concept championed by Stanford professor and author Tina Seelig, a failure resume is a powerful tool for self-leadership that shifts perspective from rumination to clarity. The goal is to extract wisdom from our mistakes, so we don’t repeat the same patterns. 

Let’s use a practical exercise to illustrate how it works: 

Review the last 12 months and identify two or three moments where you felt a sense of regret. For each one, identify: 

• What happened or failed to happen? 

• What did this teach you about your true priorities? 

• What proactive decision will you make today based on that lesson? 

Now, put those lessons into practice. Consider the following scenarios as they relate to finance, mindset, and relationships:   

Finance 

• Regret: I spent the year reacting to market headlines and felt constant anxiety about my portfolio, which kept me from being present with my family. 

• Lesson: I learned that my peace of mind is tied to transparency. I need a strategy where I’m not checking the news every day. 

• A Step Toward Purpose: Build a system that doesn’t require your daily attention. Schedule a comprehensive strategy session to stress-test your plan against various market conditions, giving you the confidence to turn off the headlines and turn toward your family. 

Mindset  

• Regret: I turned down a seat on a non-profit board I care about because I was afraid I didn’t have the right expertise to contribute alongside other high-level leaders. 

• Lesson: I realized that my hesitation wasn’t a lack of skill; it was mindset. I was waiting for a feeling of readiness that may never come. 

• A Step Toward Purpose: Identify one area where you’re playing small and commit to a growth-first mindset by saying yes to an opportunity that challenges your current comfort zone. 

  Relationships  

• Regret: I achieved my professional growth targets this year, but I missed significant milestones with my children and felt disconnected from my community. 

• Lesson: I learned that external success feels hollow when it comes at the expense of my closest relationships. 

• A Step Toward Purpose: Protect your time by scheduling non-negotiable family or community blocks in your calendar before you layer in your professional obligations. 

 Closing the Gap Between Intent and Execution 

 Good intentions fall by the wayside when they aren’t supported by your lifestyle. If you intend to prioritize your health, but you’re over-scheduled, those two things remain at war. 

 We need to end the internal conflict to release regret. At Abaris, we work with you to close that gap by aligning the 5 Levers of Authentic Wealth. We believe these primary areas of your life must work in harmony to support your vision: 

1. Finance: Structuring your resources to fund your vision. 

1. Mindset: Shifting from reactive fear to proactive confidence. 

1. Relationships: Prioritizing the deep connections that fuel your momentum. 

1. Health: Protecting the physical and mental energy required to live abundantly. 

1. Time: Designing a schedule that reflects your true legacy rather than just your obligations. 

When these Five Levers move in the same direction, your intentions transition from wishful thinking to a sustainable way of living. 

Growth is a collaborative process. We regularly share frameworks and host events designed to help you turn these insights into a roadmap for a truly fulfilling life. 

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