As 2025 comes to a close we are often surrounded by Christmas decorations and familiar songs rotating on the radio; my personal favourite being ‘Last Christmas’. This time of year is also a time to reflect and realign our goals. Look at the audacious goals we had and reflect on what work, what didn’t and lessons learned. As we take time to pause and look forward to the new year, I wanted to offer a few tips on how they can carry into 2026 to level up. I spoke to speaker and author Thabani Mlilo to help me. I first engaged with Mlilo last year when I interviewed him about his book. I then read “Burn Your Boats” and ‘The Shift’. 

Here are five lessons that Mlilo believes will help you level up in the new year. 

Reset: “A shift in the mindset will be crucial as that will give a guide in the direction one ought to take,” Mlilo shares. In his book ‘The Shift’ he shares that one should not “despair no matter what you face in life there is always hope for a better tomorrow.” Though we may take a look back at the year and the reflection does not look very attractive, we have the ability to take the lessons that the past year has taught us and how best to face those challenges for improved productivity.

Reposition: Create a practical plan on how you will move forward with timelines and what you will need to develop in individual capacity as a leader. “The most important step you can take towards your goal is to just START!” he writes in ‘The Shift.’ 

Re-enact: “Be intentional in growing daily, weekly or monthly so that you elevate to the next stages.” He also writes, “I have learnt the need to give your best in the work that you do, ensuring that you leave a mark wherever you go.”

Be Bold: He encourages us to be resilient as we step into 2026, facing any hurdles which come our way. “Look back with gratitude and forward with hope, life’s journey will unfold as you take the steps into becoming a better version of yourself.” As I read ‘The Shift’ I was awed by the resilient spirit that abides in Mlilo facing challenges such as unemployment, poverty and homelessness while holding on strongly to his vision and dreams of the future.

Burn Your Boats: He encourages us to drop our excuses and step into the fullness of our capabilities. “Make it a habit to challenge that which is termed normal,” the bold thinker shares with us in “Burn Your Boats.” 

Mlilo’s work is available for sale from him on his social media platforms where he also shares his hard earned teachings.