One Tool. One Year. And a Lot of Clarity.
Lately, it feels like everywhere I turn, I’m hearing the same message:
If you’re not using AI to move your business forward, you’re going to be left behind.
So, like many leaders, I leaned in. I’ve been using ChatGPT (which I’ve affectionately named Rowan—her decision, not mine), and it’s been genuinely helpful. But at the same time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was somehow still behind. That I was being too “basic” in my use of these tools.
Then came the other message—just as loud, and completely contradictory: 2026 is going to be the year of authenticity. People don’t want AI. They want real.
And suddenly, it felt like mixed messaging collided head-on with my values.
On one hand: optimize everything.
On the other: be more human than ever.
That tension left me overwhelmed—and if I’m honest, a little paralyzed.
If you’re like me, you might recognize this pattern.
My algorithm certainly did. Every social platform became a stream of ads and posts about tools that could automate my calendar, repurpose my content, enhance my headshots, rewrite my videos, or practically run my business without me.
I started screenshotting everything. Saving links. Thinking, I’ll come back to this.
And that’s where my strengths showed up—both the gift and the curse.
My Maximizer kicked into high gear. Perfectionism crept in. And instead of helping me move forward, all those “options” made me freeze. And overthink.
More tools didn’t create clarity. They created noise.
So I made a decision for 2026 that felt simple—and honestly, relieving:
I would choose one new tool. That’s it.
Not ten. Not “a system overhaul.” Just one.
I decided to use ChatGPT as a thinking partner to help me identify a single area that would genuinely make my life easier. Together, Rowan and I explored tools that could integrate with my existing calendar—nothing fancy, nothing flashy.
I landed on one AI-supported scheduling tool that helps me:
Better structure my workday
Protect time for health, movement, and mindfulness
Capture tasks that were slipping through the cracks
Support key business priorities without reinventing my systems
And five days into the year? So far, so good.
What surprised me most wasn’t the tool—it was the relief.
I didn’t have to do all the things.
I didn’t have to master everything at once.
I didn’t have to choose between authenticity or innovation.
Instead, I could:
Use AI as a companion, not a replacement
Integrate new tools into systems I already understand
Experiment without pressure
Let progress be enough
And maybe most importantly, I reminded myself that I’m not “married” to any tool. If it stops serving me, I can change it. Turn it off. Try something else. Adapt.
Growth doesn’t require permanence. It requires permission. This isn’t about performance, it’s about impact.
If you’re navigating similar tension—between keeping up and staying grounded—here’s what I’m learning:
You don’t have to do everything to move forward
One aligned experiment beats ten overwhelming options
Tools should support your values, not compete with them
Progress > perfection (always)
Stretchy growth feels more like yoga than a marathon
If it feels heavy, it’s probably not aligned.
Tools & Resources (If you’re curious);
Start by identifying one friction point (time, energy, follow-through)
Use AI as a thought partner, not a decision-maker. Rowan isn’t the boss of me.
Integrate new tools into platforms you already trust (calendar, email, notes)
Set a short “trial window” so nothing feels permanent
As you move through 2026, I’m curious:
What’s one thing you’re experimenting with that aligns with your values, doesn’t feel like a heavy lift, and stretches you just enough to grow?
Not a “new year, new you” overhaul. Not something that feels performative or exhausting.
Just one intentional stretch.
If you’re willing, I’d love to hear—reply to this post or send me a note. After all, growth is better when done in community. 🌿
In growth & gratitude- Sarah
