Low Energy in January Is Normal

I want to talk about your energy levels in January.

And how full of beans you're meant to be feeling to achieve your long list of 2026 goals.

Note sarcasm.

New Year, New You is complete bullshit.

For many, the new year brings exhaustion. We're forced back to the start line of another 365 days of spinning plates.

The funny thing is, we then try to add a few more plates in January, because we look around and assume everyone else is doing more than we are.

Time to train for that marathon. Or get back to the gym a few times a week. Actually, now would be a good time to start a business.

I'm here for it. I'm not trying to minimise your goals or your desire to improve your life.

But it's January.

It's still dark.

And it's definitely cold.

And you've probably spent the last few weeks of December living in the upside down of your routines, sleep patterns, and diet.

Feeling pretty drained, right?

No shit.

Your body responds to the inputs you place upon it.

If you've spent a lot of energy over the last year trying to build a life you're proud of, you're going to feel tired. Especially if you haven't built the capacity to match those energy demands.

If you've spent the last few weeks eating more than usual, drinking more, and generally living out of sorts, then yes, your body is probably wiped.

And let's not forget the dark mornings and shorter days. That alone will affect how you feel.

So if you're nodding along to all of this, is it any wonder you want to crawl back under the duvet and not come out until spring?

The point I'm making is simple.

Now is not the time to spend energy if you're already low on energy.

January is a great time for reflection and goal setting. But before jumping in feet first, you need to ask yourself a few things.

1. How are my energy levels managing my current life demands before I add anything new? 2. How well did I manage my energy over the last year? 3. If not that well, what lessons can I take and apply moving forward? 4. If well, same question. What worked, and why? 5. Based on those answers, what are the top one or two things I know energise me? 6. Apply those for the next 30 days before acting on a new 2026 goal.

If, after 30 days, you feel more energised, great. Start moving one goal forward.

If not, go back to question one. This time, reflect on the last 30 days instead of the last year, and repeat the process.

I get that you might feel behind in life.

I also get that you might be craving change and beating yourself up for not having the motivation to create it.

But you don't have a motivation problem.

I know you're motivated to do shit.

You just don't have the energy at the end of a hard day to do the hard things.

So let's start there.

If you can get even 20% better at managing your energy before setting new goals, you'll feel more confident that you can actually achieve them this time, instead of repeating the same cycle and feeling like a failure.