5 Questions to ask before you plan for 2026

As the year comes to a close, many business owners begin thinking ahead: setting new targets, planning fresh strategies and wondering what a successful year might look like. But the truth is, effective planning doesn’t start with the future. It starts with reflection.

Before you set your goals for 2026, take the time to pause, assess and understand where you are now. That reflection becomes the foundation for every decision you make next year.

Here are five essential questions to help you review, reset and create a meaningful, actionable plan for 2026.

1. What worked well this year, and why?

Before diving into new goals, identify the wins. What strategies, actions or behaviours created positive results? Too often, business owners skip past their successes without analysing what actually drove them.

Ask yourself:

Which projects or initiatives exceeded expectations?
What strengths did you (and your team) demonstrate?
Which habits or processes helped your progress?

You want to double down on what works, rather than constantly reinventing the wheel.

2. What didn’t work, and what can you learn from it?

Looking at failures, disappointments or stagnation isn’t comfortable, but it’s essential.

Explore:

Where did you fall short of your expectations?
Which investments or efforts didn’t deliver the return you hoped for?
What bottlenecks, inefficiencies or blind spots held you back?

Instead of judging past choices, treat this step as a non-emotional diagnostic. This is where clarity comes from – and clarity fuels better planning.

3. Where did you spend your time, and does it reflect your priorities?

A common realisation for many business owners is that their calendar doesn’t match their aspirations.

If your time was consumed by operational firefighting, low-value tasks or distractions, planning for 2026 must include a shift in how you structure your weeks.

Consider:

What tasks consumed most of your time?
Which of those tasks actually moved your business forward?
What needs to be delegated, automated or removed entirely?

You can’t achieve new goals with the same time habits that created the old results.

4. What do you truly want for 2026?

This is where reflection turns into vision. Think beyond revenue or growth targets.

Ask yourself:

What kind of business do you want to run?
How do you want next year to feel?
What would make 2026 genuinely successful for you?

Your goals should be aligned with your values, capacity and long-term direction, not influenced by what others are doing or what you think you “should” want.

5. What support do you need to achieve your goals?

The final step is recognising that change requires structure, accountability and guidance.

Most business owners know what they want – the challenge is staying consistent, making informed decisions and keeping momentum when things get tough.

Ask yourself:

Do you have the right systems in place?
Do you have trusted advisors or mentors?
Are you equipped to overcome the challenges from last year?

The right support can turn good intentions into real, sustainable outcomes.

Ready to Review, Reset and Build a Strong Plan for 2026?

If you want expert guidance to help you reflect, plan and achieve real growth next year, Business By Design can help.

With over two decades of experience, Sean Martyn is one of the Mid North Coast’s most respected business consultants. His structured approach helps you gain clarity, identify what matters, and implement the strategies that lead to measurable results.

👉 Start planning your best year yet. Learn more about our Business Growth Program here:
https://bizbydesign.com.au/business-growth-sean-martyn-business-by-design/