Episode 101: How to Set Yourself Up For 2026 Without the Overwhelm

7 October 2025 | Paint Rest Repeat Podcast for Artists

Updated: 16 December 2025

TL;DR: In Episode 101 of Paint Rest Repeat, Ros Gervay shares a gentle, practical framework to help artists plan ahead for the new year—without burnout. Learn how to reflect, reset, and choose just a few high-impact actions that set you up to enter 2026 with confidence and clarity. If you’re ready to stop winging it and start feeling organised in a way that honours your creative rhythm, this episode is your starting point.

How to Set Yourself Up For 2026 Without the Overwhelm

Feeling behind before the year’s even begun? You’re not alone — but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I share a gentle, practical approach to planning ahead now, so you can step into 2026 with clarity, confidence and your energy intact. No hustle. No pressure. Just small, smart steps that protect your joy and creative rhythm.

Let's dive in!

Here for the links referenced in the episode?

Empowered 2026 Masterclass: https://www.permissiontopaint.co/empowered2026

The Permission to Paint 2026 Planner — Your creative companion for planning a joyful and productive year. Get yours here!

Episode 101: Listen using the player below, or click on your favourite listening platform to subscribe and listen there:

Feeling Behind Already? Let’s Change That

If you’ve ever reached mid-January feeling flustered, scattered, and already “off track,” you’re not alone. The truth is, starting the year in reaction mode sets you up for stress.

Ros offers a refreshing approach: plan gently, plan now, and protect your energy before the year begins.

Even 20 minutes of forward thinking can bring a sense of calm, clarity, and momentum that changes everything.

Why Artists Struggle with Planning (and How to Fix It)

Most planning challenges aren’t about discipline or spreadsheets. They’re about decision fatigue — the endless mental ping-pong of “what should I focus on next?”

Ros breaks it down:

• No forward planning → Decision fatigue

• Decision fatigue → Burnout

• Burnout → Creative stagnation

Planning isn’t just productive — it’s protective.

Ros’s 4-Step Mini Planning Process (No Overwhelm Required)

Forget the 14-tab planning templates. Ros suggests carving out 20 calm minutes with a cuppa and following this simple four-step process:

1. Reflect Before You Plan

Ask yourself: What worked? What didn’t? What did I learn?

2. Make Key Shifts

Get honest about what you want more of — and what you’re done with.

3. Choose Just 2–3 Focus Areas for the Rest of the Year

Don’t try to fix everything. Focus on what will actually help you glide into January feeling steady.

4. Map Out 2026 — Artist Style

Use colour, post-its, stickers—whatever helps you map big launches, creative time, rest, and fun. Ros recommends the Permission to Paint Planner to keep it all visual and accessible.

Want a Guided Way to Put This Into Practice?

You can now access Ros’s popular workshop Empowered 2026 as a self-paced, on-demand recording — available anytime for just $29 AUD.

In under 60 minutes, you'll:

• Create a meaningful vision for your art and business in 2026

• Map your most important goals and creative seasons

• Walk away with a printable Reflection Guide + one-page Year Map

• Know your next best steps — mapped, clear, and doable

No live attendance needed — just press play and plan at your pace.

👉 Get instant access for $29 AUD

FAQs: Artist Planning and Goal-Setting

Q: Do I really need to plan this far in advance?

Not in detail — but having a rough map gives you direction and peace of mind.

Q: I hate spreadsheets — is there another way?

Yes! Ros’s method is visual, flexible, and creative. Post-its and wall planners are totally welcome.

Q: What if I don’t know what 2026 will look like yet?

You don’t have to. This episode helps you set a starting point and focus on your next best step.

Q: Is the Empowered 2026 workshop beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s perfect for artists just starting to sell — or those ready to grow with more clarity.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Start Now

Planning doesn’t have to feel heavy. When done gently and intentionally, it becomes an act of creative care.

Ros reminds us that momentum isn’t built by doing everything. It’s built by doing the right things — one clear step at a time.

If you’re ready for more personalised support in building your art business, there are plenty of ways we can work together — from self-paced courses and practical resources to memberships and masterminds. Reach out here.

That’s it for this episode. I’m so glad we could share this time together. Remember — every small step you take brings you closer to the artist you’re becoming.

Ros x