Joined the Gym ...Again?

cat sutherland
Jan 3
3 min read

Starting 2026 With Intention: Finding Your WHY (and Letting Go of the Noise)

Happy New Year, everyone.

As 2026 begins, I’m taking a moment to re‑introduce myself.

I’m a Health and Wellness Coach supporting women who feel stuck, in transition, or ready to reshape their lives with intention. My work centres on helping women understand their WHY: the deeper purpose behind the goals they set, the changes they crave, and the habits they want to build.

Every January, we’re encouraged to add more to our lives. More goals. More habits. More commitments. More pressure.

But this year, I’m inviting a different approach.

Instead of asking “What more should I add?” ask “What am I willing to remove?”

Because the truth is, most of us don’t struggle from a lack of opportunity. We struggle because we have too many demands, too many distractions, too many expectations, too many tabs open in our minds.

We’re overstimulated, overextended, and somehow still feeling like we’ve achieved nothing meaningful.

So rather than piling on more resolutions, try looking at what you can release.

Instead of “I want to get fitter,” consider what habits, snacks, late nights or coping mechanisms you’re ready to let go of.
Instead of “I want a better relationship,” think about the patterns, people, or dynamics you’re no longer willing to entertain.
Instead of “I want to save more,” look at the spending that drains you rather than supports you.
Instead of “I want more time,” explore the mindless scrolling, the automatic yeses, the emotional labour, the noise you can step away from.

Letting go creates space. Space creates clarity. Clarity boosts momentum.

The Myth of the January Fix

On the 1st of January, I walked into the gym with so many others. But here’s the truth:

Walking into the gym isn’t the mindset change. Understanding why you’re there is.

Every year, thousands of us sign up with the quiet belief:

“This will fix everything.”

But joining the gym doesn’t magically create clarity, confidence, or consistency.

At some point — usually around week two — the real question arrives:

“Why am I actually here?”

Not the polite answer.Not the resolution.Not the “should.”

The real WHY.

Why this goal?Why now?Why does it matter to you — and to the people around you?

Most women aren’t stuck because they lack discipline.They’re stuck because they’ve never been supported to explore the deeper purpose behind their choices.

Letting Go Means Setting Boundaries

When you start removing things from your life, two things happen:

1. You’ll need boundaries.

You’ll have to say things like:

“I’m not doing that this year.”

“I’m not available for this conversation right now (or ever?).”

“I’m choosing to do something different.”

It might feel uncomfortable.

It might upset people.

It might challenge old patterns.

But boundaries are the price of clarity.

2. You’ll need accountability.

Because you’re human.

You’ll slip.

You’ll make exceptions.

You’ll find yourself knee‑deep in a habit you swore you’d left behind.

Accountability isn’t about perfection, it’s about staying honest with yourself and gently returning to what matters.

That’s exactly why my 4‑session introductory course is perfect for this month: It is a space for women to reconnect with their purpose, look at current habits, and create change that lasts well beyond January.

What I’m Saying “No” To in 2026

For me?

I’m saying no to the version of my life where work eats every corner of my week.

No to the pace that leaves no room for rest.

No to the noise that drowns out my own voice.

And yes, I’m keeping my sense of humour firmly intact this year.

Your WHY Matters More Than Your Resolutions

If you’ve ever stood in a gym — or at the start of a new year — thinking:

“I don’t know what I’m doing here,”

you’re in good company.

You’re exactly who I’m here for.

If 2026 is your year for clarity, confidence, and meaningful momentum, I’d love to support you.