Interlude: Momentum, Building Confidence, and Making Complex Ideas Accessible
Happy New Year!
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
I stopped setting New Year’s resolutions many years ago. Like most people, I would abandon them within a week or two of the new year.
For the past few years, I've taken a different approach. Instead of setting a resolution, I choose a single word to set my intentions for the year. This year, my word is momentum.
Why momentum?
Like many of us, I found last year challenging. My attention felt scattered, and my actions often felt frenetic. I know I'm at my best when I move with purpose, alignment, and intention—and that's the energy I want to build on this year.
So in 2026, I'm focusing on creating momentum that expands that sense of purpose and flow. And I'm so excited to take you with me.
Do you have a word of the year? I'd love to hear it. Hit reply and let me know.
Now onto the first round-up of 2026...
Round-up
From My Desk
How to Build Confidence in Your Writing in 2026
Do you want to build more confidence in your writing or writing process this year? In this video, I share 10 practical strategies to level up your writing systems and habits so you can build more confidence in your writing and writing process.
Upcoming
Simplify Your Writing to Amplify Your Science Challenge
When writing for experts, you might fear that simple language will seem simplistic, offend readers, defy convention, or erode your status as an expert in your field. But simple language is a powerful, evidence-based tool for crafting a clear, persuasive message. In this FREE 5-day challenge, you’ll uncover the power of using simple writing principles to amplify your science—and maximize the impact of your work.
Reading
What advice do I give to my students?
In this article, the author shares advice he often gives to his students related to mentoring, getting advice, identifying what is meaningful to you, and knowing what not to do. He also shares some personal techniques he recommends. This article is on the long-ish side, but well worth the read.
Listening
Rethinks: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible
"In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturers Matt Abrahams and Lauren Weinstein explore the “curse of knowledge” and offer specific techniques you can use to be more successful in getting your point across."
Watching
Vocal Branding: How Your Voice Shapes Your Communication Image
The physiology and perception of the human voice are important aspects of communication that many of us overlook. In this video, Wendy LeBorgne, voice pathologist and author, shares 5 key elements of your voice that influence listeners around you.
Quote
“No one can get you where you want to go. Only self-motivation can do that. If you're waiting for someone to motivate you, it's because you don't love it, haven't decided what you want, or are not committed. When you're truly committed to a goal, you'll find the motivation within yourself to push through obstacles and make it happen. External motivation might get you started, but only internal motivation will carry you across the finish line.” – Shane Parrish
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
