Episode 60: A Different Way to Begin Again: Integrity Over Optimization for a New Year
Tue Dec 30 2025
If you’re asking yourself “How do you plan for 2026 when everything feels uncertain?” or “How can I avoid burnout next year?” This episode offers a different way forward. Instead of goals, predictions, or productivity resets, Jenn Walker Wall explores how to prepare for a new year with intention, flexibility, and care.
You’ll hear a framework built around integrity, rhythm, resonance, resources, and awe. These are structures designed to help you navigate work, career decisions, and personal goals without defaulting to hustle or burnout. Jenn reflects on why depth and sensitivity are often misunderstood at work, how traditional career narratives are breaking down, and what it looks like to move forward without optimizing yourself into exhaustion.
This episode is about slowing down without giving up, creating meaning without overcommitting, and building structures that help you stay grounded, values-aligned, and resourced—especially in a volatile professional landscape.
Episode Highlights
Why 2026 planning requires flexibility, not rigid goal-settingHow integrity can serve as a stabilizing force in uncertain timesThe shift from routines to rhythms, and why seasons matterWhy it can feel like depth, sensitivity, and “soft-skills” are often undervalued at workMoving away from self-optimization and toward meaning and contributionHow resonance can guide career and job decisionsThe role of resources (energy, people, support systems) in sustainable workWhy it’s okay to build a new year around nourishment, not productivity
Episode Timestamps
00:00 — Planning for 2026 in an Era of Uncertainty03:18 — How Do You Plan Without Control? Rethinking Goals and Success06:03 — Depth as an Asset: Why Work Rarely Makes Space for It)07:43 — Integrity Over Optimization: A New Career Framework09:12 — Rhythms Over Routines: Sustainable Ways to Work and Live)12:51 — Resonance as a Career Compass13:36 — Creating Awe, Resources, and Support Systems17:00 — Designing Job Searches and Careers That Reflect How You Want to Work
Resources and Links
Sacred Structures: A Retreat Day for the Capricorn New MoonWork Wonders Careers Job Search CommunityRevive Your Career Session or BundleCareers at the End SubstackConnect with Jenn on LinkedInEpisode 56: How to Create Income Without a Corporate Job: Portfolio Careers, Self Employment and Other Ways to Make $$Episode 57: What to Do When Your Industry Is in Crisis: Resume Strategies and Job Search Tips to Help You Pivot Careers in a Tough MarketEpisode 59: From Side Hustle to Steady Work: Proven Strategies to Attract and Keep Freelance Clients
Credits
Podcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding
Credits
Podcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding
More
If you’re asking yourself “How do you plan for 2026 when everything feels uncertain?” or “How can I avoid burnout next year?” This episode offers a different way forward. Instead of goals, predictions, or productivity resets, Jenn Walker Wall explores how to prepare for a new year with intention, flexibility, and care. You’ll hear a framework built around integrity, rhythm, resonance, resources, and awe. These are structures designed to help you navigate work, career decisions, and personal goals without defaulting to hustle or burnout. Jenn reflects on why depth and sensitivity are often misunderstood at work, how traditional career narratives are breaking down, and what it looks like to move forward without optimizing yourself into exhaustion. This episode is about slowing down without giving up, creating meaning without overcommitting, and building structures that help you stay grounded, values-aligned, and resourced—especially in a volatile professional landscape. Episode Highlights Why 2026 planning requires flexibility, not rigid goal-settingHow integrity can serve as a stabilizing force in uncertain timesThe shift from routines to rhythms, and why seasons matterWhy it can feel like depth, sensitivity, and “soft-skills” are often undervalued at workMoving away from self-optimization and toward meaning and contributionHow resonance can guide career and job decisionsThe role of resources (energy, people, support systems) in sustainable workWhy it’s okay to build a new year around nourishment, not productivity Episode Timestamps 00:00 — Planning for 2026 in an Era of Uncertainty03:18 — How Do You Plan Without Control? Rethinking Goals and Success06:03 — Depth as an Asset: Why Work Rarely Makes Space for It)07:43 — Integrity Over Optimization: A New Career Framework09:12 — Rhythms Over Routines: Sustainable Ways to Work and Live)12:51 — Resonance as a Career Compass13:36 — Creating Awe, Resources, and Support Systems17:00 — Designing Job Searches and Careers That Reflect How You Want to Work Resources and Links Sacred Structures: A Retreat Day for the Capricorn New MoonWork Wonders Careers Job Search CommunityRevive Your Career Session or BundleCareers at the End SubstackConnect with Jenn on LinkedInEpisode 56: How to Create Income Without a Corporate Job: Portfolio Careers, Self Employment and Other Ways to Make $$Episode 57: What to Do When Your Industry Is in Crisis: Resume Strategies and Job Search Tips to Help You Pivot Careers in a Tough MarketEpisode 59: From Side Hustle to Steady Work: Proven Strategies to Attract and Keep Freelance Clients Credits Podcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding Credits Podcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding