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Happy new year, Reader!

I hope your 2026 is off to a joyful, intentional start. I’m settling back into my routines, having a blast putting together my brand new podcast studio (so excited to share more soon!), and kicking off this year’s big themes: Strategic Reinvention and Energetic Protection.

Below are a few highlights, ways to plug in, and what I’m most excited about as we head into the year ahead.

Cheers!

🎯 ACCOUNTABILITY SUCCESS CIRCLE

🚨 GOAL30 Round 1 kicks off January 15! 🚨​
GOAL30 is our 30-day challenge designed to help you make meaningful progress on a goal of your choice with clarity, momentum, and community support.

Not sure what to work on? No problem. This round includes an optional 30-day focus on building healthy, sustainable Health + Wellness foundations, making it a great way to gently reset routines, energy, and self-care as you head into the year.

Join GOAL30 now and we can help you narrow down an impactful goal before we kickoff! You don’t need a perfect plan, just a starting point.

✨ Special Offer:​
The GOAL Together Program (all GOAL30 rounds for 2026 plus the Annual Planning Retreat in Denver, CO) is now open — with a $200 discount using code "EARLYBIRD26" when you join by January 15.

🎉 Community Corner

Last week, I watched ASC members do some pretty amazing (and very real-life) things. From wrapping up work before long-awaited vacations, to creating new family traditions, to finishing meaningful gifts, decluttering homes, and even saying “yes” to karaoke when it felt uncomfortable — the wins were everywhere.

None of these moments were flashy. But they were intentional. They created connection, relief, fun, and pride — and that’s the kind of progress that actually sticks. It’s a reminder that meaningful accomplishment doesn’t always look big… it just looks aligned.

What’s your biggest goal for 2026? Hit reply and share—I read every response and love cheering you on!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

• GOAL30 Round 1 Launch: January 15
• GOAL Together Program Discount Ends: January 15
• GOAL30 Round 1, DAY 1: January 19
• 2027 Annual Planning Retreat: October 15-19, 2026 (Denver, CO)

🎙THE ACCOMPLISHMENT PROJECT

It’s been a while since my last update—so much has happened! I've dropped three new podcast episodes and a ton of fresh articles. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical strategies for your goals, there’s plenty to explore.

This Week's Featured Episode:​
​🎧 Episode 5: A Better Way to Set Goals (No Hustle Required)​
This panel conversation brings together members of the Accountability Success Circle to explore a healthier, more sustainable approach to goal-setting and accountability. We talk about why traditional goal-setting often falls apart, how accountability can be supportive instead of harsh, and why small, consistent habits tend to matter more than big plans or perfect systems.

If you’ve been feeling the pressure of a new year or just want a calmer way to think about goals, this episode might meet you right where you are.

Want to catch up? You can explore the full archive of podcast episodes and articles — all designed to help you build meaningful, sustainable accomplishment without pressure or burnout.

Want to support The Accomplishment Project?​
If this work resonates, subscribing or following the podcast helps more than you might realize.

I’m also actively gathering real-life stories as part of my long-term research on accomplishment. If you’re interested in contributing your perspective and being part of the dataset behind this project, I’d love to hear from you — you can share your thoughts by filling out this form.

🧠 SCIENCE OF PEOPLE

This month in People School, the focus is balance — a theme that feels especially close to home for me, since it’s also at the heart of my book, Finding Success in Balance.

Here’s a question I keep coming back to, and I’d love to invite you into it too:
​What does balance look like for you right now?​
Not in theory, but in this season of your life. If you’re up for it, hit reply and tell me. I always love hearing your perspective.

As the People School Accountability Coach at Science of People, I support students as they practice people skills in real life and apply what they’re learning to goals that actually matter to them.

Whether you’re job searching, navigating networking events, building confidence in dating, or simply wanting deeper friendships, Vanessa Van Edwards teaches science-backed tools to help you communicate more clearly, show up with confidence, and build meaningful connection — at work and beyond.

PRIVATE COACHING

Ready to design your life with more joy, clarity, and intention? I’m currently accepting new clients for “Life by Design” sessions—a warm, no-pressure conversation to help you clarify your goals and map out your next steps. These sessions are ideal if you’re feeling stuck, stretched thin, or ready to intentionally redesign what’s next.

Apryl Zarate Schlueter is the founder of The Cheerful Mind, where she helps people redefine success through clarity, intention, and sustainable accomplishment.
She’s a certified coach, co-founder of the Accountability Success Circle, and the author of Finding Success in Balance. She also hosts The Accomplishment Project, exploring what it really means to live a fulfilling, accomplished life.​
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Helping you accomplish more with joy, balance, and connection.

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