This month’s Zoom coffee date with Jess Greenleaf was a warm conversation about how we want to step into 2026 with intention and joy, and all the different ways we can achieve just that.
Talking about goals has always made me feel giddy, which is why you’ll always notice some sort of goal list template pop up on the TPK Blog this time of year. After all, at its core, a goal is just a project … something that has specific steps, requires a process, and gives you a reward at the end. In December’s coffee date, we leaned into that idea. We spent an hour talking about what we want 2026 to feel like and how to set intentions that actually make room for joy.
You can watch the full conversation below; then keep reading for a recap of the biggest takeaways:
We opened the chat with a question: “What’s your number one creative goal for next year?” Jess shared that she wants to return to daily painting with a focus on volume and process, not specific outcomes. She showed us her “20-minute paintings” sketchbooks, tiny cloud studies she completed during the pandemic. These quick sessions helped her strengthen technique, explore color, and most importantly, enjoy the act of painting again.
For me, the overarching goal for 2026 is simply balance. I want to continue the healthier, more joyful creative rhythm that TPK Premium has allowed me to cultivate this past year. Teaching inside a community, rather than pleasing algorithms, has been transformative for my creativity and what I’m capable of producing. (I have a concrete creative goal, too, and that’s to finally make a baby book for my almost-4-year-old!)
Throughout the chat, we both referenced books that have given us inspiration. I’m currently reading Choose Joy by Sophie Cliff, and I love the idea of the “five whys”. (The “five whys” are about figuring out exactly why you want to achieve a goal, which can be surprisingly elusive. Watch the chat to hear how that works!)
Inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear, Jess talked about shifting away from goal-based thinking (“I want to paint more”) toward identity-based thinking (“I am a painter”). For some reason, labeling yourself as a specific type of creative, like “calligrapher” or “painter”, can feel really uncomfortable. We discussed why that is, and how claiming a creative identity can cause a profound shift.
For me, this coffee date was really enlightening. I’m not so much interested in the idea of becoming a new person, but I do love examining tweaks to make life feel joyful and pleasantly productive. We really honed in on that, and I heard from several people afterwards that they left the chat feeling inspired and calm. I know that we’ll all have different favorite moments/takeaways — things that resonated or made an impact — and I’ve outlined mine below.
Next month, we’ll be meeting (again!) with Samantha Dion Baker, whose sketchbook practice and creative discipline pair nicely with the themes from this coffee date. In that chat, we’ll continue this conversation about habits, identity, and the projects waiting for us in 2026. I hope to see you there!
Thank you to everyone who showed up live and to those catching the replay. These conversations are full of thoughtfulness and a great place to exchange ideas, and I’m so glad we get to have them. It’s such a privilege to share this space with you, and I’m excited to keep doing that in 2026!
Warmly,
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