2026: The Year of Small, Meaningful Upgrades

shoptriedntrue
Jan 7
3 min read

How Tiny Improvements in Books, Tech, Wellness & Community Add Up to a Better Life

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from 15+ years of teaching, mentoring, raising a family, and running businesses, it’s this:

Small changes transform your life more than big, dramatic overhauls ever will.

Most New Year plans collapse because they’re too big, unrealistic, and overwhelming. But small upgrades—the kind that genuinely fit into your real life—can build a steady, calm momentum that lasts all year.

This is the heart of Shop Tried ’N’ True:

Real recommendations, real tools, and real habits that make everyday living smoother and more joyful.

Let’s begin the year with four simple areas where tiny shifts create big impact—your books, your tech, your wellness, and your community.

1. Books: One Chapter at a Time

Every year I return to the classics. There’s something grounding about reading stories that have stood the test of time. Last year, I made a commitment to read just one chapter a day.

Some days I read five.

Some days I didn’t read at all.

But the habit stayed.

This year, start with one book —The Count of Monte Cristo, Great Expectations, The Three Musketeers, or a cozy favorite— and read one chapter each evening.

This tiny ritual slows down your mind and sparks curiosity.

Tried ’N’ True Book Picks:

2. Tech: Tools That Lighten Your Load

Tech should simplify your life—not complicate it.

My desk setup is intentionally simple:

Chromebook (TCH0007 or TCH0008) for writing and daily tasks
Monitor (TCH0010) for multitasking
Monitor Stand (TCH0011) to improve posture
Mouse (TCH0009) for pain-free work
Drawing Tablet (TCH0012) for creative projects

You don’t need 20 apps or 4 monitors. You just need the right 2–3 tools.

A small tech upgrade can change how you work, learn, and create this year.

3. Wellness: Habits That Actually Stick

Wellness shouldn’t feel like punishment.

This year, I’m focusing on everyday rituals that take 10 minutes or less:

Stretching with a yoga mat + brick/strap
Relaxing tight muscles with my neck & shoulder relaxer
Using my hand massager after long typing days
Taking breathing breaks guided by Art of Living techniques

These tiny practices have helped me show up better for my family, my students, and myself.

Tried ’n’ True Wellness Picks:

HNW0003 — Yoga brick & strap
HNW0004 — Neck & back warmer
HNW0005 — Hand massager

4. Community: The Secret Ingredient to a Joyful Year

After 15 years in Northwest Arkansas, one thing is clear:

Community gives life meaning.

My work with Kumon of Rogers, my mentoring through One Step 2Forward, the cultural richness of Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, the memories made at Osage Park and Crystal Bridges, and the comfort of local cafés—all of these small moments anchor my year.