Hello {{first_name}},
I hope your 2026 has started with exactly the kind of energy you needed.
There’s a specific magic to the first few days of January—that quiet, clear window where motivation feels infinite and our planners are still empty and flexible. But let’s be honest: we’re a couple of weeks in now. For many of us, the "calm and smooth" start has already collided with reality. Priorities shift, the inbox fills up, and those New Year’s resolutions might already be feeling a bit… dusty.
If you’ve broken a resolution or feel the chaos creeping back in, here is your reminder: It’s okay to hit the recharge button. A resolution isn't a single-use contract; it’s a direction.
One thing that always helps me stick to my goals and optimize my progress is to commit out loud. That is exactly what I am doing right here. This year, I’m focusing on three non-negotiables to keep my own "core" steady and enhance the value I bring to this community:
Health first: Always the foundation.
Work to be proud of: Quality over noise.
Practical AI × Sustainability: Moving past the hype to find what actually works.
To modernize our impact in 2026, we don’t need to do everything—we just need to do the right things effectively.
BTW: Feel free to share your resolutions with me! If you need an accountability buddy, I would be happy to check in with you later this year to see how you're doing. ;)
The Most Dangerous Move in 2026
Speaking of doing the right things, I’ve noticed a trend among us sustainability professionals. We care deeply about amelioration—making the world better—yet when it comes to AI, many of us are standing on the sidelines.
The most dangerous thing you can do with AI right now is nothing.
I get it. AI feels like a runaway train—too fast, too technical, and frankly, a bit overwhelming. But waiting for AI to "settle down" or become "perfect" is like waiting for the internet to stop evolving before you send your first email.
In my latest video, I break down the four barriers holding us back (including the "I'm not technical" myth) and, more importantly, I help you identify which AI User Type you actually are.
I’ve spent the last few years watching AI follow the exact same trajectory as ESG: moving from a "niche interest" to being integrated into every single workflow. To help you innovate your workflow without the burnout, I’ve categorized four paths you can take:
The Daily User: Seeking pure efficiency (summaries, research, drafting).
The Investor: Looking to automate repetitive tasks and build personal assistants.
The Builder: Creating the workflows and agents that will reshape the industry.
The One-Man-Show: Using AI as a force multiplier to handle the "everything, everywhere, all at once" nature of sustainability roles.
You don't need to master 50 tools to outperform 90% of the field. You only need the right five or six. To know which tools make sure you check out the video.
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A final thought for the week
Whether you are trying to enhance a reporting process or just trying to get through your to-do list while staying healthy: Start small. Start simple. But start. That goes for your new year goals and for your AI journey.
Wishing you a healthy, focused, and meaningful year ahead.
Best,
Zyad