For most of us, the close of the year means opening plans for the next. We set out ideas, goals, aspirations, and dreams for the next year: our 2026 planning. It’s a place where we focus on careers, finances, personal goals, and even new habits. But one of the most important things we can build into our 2026 plans is also one of the easiest to ignore: time to learn.
The pace of change in business is relentless. Industries, tools and expectations all change at a faster rate than ever. The skills we had two years ago look very different today. That’s why simply “fitting in learning when you can” is no longer an option. In 2026, learning needs to be part of the plan: intentional, scheduled and protected.
But it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, it’s amazing how much you can achieve with just one hour a week. With an hour of learning every week, you can transform your capability, confidence and creativity over a year. And by scheduling that one hour, you create a weekly reset, a time where you invest in yourself before the world takes everything else from you.
Think about what 52 hours of learning could do for you over a year. It could be learning a new skill, completing a course, understanding a new digital tool, improving your leadership style, or finally diving deep into a topic that you’ve always been curious about. Continuous small learning has big momentum.
Schedule your learning hour like you would any other meeting. Same time, same day. It is not optional; it’s essential. It could be an hour-long webinar, an audiobook on your commute, a book chapter, or a short online course. The time is key; the format is not.
Over time, this helps you feel more confident, more capable and more ready for change. Creativity also grows. Little sparks of inspiration, fresh ideas and new ways of looking at problems. Productivity also benefits from regular exposure to new thoughts and ways of doing things.
So, as you start planning 2026, remember to include time for yourself in all those projects, goals, and plans. Schedule learning with the same care you give your work, your deadlines, and even your family calendar. Pick a theme for Q1, follow your curiosity and let the habit grow with you.
2026 doesn’t have to be the year you merely get through. It can be the year you grow. The year you invest in yourself. And the year you discover how much can change when you make just one hour a week a priority for learning something new.
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