Three lessons shaping how I lead and create in 2026
As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on a season that quietly reshaped both my life and my business.
In the second half of last year, I spent three months travelling - largely unplanned and with carry-on luggage - moving between the Gold Coast, Sydney, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Niue. What unfolded during that time became a deep integration period for Julie Cooper Creative, and for me as its founder.
I can now softly celebrate that I:
• lived between countries
• ran my business from planes, cafés, guest rooms and Airbnbs
• deepened my relationship with my Niuean roots, family and friends
• softened into a version of myself that feels calm, grounded and richly supported
And in the midst of this season, I received some beautiful news:
I was accepted as a Young Pacific Leader for the Navigating the Digital Landscape for Storytelling & Advocacy program, selected from over 300 applicants across the Pacific. Read the press release here
As we open 2026, I wanted to share the learnings that shaped the foundation I’m standing on now.
THREE KEY LEARNINGS
What this season ultimately taught me
LESSON ONE: Presence over performance.
This season showed me just how often we perform to be seen - to prove ourselves, to be validated, to belong.
And how unsustainable that is for the nervous system.
Some of my most meaningful moments weren’t productive at all:
Disney movies, cafe walks and laughter on a Monday morning with my three-year-old niece.
No agenda. No output. Just presence.
That presence did more for my leadership than any strategy ever could.
Self-leadership isn’t something that’s manufactured by someone else or earned through performance.
It’s cultivated internally through being grounded, available and fully here.
LESSON TWO: Trusting your body is essential to sustainable success.
Rest isn’t a reward.
It’s a requirement.
When we’re constantly rushing, overriding or forcing ourselves forward, we lose the ability to hear the quiet wisdom of the body - the whispers of yes and no that guide aligned decisions.
This season reminded me that my body is not separate from my business.
It is my business.
Without health, there is no wealth.
Without regulation, there is no clarity.
When the body is supported, the business grows with far more ease.
LESSON THREE: True wealth is designing a life that feels good to live.
You can be financially rich and deeply miserable.
Real wealth is designing your life around what you value.
For me, that looks like:
soft, slow mornings
space to regulate
admin & creative work between 3pm–8pm
and building momentum from a place where I'm nourished
That’s what supports my nervous system, my creativity and my leadership.
Your version of wealth may look entirely different.
The invitation is simple: define what matters to you, and let your business support that life.
From there, creation flows with ease, clarity and momentum.
CLIENT WINS
Even while travelling, it’s been a privilege to walk alongside clients as they rise into their next level:
• Sophia Harris: Launched Liberated Leader Alumni here here
Branding, website & Kajabi designed by Julie Cooper Creative
• FEAST Unlimited: Instagram views grew from 1K to 13.2K here
Branding, design & social media by Julie Cooper Creative
• SUNsellers: Launched the SUNsellers All Energy Video Series here
Design & social media by Julie Cooper Creative
• Christina McGrath: Launched Flow State Art Exhibition (January 2026, Matakana NZ) here
Mentoring, branding & website design by Julie Cooper Creative
• Well With Maddy: New website launched – visit Maddy’s new website here
Website design by Julie Cooper Creative
These projects are a reminder that when strategy meets energetic alignment, real momentum follows.
If you’re entering 2026 feeling the call to refine your brand, expand your vision, or reconnect with your creative direction in a way that honours your nervous system and lifestyle - let’s talk.
Visit juliecoopercreative.com, reply to this email to connect or click below to book your complimentary consultation
