Surviving the Start of a New Year

A Smarter Way to Start the Year: Clarity, Culture, and Surviving January

CEO Kate Kudrenko jumps into the new year with a blend of positivity and realism, highlighting how CKH Group had a successful townhall filled with clarity, fun, and forward movement. She shares her own strategies for surviving the start of a new year and making it through those early months with purpose.

“The last Friday of January was Town Hall Day, and honestly, it was exactly what we needed.

We spent the day sharing 2026 goals for the firm and hearing directly from leaders across business units. Eight presenters took the floor, and it felt grounded, intentional, and refreshingly honest. The focus was not on pretending everything is perfect, but on acknowledging where we are and being clear about where we are headed. Our formula is clarity and fun. That clarity showed up in practical direction and straightforward conversations about goals, challenges, and priorities. The fun came through in the moments that made the day feel human.

What stood out most was the balance. It was an honest look at reality paired with a clear, actionable view of what is next. That combination made the entire experience feel energizing rather than draining. It was genuinely feel-good, and it set a strong tone for the year ahead.

That timing mattered, because January is not exactly known for being gentle.

January 1 arrives with the energy of an uninvited guest. Suddenly it is year-end close, new numbers, new rules, and new projects all happening at once. Everyone is trying to reset, improve, and live up to ambitious New Year’s resolutions, often while still mentally recovering from the end of the prior year. The pace ramps up quickly, and the pressure can feel relentless.

Over time, I have picked up a few strategies for surviving that month without burning out.

First, take a real Christmas break beforehand if you can. Some people still carry the mindset that rest is laziness, or that time off is something you have to earn back later. But anyone who truly understands burnout knows that rest is preparation. It is stretching before the race begins or allowing your body to cool down after one ends. You cannot expect sustained performance without giving yourself space to recover.

Second, stop ruminating. January has a way of making everything feel urgent and oversized. Very few problems benefit from being replayed endlessly in your head. Forward motion is important, but so is perspective.

Third, move your body for at least 20 minutes a day. That does not have to mean an intense workout. Walking, stretching, or pacing during calls all count. Physical movement has a way of cutting through mental fog and resetting your nervous system.

Finally, develop inside jokes. It sounds small, but shared humor is one of the strongest forms of corporate wellness. It builds connection, lowers stress, and reminds everyone that work does not have to be joyless to be productive.

January is intense! But once you get through it, there is momentum on the other side. Between a grounded Town Hall and a collective willingness to be honest about what January really feels like, this year feels like it is starting from a place of realism rather than burnout. And that makes all the difference.” -Kateryna Kudrenko

The above article only intends to provide general information and reflection. It is not designed to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. It does not give personalized tax, financial, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any form of action, you should consult a financial professional who understands your particular situation. CKH Group will not be held liable for any harm/errors/claims arising from the blog. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents, we will not be held accountable for any changes that are beyond our control.