Show Notes
If you want 2026 to be a 10/10 year, you don’t need resolutions. And you don’t need SMART goals. In 2025, I wrote a book, hit 100 podcast episodes and launched a new coaching programme, all while running my multiple six-figure coaching business (and still took two months off). And in this episode, I’m sharing the 3-step process I followed to make this happen. This is the same process I use with my clients to turn vague intentions into measurable results. If you want 2026 to be a year you can look back on and be proud of, this episode will give you the exact framework to make that happen. Covered in this episode:
Why goals often fail. How to get clear on what you actually want. Mapping out the exact actions you need to take next year. How to keep yourself from giving up on your goals halfway through the year. Why SMART goals don’t work for most creatives and what to use instead. Why it’s easier to show up for clients than for yourself and how to fix it.
If you get value from this episode, follow Creative Courage on your favourite podcast app for more transformational content to help you thrive as a creative. PS: If you want a custom roadmap to grow a creative studio that works for you, rather than the other way around. Click this link - https://resources.mattessam.co.uk/.
LEARN MORE Work with Matt to grow your agency - https://www.mattessam.co.uk/creative-life-accelerator CONNECT Matt Essam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ LISTEN Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2LSpLIyYtBLe03JBC8LjvT Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/creative-courage/id1721515799 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcf0CcYK3MtnITQCyGXoVVR-eTu8SEbAV
More from Creative Courage: The Creative Business Podcast
In this episode, I look at common sales frustrations among agency owners, including slow decision-making, repeated follow-ups, concerns about price, and conversations that focus on deliverables instead of strategy. I explore the idea that how we buy high-value services often shapes how we sell them.For example, how avoiding pushiness means prospects have no reason to make a timely decision. I also discuss how our own fears about appearing motivated by money can lead us to avoid asking prospects to take the next step. By changing how we approach considered purchases ourselves we are able to understand and guide prospects through similar decisions.Ultimately, we can't ask others to do what we are unwilling to do ourselves.
I believe the future of design is shifting away from phones toward wearables, voice agents, and more physical, tactile experiences. This episode breaks down what that could look like and why it matters for your career. I talk about the macro trends I'm noticing in design and consumer behaviour in general, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. If you found this episode valuable, please hit the subscribe button. When you are ready to go deeper, here are 2 ways I can help: 1: Join my private '$100K conversations' channel on Instagram 2: Stop getting ghosted and close bigger deals using my One Page Sales Framework ™
Have you ever found yourself in that weird in-between space between familiarity and a new compelling future? You know there is more available to you, but it's difficult to let go of the comfort and familiarity of your current reality. In this episode I explore “the gap”. The scary space between the life you know and the one you want. I then break down three key principles for closing the gap and moving into that new reality. Whether it's raising your prices, changing industry or leaving a relationship, we all face the gap at some point. This podcast will give you the tools and strategies to navigate it.
If LinkedIn still feels like an enigma, this episode is for you. I sit down with Maria Ledenstova in Hyde Park to unpack how she grew 40k+ followers and now gets steady inbound clients and brand opportunities. We break down exactly how she has done it and how you can aply it to your business. We cover: How to show up authentically without being cringe What to post and when The importance of finding purpose And so much more. If you found this episode useful, please share it with a friend. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialeden/ Work with me 1:1 to grow your creative business here: https://matt-essam.notion.site/A-Private-Invitation-To-Work-With-Me-1-1-3ce1bfbff88681f5b880c4ee39c210cb?source=copy_link
If you are still pitching with your experience and portfolio, you need to listen to this episode. I had a crazy experience the other day. I posted on LinkedIn asking for help writing some case studies, and I was inundated with DM's. What blew my mind was that not a single person led with any value. They all just shared their experience and portfolio.In 2026, this only gets you drowned out in the noise. It won't win high-value clients, and you are probably leaving thousands on the table. Instead, you must lead with value and insight. The right clients have more money than time; they won’t DIY; they’ll pay for someone who’s showing how it’s done. You must give away your best ideas and thinking before you pitch I break down the exact approach in this episode and what I would have done differently. PS: If you are looking for help landing higher-value clients, you can apply to work with me here: https://social.mattessam.co.uk/coaching-linkedIn