Happy New Year! As we enter 2026, many people begin the year with resolutions. Kate opens this episode with a different view. She does not subscribe to New Year’s resolutions because they imply something about the self needs fixing. She does believe in goals. Goals offer direction, structure and growth without the self-judgement that resolutions often carry. This episode explores the psychology of setting meaningful goals for dancers, teachers, studio owners and parents. Kate reflects on how the way we set goals reveals our relationship with growth, control and self-worth. She explains why some goals energise us while others drain us, and how our underlying motivation shapes our experience of progress. Key themes include the difference between goals and expectations, the role of values in shaping direction, and the importance of pacing for nervous system regulation. Kate outlines a clear process for effective goal setting and describes how leaders can use these principles to strengthen communication and culture within their communities. The conversation also examines common traps such as perfectionism, rigid outcomes, all-or-nothing thinking and external validation. Kate offers insight into rebuilding a healthy relationship with goals through small commitments that restore self-trust. Listeners are invited to approach 2026 with steadiness and clarity. The focus is on who we become through the process of intention, action and reflection.

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Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

A Guided Meditation for Reset and Renewal

This short guided practice is offered as a gift to listeners during the holiday season. It creates a quiet space to settle the body, steady the breath, and reconnect with a sense of inner clarity. The meditation supports gentle release and thoughtful renewal, inviting a calmer orientation as the year comes to a close.

Across the twelve minutes, you are guided toward awareness, softening, and presence. The intention is to provide a moment of stillness for dancers, parents, educators, and anyone navigating a full life. It can be used at any time, whether you need to unwind, reset, or return to yourself before moving into the rest of the day.

Thank you for being part of this community. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, restorative holiday period in whatever way you celebrate.

I hope this practice offers ease and renewal when you need it.

www.katehiston.com - Join the Newsletter for more info. Season three has come to a close, and I want to acknowledge what this season represented. The theme was paving a new way. Each conversation, each solo reflection, and each story contributed to a wider shift in how we understand training, leadership, and care within the dance world. This season also marked a personal transition for me. I began The Dance Real Podcast while living in Germany. I recorded episodes between teaching commitments, language study, parenting, and travel. The show travelled with me. As I prepare to return to Australia, the podcast continues to evolve into a home for honest dialogue, thoughtful examination, and community learning. Thank you for being part of this space. Whether you joined for one episode or for the full season, your presence shapes the direction of the work. The conversations held here are offered with the intention of strengthening the culture of dance through clarity, insight, and relational understanding. However you spend the coming weeks, I hope you find rest, connection, and time to ground yourself. The podcast will return with new episodes, new voices, and a continued commitment to meaningful dialogue in the year ahead. Season three is complete. I look forward to meeting you again in season four.