Turn Intention into Action in 2026
Words by Toni Bracken, Director from Park Personnel
As we head into the New Year, hopefully after a decent break with family and a chance to reconnect with what really matters (or, if you’re like me… cue an overwhelming, multitasking blur fuelled by caffeine and wine in equal measure), I wanted to talk about this New Year.
Not to advise on the latest diet.
Not to tell you about how many job opportunities we have (although…… we do #getintouch).
I want to talk about 2026 being the year of the BOLD MOVE - the one you’ve been quietly holding yourself back from.
I want to be your cheerleader for 2026 being the year you finally believe in yourself, trust your ability, and go for it.
As a recruiter for over 20 years, I consistently see my female candidates hold themselves back. I see them write themselves off when I present an opportunity. I see them reject roles because they don’t meet 100% of the criteria. I see hesitation around pushing for that (well-deserved) salary increase or stepping forward to lead that project.
And more often than not, the missing requirement isn’t skill, experience, or capability - it’s confidence.
For me personally, as someone whose glass is usually more than half full and who draws energy from going for it, the biggest hit to my confidence came when returning to work and navigating maternity breaks.
After time away in a fast-moving market, self-doubt creeps in. There’s the insecurity of leaving your business in others’ hands (however brilliant they are) and the challenge of letting go of control for something far more important (which is always family, by the way).
Do I still know enough? Can I still do this? Fear has a way of amplifying those voices. And when so much of your energy is rightly focused on caring for someone else, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself in the process.
It took time to rebuild that confidence, helped enormously by my best friends and my team. But that experience means I now recognise it clearly: when confidence is missing, it’s rarely about capability or experience. More often, it’s those quiet doubts that need to be challenged.
With recruitment there is strong, credible research showing that men and women often approach job applications differently, particularly when assessing how well they “fit” a role. While the commonly quoted line “men apply when they’re 60% qualified and women wait until they’re 100% qualified” is a simplification, numerous academic and large-scale studies do consistently show gender differences in application behaviour and self-selection.
So, this isn’t just what I see every day - it’s a measurable pattern.
Which brings me to the question I ask so many brilliant women:
What’s stopping you?
Action points: turn intention into action in 2026
If this resonates, here are a few practical ways to challenge the habit of holding back:
If it’s for job opportunities, then Apply Anyway. If you meet around 60/70% of the criteria and can learn the rest, you’re qualified. Job descriptions are wish lists, not tick-box exams. Take it from me!
Stop pre-rejecting yourself. Let whoever is in charge decide the no - don’t do it for them. And if you are not successful at least you have demonstrated to them or yourself that you want it!
Track evidence, not feelings. Keep a simple list of all your achievements, feedback, and results to counter self-doubt with facts.
Practice the ask. Whether it’s a salary increase, a promotion, delivery of a presentation or starting a new project - rehearse the conversation and anchor it in outcomes, not apologies.
Say yes before you feel ready. Confidence often follows action, not the other way around.
Get a second opinion. If you’re unsure about an opportunity, talk it through with someone who sees your strengths clearly (your friends/family, a mentor, recruiter, or trusted peer).
If 2026 is going to be your year, it won’t start with being ready.
It will start with being brave.
If you’re considering a new career opportunity this year, then Park are your people! Get in touch for a free consultation to discuss the employment market, your experience and find out what job opportunities are available. The Park team are incredibly approachable, professional and knowledgeable and they will support and guide you as you explore your career move.