New Year’s Day hits different when you’re recording with a live studio audience, passing the mic around, and starting the year with a mix of laughs, honest reflection, and big goals. In this Building Better Developers special episode, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche kick off 2026 by sharing a “good thing / bad thing” recap from a recent Christmas party—then opening the floor to the team to talk about the New Year developer goals.
It’s casual, it’s real, and it’s a reminder that growth (personal and professional) usually starts with clarity.
Michael’s 2026 New Year developer goals: Payoff and Growth
When the conversation turns forward, Michael shares something that hits hard for anyone building a business—or rebuilding momentum.
He describes the last year (or two) as a heavy investment: retooling, branding, marketing, refining direction, and putting in the work that doesn’t immediately show results. Now, in 2026, he’s looking for payoff—not in a “get rich quick” way, but in the sense of seeing the fruits of consistent effort.
He also mentions narrowing focus for Develpreneur and wanting to see that a clearer direction translates into growth. There’s something powerful about that moment: when you stop trying to do everything, and start building depth in the things that matter.
If you spent 2025 laying groundwork, 2026 is your chance to ship with confidence. Foundations aren’t the finish line—but they make speed possible.
Rob’s 2026 New Year developer goals: Scale, Network, and Teach Again
Rob’s focus is straightforward: he wants to keep growing the business, but also move from “a couple projects went well” to scaling—bringing in more work and creating consistent momentum.
One of the practical strategies he calls out is getting out more: business conventions, tech conventions, and networking. Not just online—real-world conversations that create opportunities.
He also hints at something long-time listeners will appreciate: he wants to relaunch teaching episodes. That includes new “kitchen sink” style applications, plus content around AI and emerging technologies. It’s a return to hands-on learning—less theory, more building.
Team Voices on New Year developer goals: Milestones, Features, and New Seasons
Wes, a programmer at RRB Consulting, brings a personal win that feels like pure New Year energy: his car is getting paid off early in the year. That’s freedom. Breathing room. And honestly, a reminder that progress isn’t only measured in commits and deployments.
Professionally, Wes is excited about projects with features coming together in the first quarter—things moving from “in progress” to “in the client’s hands.”
Natalie shares that 2026 is a “new season of change” for her—wrapping up big chapters and getting ready to reinvest significant time back into RRB. Rob adds another layer: he’s planning to be a digital nomad in 2026 and launching a site to document the adventures and the tech behind them.
One Day at a Time (Yes, Even for Developers)
As the episode closes, there’s a simple challenge: don’t give up on your New Year’s resolutions on day one. Make it to day two. Day three. Day ten. Keep it small. Keep it moving.
And then: back to interviews, back to Building Better Foundations, and the ongoing push toward major milestones—like eventually hitting episode 1000.
Pick one small habit you can keep for 10 days. If you can do 10, you can do 30. If you can do 30, you can change your year.
Ready for 2026?
This episode isn’t about perfect plans—it’s about momentum, focus, and showing up. Whether you’re chasing payoff after a long build season, scaling your business, shipping features, or stepping into a new chapter… the message is the same:
Start. Today. Then do it again tomorrow.
Happy New Year—and we’ll see you in the next episode.
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